On the morning of August 1st, the air around Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Morogoro, Tanzania, was buzzed with a joyful anticipation. As the sun rose, casting warm light on the church grounds, a deeply spiritual and colorful celebration was about to begin, one that would mark a significant milestone in the lives of fourteen men called to mission.
By Paulino Madeje *
Just as Jesus once sent out His twelve disciples, so too did twelve new missionaries take a decisive step in their journey of faith and service by making their temporary vows in the Institute of Consolata Missionaries. Alongside them, two others professed perpetual vows, committing themselves permanently to the missionary life. These young missionaries hailed from diverse regions: Tanzania-Madagascar, Kenya-Uganda, Congo DR, and Mozambique, a reminder of the IMC’s rich international character and deep roots across Africa.
The Eucharistic celebration began at 10:20 a.m., presided over by Fr. Rodrick Tumaini Minja, the Regional Superior for Tanzania-Madagascar. The church quickly filled with faithful from near and far, among them many Consolata Missionaries working across Tanzania. True to Tanzanian liturgical tradition, the Mass was lively and vibrant, animated by colorful dances, soulful singing, and symbolic gestures that gave depth to the occasion.
One particularly moving moment came during the offertory, when symbolic gifts were presented, each accompanied by explanations that linked them to the meaning of the missionary calling. At the end of the celebration, the newly professed were each handed two sacred items: the Book of the Constitutions, which will guide their life in the Institute, and the Consolata Crucifix, a symbol of their missionary identity and service to Christ and His people.
Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the wisdom of Saint Joseph Allamano, founder of the Consolata Missionaries, Fr. Rodrick Minja, laid a solid spiritual foundation for the path these young men were now embracing.
In his homily, the Superior compared the novices’ response to God’s call with that of the prophet Samuel, emphasizing that their journey of vocation must be gradual, shaped by formation and the guidance of their formators. He highlighted that religious profession is not merely a personal milestone, but a spiritual transformation, an imitation of Christ and a life led by the Holy Spirit.
Quoting Perfectae Caritatis, he reminded these young men and all faithful that religious life is a gift from God, meant for both the Church and the world. Through the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity, religious are incorporated into the Church’s mission and become living witnesses to the Gospel.
“The Church welcomes you as a precious gift and offering. Your vows are a response to the call of Christ, but also a service to the Church and to the world that needs witnesses of love, fidelity, and hope”, he emphasized, adding: “The Consolata Missionary Family is gaining new strength today; the Church is receiving new messengers of the Gospel; the world is gaining witnesses of hope”.
Drawing from Saint Joseph Allamano, Fr. Minja stressed that obedience is the foundation of missionary life, to be lived with joy and humility, following Christ’s example. He encouraged the newly professed to remain faithful in prayer, the sacraments, community life, and in service, especially to the poor and the marginalized.
The newly professed expressed gratitude to God and to all who supported them. It was a day of gratitude, commitment, and joy a living witness to the growth of the Consolata family and the ever-renewing call to proclaim the Gospel.
Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary Consolata, Patron and Mother of all missionaries, and through the intercession of Saint Joseph Allamano, may God grant them to always persevere in this vocation with fidelity and joy.
* Fr. Paulino Madeje, IMC, Tanzania. Africa Continent communication coordinator.
