Daniel Comboni
1831-1881 19th century Feast day: October 10
The gift of one's life for a people, to the point of stepping aside for it.
Who was Daniel Comboni?
An Italian missionary devoted to central Africa, he refused to see it as a land to conquer and forged a then-unheard-of principle: 'to save Africa through Africa,' by forming African Christians and leaders. Bishop of Central Africa, he faced illness, the slave trade and incomprehension. He died in Khartoum, worn out, at fifty.
In their own words
Africa or death.
To save Africa through Africa.
The happiest day of my life will be the day I can give my life for you.