On 20 October 2024, the day of the Canonization of St Joseph Allamano in Rome, Richard Kitambane and Franklin Mwango, two parishioners of the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, Kenya, set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (5,895 Meters). They got to the top of the mountain the following day, 21 October, carrying a flag with the image of St Joseph Allamano.
By Michelangelo Piovano
The two parishioners met with the members of the General Council of the Consolata Missionaries in Nairobi on 27 November and recounted their experience and handed over the flag they carried to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and some pictures taken at the peak of the mountain during their excursion.
Below are the words in their letter as they handed over the flag to Fr James Lengarin, the General Superior on behalf of the other members of the General Council.
Esteemed members of the Consolata General Council,
It is with great honor and pride that I stand before you today to hand over the flag of St. Joseph Allamano. This flag, which we have raised at the highest point of Africa, Uhuru Peak, symbolizes our shared commitment to the values and mission of our founder, St. Joseph Allamano.
As we unfurl this flag, we are reminded of the heights we can reach when we work together in faith and dedication. It serves as a beacon of hope, unity, and perseverance, reflecting our aspiration to carry forth the legacy of the Consolata missionaries in our continued journey.
May this flag inspire all of you to remain steadfast in your mission, guiding others with compassion, service, and love. As you take this flag into your care, may it fly high, not just as a symbol of our past, but as a source of motivation for the future. Thank you.
Richard Katambane and Franklin Mwango. Nairobi, 27 November 2024
