Father Simon Mbala Mizingu, a Consolata missionary from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a formator at the Merrivale Theological Seminary in the Diocese of Durban, South Africa.
By Jaime C. Patias *
In this video from the series Formators and Formation, Father Simon, speaking in English, introduces his formative community, established in 2008. He reflects on the ongoing permanent formation course held in Rome last September and shares a message in light of the canonization of the Founder.
“Our community is made up of ten students from different countries. All of them are studying theology at the St. Joseph Theological Institute. Working with young people is a very positive experience. The students are also involved in various pastoral activities and engaged in manual work at the community level, as well as in the formation offered by the Institute,” explains Father Simon.
Regarding his participation in the formation course in Rome, Father Simon Mbala highlights, “It was a great and wonderful opportunity for all of us formators to have some time for ourselves, to rest, take care of ourselves, and then return to take care of our brothers who are in formation. In these times of post-modernity, to work with young people, it is essential to know them and understand their reality in order to help them in their vocational discernment.”
Reflecting on the grace-filled moment the Institute is still living through the canonization of the Founder, Father Simon says, “We are happy to celebrate this event with all the Christians of the world. Through the intercession of Blessed Allamano, a young man named Sorino was healed. We thank God for this gift, and we thank God for listening to the prayers of Joseph Allamano. We also thank God for our Mother Mary, asking for her intercession to live our mission ad gentes, to serve our brothers and sisters all over the world, and that we may remain always focused on serving God every day of our lives,” emphasizes Father Simon.
In the IMC Delegation of South Africa/eSwatini, 15 Consolata Fathers work alongside the Bishop of Manzini, Monsignor José Luis Ponce de León. The Consolata missionaries are present in the dioceses of Dundee, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Manzini (eSwatini).
* Father Jaime C. Patias, IMC, Communications Office, Rome
