On June 26, the Consolata Shrine in Iringa hosted a breathtaking Eucharistic celebration that left attendees in absolute awe. Many in attendance remarked that they had never witnessed a more profound liturgy in their entire lives. This sacred event held double spiritual significance. The Region of Tanzania and Madagascar celebrated the Feast of Our Lady Consolata while simultaneously honoring the centenary of Saint Joseph Allamano.
By Charles Orero*
The atmosphere was so deeply spiritual that it blurred the lines between the physical and the divine. Participants found it difficult to tell whether they were still on earth or already experiencing the joys of heaven. If they were still on earth, it felt as though heaven had descended directly into the shrine. If the celebration offered a true glimpse of paradise, it proved that heaven is indeed a magnificent place to be.
The celebration began with the attendance of four distinguished bishops: Bishop Romanus Mihali of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa, Bishop Eusebius Kyando of the Catholic Diocese of Njombe, Archbishops Damian Denis Dallu and Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga of the Archdioceses of Songea and Mbeya respectively.
Their presence demonstrated that these celebrations belonged to the entire Church particularly the Church in Tanzania, rather than just the Consolata Missionaries. This is especially true since Our Lady of Consolata is the mother of the Church, and Saint Joseph Allamano is a saint for the universal Church.
The liturgical readings during these celebrations spoke to the very core of the IMC missionaries’ hearts, offering a true picture of what our Institute represents to the world today.
The first reading, taken from the Book of Zephaniah 3:14–18, invited the unnamed daughter of Zion to sing aloud, rejoice, and exult because the Lord had taken away the judgment against her. This invitation implies that this same daughter was previously weeping bitterly under the weight of divine judgment.
Through a spiritual interpretation, the daughter of Zion who is called to rejoice represents everyone served by the mission of the IMC missionaries.
They have every reason to rejoice, sing aloud, and exult because the presence of IMC missionaries in their midst signifies the presence of the Lord. They have every reason to rejoice because the Sons of Allamano have brought them the Lord’s consolation, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
They have every reason to rejoice because they will no longer be abandoned to illness; the Sons of Allamano will provide them with both spiritual and physical healthcare facilities. They have every reason to rejoice because they will no longer suffer from ignorance, as the Sons of Allamano actively promote education among them.
They have every reason to rejoice because the Sons of Allamano have brought them a message of profound comfort. They have every reason to rejoice because the Sons of Allamano will cultivate and promote vocations among them.
They have every reason to rejoice because the Sons of Allamano will foster interreligious dialogue, ensuring peaceful coexistence with other faiths.
Finally, they have every reason to rejoice because the relic of Saint Joseph Allamano has been brought among them, a powerful sign that they are under his direct protection and prayers.
All of this showcases the unique identity of our IMC Institute.
From the perspective of this reading, we can say that our Institute acts as a modern-day Prophet Zephaniah to the contemporary world.
We live in a world wrapped in gloom and sadness, torn apart by wars, and held firmly in the grip of disease. It is a world broken by hatred, subjugated by modern idols, ruined by corruption, and plagued by the abuse of women and children.
Our IMC Institute, mirroring the Prophet Zephaniah, must assure this world that the Lord has not abandoned it. This is precisely what defines the prophetic foundation of the IMC Institute.
The speeches of the attending bishops were characterized by genuine praise for the IMC Institute.
The Bishop of Njombe, Eusebio Kyando, publicly declared that he considers himself a son of the IMC and deeply identifies with the institute. He shared that during his childhood, the only two photographs he knew well were the icon of Our Lady Consolata and the portrait of Blessed Joseph Allamano.
According to him, these photos were distributed by the early Italian IMC missionaries.
Above all, he highlighted that when some of them decided to join the priesthood, the Consolata Fathers running their parishes never forced them to enter the IMC seminaries. Instead, the missionaries selflessly helped them join diocesan seminaries to align with their true interests.
He further noted that the IMC missionaries evangelized more than half of the Njombe Diocese. Consequently, Bishop Eusebio publicly requested the sons of Allamano to expand their presence in his diocese.
Confreres, what can stop us from being proud of belonging to such a magnificent institute? What can stop us from loving it, giving our absolute best to it, and identifying with it?
We are truly proud to be members of this great Institute, a family defined by charity.
It was a beautiful moment when Padre Rodrick Minja, the Regional Superior called us to our feet and presented us to the congregation as signs of consolation, echoing the inspiring words from Bishop Romus Miale’s homily.
Fr. Charles Orero, IMC working in Tanzania.