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Musical performers from the San Gabriel Valley will be showcasing
their talents to benefit missions in the northern areas of
Uganda.
The Comboni Missionaries Musical Variety Show takes place
May 15, 7:30 p.m. at St. Christopher Church in West Covina
and will feature voice talent including tenor Father Joseph
Brennan, pastor from St. Linus Church in Norwalk, tenor Sal
Malaki from the Los Angeles Opera, soprano Anna Bettencourt
of St. Linus, Jessica Leyva from St. Lucy's Priory High School
in Glendora, and the St. Albert Gospel Choir. Tickets are
$10.
The fundraiser is one of the biggest for the missionaries
and this year, special attention is paid to the work that
is being done in Northern Uganda. "There are about 4,000 of
us scattered in 41 countries, but our greatest work is done
in the 16 countries of Africa," says Comboni Father Angelo
Biancalana who spent 14 years serving in Africa.
Describing scenes of violence and abduction as well as the
devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has left as many
as 1.5 million children orphans, Father Biancalana says that
the Comboni priests as well as the Comboni sisters "remain
in the area despite risk and danger. It is important that
we are in solidarity with the people there who are truly frightened
every day of their lives."
 The
missions have become safe houses for many of the natives,
giving them a place to sleep at night away from the insecurity
and uncertainty of their daily lives. "They come to the missions
for protection," says Father Biancalana. But those opened
doors can mean danger for the missionaries ---in the last
3 years, two priests have lost their lives in the area.
"We ask for prayers as well as financial support," says
Father Biancalana, who adds that the programs stressed most
are the ones that involve the children --- food, shelter and
schooling. The situation can feel overwhelming at times, admits
Father Biancalana, but "there are many people of goodwill
that are helping. The people there are most grateful."
For more information about the Comboni Missionaries Musical
Variety Show, call (626) 339-1914.
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