Just over a year after the celebration of the canonisation of Saint Joseph Allamano, the Consolata missionaries in Ethiopia celebrated the centenary of his death on January 29, 2026.
By Marco Marini *
This date was chosen because January 29, besides being the anniversary of the foundation of the Institute, is also the feast day of the parish-shrine of Modjo. It was precisely in this parish and spiritual centre that the celebration took place.
Several Bishops and Priests from various Vicariates took part, and Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, CM, presided over the celebration, which was held according to the Ethiopian Ge’ez rite. Christians from the parish and neighbouring parishes participated, along with many religious sisters from various congregations.
It was a moment of joy and gratitude to God for the life and works of Saint Joseph Allamano. During the celebration, the Consolata missionary sisters presented the life and works of Allamano, adding some details about the final days of his life.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, a procession was organised through the streets of the town along the boundaries of the parish. The women of the community carried the image of Our Lady Consolata, while the Cardinal and other priests, taking turns, carried the Blessed Sacrament in procession. Along the way, groups of young people and women sang and danced, as is customary on such occasions. The procession paused in front of the house of the Sisters of Maria Bambina, where prayers were offered before the image of the Madonna. Upon returning to the church, all those present were blessed with the Blessed Sacrament.
As is customary at these celebrations, the gathering moved from the altar to the table, where the Christians of the parish offered everyone traditional Ethiopian food typical of such occasions.
Ethiopia, and Allamano’s admiration for the life and mission of Cardinal Guglielmo Massaia in this land, were important elements that contributed to the founding of the two Consolata missionary Institutes. The prayer is that our Holy Founder may continue to bless these Institutes and this Ethiopian land, troubled by ethnic divisions, insecurity, and poverty.
* Father Marco Marini, IMC, Consolata missionary in Ethiopia.
