{"id":5475,"date":"2026-04-20T13:45:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T13:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/?p=5475"},"modified":"2026-04-20T13:45:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T13:45:44","slug":"renewal-formation-course-for-the-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/renewal-formation-course-for-the-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"RENEWAL FORMATION COURSE for the mission"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Group of young missionaries participating in the renewal formation course. Photos: Charles Orero. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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From 13th of April to 13th of May, the Consolata Missionaries have organized an ongoing formation for young priests in Sagana, Kenya. The aim of the course is to respond to the XIV General Chapter which asserts that, formation and care of the missionary is one of the two pillars that characterize the vision of the Acts of the Chapter. The following are some of the matters that were dealt with in the formation course during the first week.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

By Charles Orero*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the first week, ten different experts expounded ten points based on emotional formation in this ongoing formation. There are: Emotional Intelligence, Caring confrontation in counselling, Dealing with Loss, Bereavement and Mourning, Stress Management and Burnout in Priesthood, Anger management. Moreover, they are: Forgiveness, Conflict Management, Communication and Family origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As listed above, at its foundation was emotional intelligence, presented not simply as a skill but as a way of being. The confreres were led to appreciate that self-awareness is the gateway to maturity: the ability to recognize one\u2019s feelings, name them honestly, and understand their influence on thoughts and actions. From this awareness grows self-management, the discipline of responding rather than reacting, of choosing actions that align with one\u2019s values and vocation. Sr. Lucy Thuo, the presenter on the matter, also explored motivation, not as external pressure, but as an inner drive rooted in purpose. Social skills and empathy completed this picture, showing that understanding others\u2019 emotions is essential for building authentic and life-giving relationships. In this way, emotional intelligence became the thread connecting personal growth with effective pastoral ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flowing from this inner awareness was the practice of caring confrontation, a skill that requires both courage and compassion as presented by the same Sr. This group of young missionaries learned that avoiding difficult conversations often leads to deeper misunderstandings and hidden tensions. Yet confrontation must never wound; it must heal. This requires approaching others with accurate empathy; truly seeking to understand their inner experience, while gently inviting them to reflect on areas they may not yet see. When practiced well, caring confrontation transforms relationships. It shifts the focus from blame to growth, from defensiveness to openness, and from conflict to mutual respect. In a year where the Consolata Missionaries are called to reflect on community life, it becomes an indispensable tool for maintaining unity and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The team together with Fr. Erasto Mgalama (holding the phone), The General Continental Councillor for Africa and the moderator of the course. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The program then entered the deeply human reality of loss, broadening the missionaries\u2019 understanding beyond physical death to include any form of absence or deprivation. Sr. Lucy made them reflect on how loss often brings feelings of emptiness, confusion, and even injustice. Instead of suppressing these emotions, they were encouraged to engage them honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healing, they learned, is not found in avoidance but in processing pain; allowing oneself to grieve, to question, and eventually to accept. This acceptance does not erase the loss, but it redefines one\u2019s relationship to it, opening the possibility of growth, resilience, and renewed purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closely connected to this was the exploration of bereavement and mourning. The group came to see bereavement as a deeply personal, internal experience, while mourning gives that experience a communal and cultural expression. Based on this psychological approach, the nun pointed out on how grief unfolds in different ways and at different paces, recognizing that there is no single \u201ccorrect\u201d way to grieve. By understanding various models of grief and the role of cultural practices, they were better equipped to accompany others in their suffering. They also learned to identify complicated grief; when the natural process becomes prolonged or overwhelming, and how to respond with sensitivity and appropriate support. In this, they were being formed not only as individuals who can grieve well, but as ministers who can bring healing to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality of stress and burnout in priesthood brought the reflection into the practical demands of their vocation. Fr. Paul Muriuki, the expounder of this reflection reminded this group of young missionaries that their calling, while deeply meaningful, is also demanding and can expose them to emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion. The insight that \u201churt people hurt people, healed people heal people\u201d underscored the importance of self-care, not as selfishness, but as a responsibility. They explored concrete ways of maintaining balance: nurturing