As Consolata family we still live in an atmosphere of celebration and joy for the canonization of St. Joseph Allamano. We therefore would like to share some testimonies on some characteristics of our Holy Founder, to listen to what he has to say to us today in our life and mission.
By Jaime C. Patias *
Holiness
“I have always been fascinated by the holiness of Saint Joseph Allamano, a holiness that was a goal in his life since his formation, and in all his apostolic and missionary work,” says Father Aquileo Fiorentini, Superior General from 2005 to 2011, now parish priest of Saint Mark parish in São Paulo, Brazil. “The holiness that he sought for himself, he also sought for all his sons and daughters, encouraging them to live the dimension of holiness in their personal, community and apostolic life.”
Paternity
“I would also like to underline the dimension of Allamano’s paternity. In my life, since I was young, when I entered the Institute, I have greatly admired this dimension of his paternity in his writings and conferences. I have experienced this paternity in my life and in my service to the Institute. When I met the missionaries, I saw that in their hearts they view Allamano as a father.”
Guide
Father Aquileo also recalls another characteristic of Allamano: “his ability to accompany, to be a teacher for the missionaries. So for me Allamano was a father, a teacher and a guide”.
Missionary dimension
“The last thing I would like to emphasize is the missionary dimension. Not being able personally to fulfill this dimension by going to mission countries far from Turin (Italy), he founded the Consolata missionaries. I feel privileged to be the son of this father who was also a missionary in the local Church sending missionaries all over the world”.
“To you who are listening – exhorts Father Aquileo – let us make sure that together we can always love in our holy Founder Joseph Allamano, this dimension of holiness; the dimension of paternity in meeting people; and the dimension of guidance as a methodology for living one’s own vocation with love and affection”.
* Video produced by the General Secretariat for Communication.
