The Spirituality Cente of Bethany House in Sagana, Kenya, from September 8 to October 8, 2025, is hosting a program of ongoing formation for a group of young Consolata missionaries with 10 or more years of priestly ordination. The missionaries taking part in the course work in the various IMC Regions across the African continent.
By Jean Tuluba *
The group is made up of Fathers Alex Mwake Kiamba (Kenya-Uganda Region), Raphael Ndirangu Njoroge, John Baptist Odunga Ominde, and Duwange Wema Meta William (Ivory Coast Delegation), Mathias Pascal Chipoli, David Oginga Onyango, Jean Tuluba, and Danstan Balayangaki Mushobolozi (Tanzania-Madagascar Region).
The opening Mass, celebrated on Monday, September 8 – the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – was presided over by Father Erasto Mgalama, General Councilor for Africa and facilitator of the course.
“As sons of the Consolata, it was a happy coincidence to begin this important moment of renewal in the company of Mary, to help us continue to embrace God’s plan of consolation for humanity and to reaffirm our generous ‘yes’ to God, who calls us to be instruments of His consolation among the nations,” Father Erasto emphasized during the celebration. “May the Our Lady Consolata, our Mother, and Blessed Joseph Allamano, our beloved Founder, guide our steps along the paths of the ad gentes mission,” the General Councilor wished the participants.
During the general introduction to the course, the importance of “renewing ourselves, resting, meditating on our vocation and mission, and planning for the future” was highlighted. It is important to deepen our knowledge since we are more accustomed to giving than to receiving. The course is also a time of fraternity, of sharing the diverse experiences lived in our missions, and more.
The various topics for reflection within the program of vocational and missionary renewal were also presented.
Many young missionaries were invited to take part in this formation, though some could not come for various reasons. There are many expectations surrounding this journey of formation.
For this reason, during this time, the group asks for prayers and promises to pray for all our missionaries and our missions. May this time of formation be rich in graces and of great benefit.
* Father Jean Tuluba, IMC, missionary in Madagascar
