Ben Nyongesa and Gerald Ngula (from Kenya), Garuma Barkhesa (from Ethiopia), Henry Anyine (from Uganda) and Prosper Lupeke (from Tanzania) professed their perpetual vows in São Paulo, Brazil.
On May 4, 2025, five professed students of the Consolata Missionary Institute gave their definitive “yes” to God, professing their perpetual vows in a celebration presided over by Father Juan Pablo de los Rios Ramirez, IMC, General Councilor for America.
The celebration took place at the parish of Saint Mark Evangelist, located in the northern part of the city of São Paulo. The celebration was attended by the Regional Superior of IMC Brazil, Father Paulo Mzé, the parish priest, Father Aquileo Fiorentini, the vicar, Father João Monteiro da Felícia, the formator of the International Theological Seminary João Batista Bísio, Father Maurício Guevara, as well as other Consolata missionaries.
Garuma Barkhessa, from Ethiopia, Gerald Ngula and Ben Nyongesa, both from Kenya, Henry Anyine from Uganda and Prosper Lupeke, from Tanzania, joyfully professed their desire to follow God by becoming religious Consolata missionaries, accepting the call of the Lord and following the charism left by Saint Joseph Allamano, the mission ad gentes, that is, beyond the borders.
The professed remembered with gratitude their parents, godfathers and godmothers who made silent sacrifices, fervent prayers and unconditional support, nourishing their faith and their vocation throughout this vocational and formative journey. They also thanked the their formators, their superiors and the great Consolata family for believing in them, always accompanying them in their discernment and forming their minds and hearts.
The profession of perpetual vows does not conclude the journey, but opens a new chapter in the life of each one of them. Saint Joseph Allamano, founder of the Consolata Missionaries, said: “When you take your vows, you must also think about the mission, express the desire for ardent zeal and the keen desire to collaborate in evangelization”.
The next step in the journey of the these professed will be the diaconate ordination. On Saturday, June 21, Gerald, Henry and Prosper will be ordained deacons in the parish of Our Lady Consolata, Jardim São Bento, in the north of São Paulo, by Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Archbishop of São Paulo. On Sunday, July 6, in the parish of Saint Margaret in Curitiba, Ben and Garuma will be ordained deacons by Mgr. José Antônio Peruzzo, Archbishop of the capital of the State of Paraná.
Let us pray that these professed missionaries be faithful to their vocation!
Originally published in: www.revistamissoes.org.br
