The Consolata Missionaries working in Europe, gathered in their Regional Assembly on Tuesday, June 24, elected the new Regional Council that will guide the Institute and its mission in Europe for the 2025–2028 term.
By Albino Brás *
Father George Kibeu, 46 years old and previously the Vice Superior, was elected Regional Superior of the IMC in the European continent. He was born in Ndivisi, Kenya, on April 27, 1979. He studied philosophy in Kenya, completed his novitiate in Mozambique, and studied theology in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 16, 2010. Assigned to Europe, he has served in various roles in Spain and Italy. He succeeds Father Gianni Treglia, who served two terms as Regional Superior.
The New Regional Council Team
The 200 IMC members in Europe elected a new Regional Council consisting of the Superior and four Councillors. They are called to serve, in their respective roles and responsibilities, the mission of the Consolata Missionaries in the European Region. The elected members are:
Regional Superior: Father George Wakhungu Kibeu, Kenyan
1st Councillor and Vice Superior: Father Fabio Malesa, Italian
2nd Councillor: Father Piero Demaria, Italian
3rd Councillor: Father Agostinho Barbosa da Silva, Portuguese
4th Councillor: Father Eugenio Boatella Cumpián, Spanish
Fathers Kibeu (Regional Superior) and Piero Demaria (Councillor) were already part of the previous Regional Council, serving respectively as Vice Regional Superior and Regional Councillor. Fathers Fabio, Eugenio, and Agostinho are newly elected members of the Council.
The 1st Councillor, Father Fabio Malesa, will work closely with the Regional Superior as Vice Regional Superior.
The 2nd Councillor, Father Piero Demaria, represents Italy and Poland on the Council.
The 3rd Councillor, Father Agostinho, represents Portugal.
The 4th Councillor, Father Eugenio Boatella, represents Spain and Morocco.
The Regional Headquarters is located in the Mother House in Turin, built by the Founder, St. Joseph Allamano. It houses a sanctuary dedicated to him, as well as his tomb.
An Online Assembly for the Event
The Regional Assembly took place with the participation of about 200 missionaries from various locations chosen by the regional groups: Portugal, Spain/Morocco, Italy, and Poland. All IMC groups across Europe were connected via the Zoom application. In Portugal, all communities met in person at the Consolata Missionaries’ headquarters in Fatima. Those in Spain and Morocco gathered in Madrid, while those in Italy and Poland met in the Mother House in Turin, the Allamano Residence in Alpignano, in Bevera, Bedizzole, and Rome.
The Assembly was originally scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, June 25, but since the new Regional Council was elected on June 24, the full Europe-wide connection was no longer necessary. Therefore, on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, meetings continued only for internal matters of the various national IMC groups.
United in Prayer
May the Holy Spirit enlighten the newly elected Regional Council, and may St. Joseph Allamano and Our Lady Consolata assist them in discerning, guiding, and directing the paths of the Institute and its Mission.
* Father Albino Brás, IMC, missionary in Portugal.
