Two Sister Churches United Around the Testimony of Missionary Life
The delegation of the Consolata Missionaries in Ivory Coast experienced moments of great spiritual intensity from May 22 to 24, during the celebrations in memory of Father Matteo Pettinari.
By Ariel Tosoni *
The event took on a very special meaning thanks to the warm welcome at the chapel of Kanawolo, located in the Diocese of Katiola (the place where Father Matteo died), which brought together the faithful around the memory and inspiring testimony of Father Matteo.
Solemn Mass and Fraternal Welcome in Kanawolo
From the morning of Thursday, May 22, the small town of Kanawolo was animated by unusual fervor. The chapel, built in front of the road connecting Korhogo and Niakara, welcomed delegations from the Diocese of Odienné, especially the Christian faithful from the parish of Saint Paul of Dianra Préfecture, Saint Joseph Mukasa of Dianra Village, as well as family members and friends of Father Matteo who came from Italy, and many Christians from the parish of Holy Family of Niakara.
The event was marked by the presence of the Vicar General of the Diocese of Odienné, Father Clovis Kouassi Prao, who presided over the solemn celebration alongside the clergy of the Holy Family parish of Niakara and the Consolata Missionaries. The songs, led by the choir uniting the two communities, resounded powerfully, symbolising unity and fraternity between the local churches of Katiola and Odienné.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the Kanawolo community offered an exceptional welcome to all participants. A fraternal sharing, rich in local dishes and warm exchanges, allowed everyone to forge new bonds of friendship.
Torchlight Pilgrimage and Contemplation
On Friday, May 23, a night pilgrimage brought together the faithful along the streets of Dianra Village, illuminated by torchlight. In the darkness, prayers, songs, and the recitation of the rosary accompanied the walk to the parish church of Saint Joseph Mukasa. Upon arrival, the pilgrims gathered in front of Father Matteo’s tomb. This moment of silence and prayer allowed everyone to reflect on the total self-giving that characterised the life of this missionary, and to entrust to God the fruits of his testimony.
Thanksgiving Mass and Renewed Commitment
On Saturday, May 24, the celebration of the Eucharist in memory of Father Matteo brought together the parish communities of Dianra Préfecture and Dianra Village, in joy and gratitude. The tributes paid highlighted Father Matteo’s role as a builder of bridges between peoples and churches, inviting everyone to continue his work of consolation, solidarity, and evangelisation. His example continues to inspire and to call for unity, fraternity, and humble service of the Gospel.
* Father Ariel Tosoni, IMC, Argentinian missionary in Ivory Coast.
