Participants at the training course in the Generalate in Rome Photo: Jaime C. Patias
In response to the mandate of the last General Chapter (2023), the Secretariat for Formation is promoting the first ongoing formation course in Rome from 5 to 31 May for a group of missionaries of Consolata who, in this six-year period, will celebrate 25 years of priestly ordination or perpetual profession. Two other similar courses are planned, one next September and the other in September 2027.
By Jaime C. Patias *
The venue is the General House with the participation of 16 missionaries (15 fathers and 1 brother) from Africa, America and Europe.
The members of the Secretariat for Formation are: the General Councilor, Father Mathews Odhiambo Owuor and Fathers Antonio Rovelli and Ernesto Viscardi who coordinate the work.
The opening Mass of the course, this Monday, May 5, was presided over by Father Mathews Odhiambo who in his homily underlined the importance of formation throughout life.
A moment of prayer at the opening of the course
Taking a break
“Based on the firm belief of our Founder, Saint Joseph Allamano, of the need to focus on “quality rather than quantity,” the Consolata Missionary Institute (IMC) has always considered the formation of its candidates and members as an activity of the highest importance. In fact, the Second Vatican Council states that “the updating of institutes depends largely on the formation of their members” (Perfectae caritatis n.18),” the General Councilor recalled.
“Today, Basic Formation (BF) and Ongoing Formation (OF) are not understood as two different realities but interconnected and complementary as they complement each other, forming a harmonious and functional whole for the growth of the missionary throughout his life. Therefore, this Ongoing Formation course is a unique opportunity to take a break / pause from the daily rhythm of apostolic / pastoral and missionary life; and therefore it is: a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for you who are dedicating your life to the service of God and the Church. Consequently, an opportunity to reflect on the path undertaken, strengthen your faith and renew your commitment to live your vocation with joy and dedication”, emphasized Father Mathews.
The General Councillor, Father Mathews Odhiambo
There are two events that characterize this course: the Canonization of Saint G. Allamano (October 20, 2024) and the preparation for the Centenary of his death (February 16, 2026).
“Being the first group to do the refresher course after the Founder’s canonization is very significant. What does the Founder’s sanctification mean when you celebrate 25 years of priesthood or consecrated life?”, he asked and explained: “These two aspects have been constantly evoked, before, during and after his canonization, and could be useful for your discernment:
Holiness: “the primary purpose of the Institute is the sanctification of its members;” (CVV 2) and then the sanctification of the people of God. But “souls are saved with holiness (CVV 3) therefore, “first saints and then missionaries”.
The mission ad gentes: the fact that the Consolata missionary is consecrated to God “for the mission ad gentes for life, in fraternal communion…” (Const. 4)
“In the context of the preparation for the Centenary of the birth into heaven of Saint Giuseppe Allamano, the proclamation of his holiness urges us to commit ourselves to living even more according to his teachings, as relevant visible signs of consolation for today’s world”.
Course participants with the two cardinals (Marengo and Repole) and the Superior General
“Missionaries Pilgrims of Hope!”
The course takes place in the context of the Jubilee 2025 which invites us to be “Pilgrims of Hope!”
Father Mathews Odhiambo recalled that the papal bull of indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025, Spes non confundit, “articulates the necessary indications for the celebration of the Jubilee, in which various points are highlighted, among which: a word of hope; a path of hope; signs of hope; appeals to hope and anchored in hope. And therefore, the participants in the Jubilee 2025 must be true “Pilgrims of Hope!”
According to Father Matews, “the participants in this fotmation course (G 25) also become ‘Missionaries Pilgrims of Hope’ because you have come to relive your commitment to be holy Consolata missionaries, bearers of the word of hope to those in need, seekers of paths of hope, missionaries who are signs of hope in today’s world with the spirit of consolation”.
Remembering Father Martín Serna
Mathews concluded his reflection remembering the late Father Martin Serna, Novice Master in Manaus, who recently left us. “The father was supposed to join us in this G25 course. The Lord called him before coming to Rome. Let us pray to the Lord that he may grant his soul eternal rest in heaven,” he said.
“I wish you a time full of grace in this month of rebirth in the commitment and service of the Lord and his people entrusted to you.”
The final blessing was given by “our two” cardinals, Giorgio Marengo and Roberto Repole, in Rome for the Conclave. Also participating in the Eucharist were Father James Lengarin, IMC, and Mother Lucia Bartolomasi, MC.
The first working session, this Monday morning, was dedicated to the words of welcome and the presentation of the participants. Father Gabriel Casadei and Father Zé Martins, the bursar and superior of the General House, respectively, presented the organization of the house.
In the afternoon, Father Antonio Rovelli and Father Ernesto Viscardi, presented to the group the detailed program of the course, the methodology and the list of invited speakers for the different topics.
* Father Jaime C. Patias, IMC, Secretariat Office for Communication
Father Ernesto Viscardi presents the course programme
