In response to the General Chapter’s proposal on ongoing formation for missionaries, The Consolata Institute has organized a course in Sagana, for missionaries ranging from 13-18 years of perpetual vows.
By George Omondi*
Gathering at Bethany House, Sagana, from different parts of Africa, we began a journey of renewal, fraternity and reflection, seeking to rediscover our initial call to leave everything for Christ and renew our missionary commitment. During the opening Mass on 18 August 2026, the General Councilor for Africa, Fr. Erasto Mgalama, reflected on Matthew 19:23–30, inviting us to identify with Peter’s question: “We have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” He reminded us that discipleship is a lifelong journey of both internal and external sacrifice, continually renewed through a sincere encounter with Christ. Acknowledging the joys, sacrifices, wounds and questions that accompany missionary life, he encouraged us to remain anchored in Christ, trusting that “with God all things are possible” and remembering that the mission belongs to Him. He further described the renewal Programme as a moment of grace to appreciate the gift of one another, our IMC family and our biological families, in the light of Christ’s promise of a hundredfold to those who leave everything for His sake. The celebration, held on the feast of Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo of Madagascar, also became a special occasion to pray for our new mission in Nosy Be, Madagascar.
The first week of the renewal Programme focused on Human and Relational Maturity, strengthening the personal and emotional foundations of missionary life. The reflections explored stress management and burnout in priesthood, emphasizing resilience and the sustaining of joy in ministry; forgiveness as a path to healing, freedom and reconciliation; and emotions and anger management, highlighting the importance of responding to emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Reflection on loss and grief underscored the need to acknowledge life’s losses as an essential step towards healing and accompanying others with greater compassion. The week concluded with Managing Transition Successfully, affirming that embracing change with faith, emotional maturity and hope enables missionaries to remain faithful, adaptable and committed to their vocation.
Participants
- Fr. John Kapule
- Fr. George Muoki
- Fr. Daniel Kibuw’a
- Fr. Thomas Mutunga
- Fr. Emmanuel Bwanamudogo
- Fr. Vitalis Oyolo
- Fr. Toussaint Twite Mukota
- Fr. Alexander Likono
- Fr. James Gichane Mwangi
- Fr. Michael Miriti
- Fr. Matthew Kirema
- Fr. George Omondi Odhiambo
- Fr. Deogratias Mtika
- Br. Clarence Lukungu
- Fr. Evans Mochama
- Fr. Joseph Omondi Omollo
- Fr. John Kyana
We invite all our brothers to accompany us in prayer as we continue this journey of renewal, anchored in Christ and His mission.
* Padre George Omondi, IMC, missionary at Likoni in Kenya.