30/12/2025
Dear CFL Family,
Our Community mourns the passing of one of the pillars of CFL — Bro. Nani Almanza. He was many things to many of us: a trail-blazer; a mentor, a friend, a benefactor, a model, a humorist, and most of all, a dedicated missionary in the truest sense of the word.
Together with the only love of her life (Sis. Bing), Bro. Nani was instrumental in bringing CFL to Africa and India. He was also part of the mission team that established the Community in Dublin Ireland, and in New Jersey and Connecticut. He would have joined many more missions if his health had not failed him. In fact, he had served the Lord even beyond the limits of his physical strength when he took on the job of being the first CFL Coordinator for North America despite his advance age.
From the very beginning, Bro. Nani knew that CFL would be his faith community. Almost as soon as CFL was born in September 2016, he and Sis. Bing joined CFL and actively invited people into the Community. Soon enough, CFL was in numerous States in America, mainly because this special couple had said “Yes Lord” to God’s call.
Let us honor the legacy of Bro. Nani by drawing inspiration from his examples of genuine humility, committed service, and love for the Lord. In his lifetime, he had walked in the footsteps of Him who called him. So must we.
Bro. Nani gave his everything for the greater glory of God: his time, talent, and treasure. What is amazing is
that he did it without fanfare or self-promotion. He did everything quietly that, oftentimes, nobody would notice. But God did and would, and this was what mattered to Bro. Nani.
This much I can say: If many of us in CFL could be just half of what Bro. Nani was, CFL would be a much better Community and God would be all the more pleased for it.
I will not say goodbye to Bro. Nani for he will continue to live in my memory of the missionary adventures we experienced together. His jokes will be remembered and shared as often as the opportunity presents itself.
Bro. Nani, enjoy the reward that God will give you for all your good deeds; delight in the hymns of joy that the choirs of Angels will sing as you enter the heavenly gate; and take your place in the heavenly banquet which the Lord has reserved for you.
To Sis. Bing and the grieving family: We extend our deepest condolences with a prayer for God to grant you strength and consolation during this difficulty time. Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, please intercede.