In his spiritual writings, Our Founder Saint Joseph Allamano, emphasizes the need of brothers not only in our Institute, but in all religious Institutes.
By Charles Orero *
To Allamano, the Brothers are indispensable in the missions, where, by working with the local people, they bear witness to the beauty and holiness of our religion, especially by exercising piety, charity and the other Christian virtues.
On May 1st the Chapel at Bethany House echoed with those above-mentioned Allamano’s sentiments as we gathered to celebrate the Eucharist on the Feast day of our Brothers working in the Kenya-Uganda Region.
In fact, everyone could feel an uplifting joy and family spirit as we gathered together to honor our brothers, to pray for them and with them, and to thank all of them for their presence in the Institute and their service in the work evangelization.
In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Father Erasto Mgalama reminded those present that the moto: “First Saints then missionaries’’ is very much present in Saint Joseph as it is present in our brothers as they live a silent but effective witness.
To Father Mgalama, as one could gather from his homily, that moto is rather an internal disposition rather than external one.
Father Mgalama paused for a moment and then asked a question: “What is the centre of our mission?’’ In response to this question, he stated that if the centre is only an action, then the mission risks becoming activism. On the contrary, if the Centre is Christ who forms Saints, then the mission becomes what is meant to be: ‘’a communion of life that overflows outward.’’ In this sense, Father Mgalama pointed out that the primary purpose of our Institute is: ‘’the Sanctification of its members.’’
Father Zachary Kariuki, the Regional Superior, in his speech, acknowledged the brothers’ dedication, spiritual maturity, and concrete apostolic work, while anchoring their efforts in the charism of the institute.
Speaking on behalf of the brothers, Brother Wamalwa stated that Our Founder, Saint Joseph Allamano, had a profound love for the brothers, and that it is this love that the brothers have experienced from the Region, particularly from Father Zachary Kariuki, whose presence and support has been noteworthy.
To brother Wamalwa, the celebration of today was indeed providential in that the presence of Father Mgalama and the Confreres doing their renewal course gave it a different spiritual tune and taste.
Among the brothers present were: Brother Waweru IMC, Brother Wilson IMC, Brother Gachoki IMC, Brother Clarence IMC, Brother Ndigu IMC and Brother Mark Waweru IMC.
Their presence gave the celebration a special spiritual quality of joyful glow, creating an unforgettable fraternity that highlighted the true spirit of our IMC Institute.
* Father Charles Orero, IMC, a Consolata missionary working in Tanzania.