their spiritual lives through prayer and reflection, caring for their physical health, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking support when needed. By doing so, the missionaries can sustain their ministry with authenticity and avoid the gradual erosion of zeal that burnout brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Anger management added another layer to their emotional formation. According to Fr. Muriuki, rather than viewing anger as something to eliminate, he suggested to them to see it as a natural and even necessary emotion; one that signals that something important is at stake. The challenge lies in how it is expressed. Unchecked anger can damage relationships and distort judgment, but when understood and guided, it can become a force for clarity and constructive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forgiveness, was presented by Fr. Stephen Kinuthia, as a profound and often difficult path, touching the deepest wounds of human experience. The missionaries reflected on how resentment can quietly shape one\u2019s life, creating barriers to peace and freedom. Forgiveness, they learned, is not about denying the wrong or excusing harmful behaviour, but about choosing to release the hold that pain has on the heart. It is a process that may take time and requires grace, humility, and intentional effort. By embracing forgiveness, they open themselves to healing and reconciliation, becoming more capable of guiding others along the same path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflict management brought together many of these themes, emphasizing that conflict is not an exception but a normal part of human relationships; even within religious communities. Fr. Kinuthia bolded on the urgence and necessity of shifting the perspective: instead of seeing conflict as something to fear or avoid, they could approach it as an opportunity for growth. Through respectful dialogue, active listening, and fairness, conflicts can lead to deeper understanding and stronger unity. However, an awareness was made on the consequences of poorly managed conflict: misunderstanding, division, and weakened community life. This awareness highlighted the importance of intentional and skilful engagement in moments of disagreement.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bishop Emeritus of Catholic Diocese of Isiolo, Anthony Ireri Mukobo IMC, who visited the group. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The focus on communication, particularly in preaching, connected the missionaries\u2019 personal formation to their pastoral mission. They were reminded by Mr. Daniel Kado, that a homily is not merely an intellectual exercise but a living encounter that bridges Scripture and daily life. To preach effectively, they must know their audience; their struggles, hopes, and context, especially in a world increasingly shaped by digital culture. The confreres were encouraged to use modern tools responsibly while maintaining authenticity and fidelity to the Church\u2019s teaching. Ultimately, preaching was presented as an act of connection: making the Word of God alive and relevant so that it touches hearts and inspires transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the reflection on family origin invited the confreres to look at the roots of their own lives. As demonstrated by Sr. Mary Kagwi, they explored how family dynamics, roles, and experiences shape identity, influence behaviour, and affect relationships. By becoming aware of these influences, they gain the freedom to affirm what is good and to address what may be limiting or harmful. This awareness enables them to grow beyond inherited patterns, build healthier relationships, and live more intentionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taken as a whole, the program of the first week, under the moderation of Fr. Erasto Mgalama, The General Continental Councillor, was not simply a series of topics, but an integrated journey toward wholeness. It called the confreres to deeper self-knowledge, emotional maturity, and relational wisdom. At the same time, it prepared them for their mission; equipping them to accompany others with empathy, to foster unity in community, and to serve with resilience and compassion. In this way, their personal growth becomes inseparable from their pastoral effectiveness, shaping them into ministers who not only teach and lead, but also heal and inspire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Fr. Charles Orero, IMC is a Consolata Missionary working in Tanzania.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From 13th of April to 13th of May, the Consolata Missionaries have organized an ongoing formation for young priests in Sagana, Kenya. The aim of the course is to respond to the XIV General Chapter which asserts that, formation and care of the missionary is one of the two pillars that characterize the vision of the Acts of the Chapter. The following are some of the matters that were dealt with in the formation course during the first week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5476,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,5,153,7,410,16,19,24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5475","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-africa","category-articles","category-consolata-missionaries","category-featured-articles","category-kenya","category-spirituality","category-training","category-vocational"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5475","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5475"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5475\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5482,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5475\/revisions\/5482"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5475"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consolataafrica.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}