An initiative proposed by the Missionary Animation Center (CAM) and Consolata Friends of San Pedro, Ivory Coast.
By Ariel Tosoni *
The “24 hours with Allamano” activity involves numerous families close to the Missionary Animation Center in San Pedro. On the occasion of the celebration of the missionary month of October, the statuette of Blessed Joseph Allamano, and his relic, is brought in each house, visiting their homes. This initiative represents not only an act of gratitude but also an opportunity to reflect on spiritual life, the importance of prayer, and the missionary commitment of families.
This initiative has been conceived as an immediate preparation for the upcoming canonization of Blessed Joseph Allamano, scheduled for October 20, 2024, in Rome. The choice to dedicate 24 hours to prayer and reflection in families is a way to intensely live this period of waiting and preparation, strengthening the bond with Blessed Joseph Allamano, father and missionary animator.
The canonization of Blessed Joseph Allamano is eagerly awaited by the Consolata Friends of San Pedro, a group formed in 2015, who see in this gesture of bringing the statuette of the Blessed into their homes, an opportunity to deepen their faith and renew their missionary commitment inspired by his example.
Through the prayer of the missionary rosary and sharing experiences, the participants feel part of a broader journey that will culminate in the official celebration of the canonization in Rome. This preparation has not only a spiritual significance but also a communitarian one, as it unites families in a moment of reflection on the message that Allamano left as a legacy: “First saints, then missionaries.”
During these family visits, each family has the opportunity to write in a notebook their own prayer experiences. This, has allowed the sharing of thoughts and feelings, creating a deeper bond among the members of the Consolata family in San Pedro. Writing down and sharing those experiences offers a space to express gratitude and hope, making tangible the spiritual presence of the Founder among them. Stories of hope, difficulties overcome, and moments of joy, highlight how Allamano’s presence has profoundly touched their lives.
* Father Ariel Tosoni, IMC, is an Argentinian missionary in the Ivory Coast.
