Blessed Irene Stefani, Allamano’s spiritual daughter and a missionary from the very beginning, who embraced the charism of the Founder, Saint Joseph Allamano, in its purest and most concrete form.
Thus, Irene, faithful to her legacy, cultivated a deep and affectionate relationship with Mary Consolata, which she learned from her family.
The Consolata procession: a journey of faith -gestures to Consolata
Every year on 20th June, Turin celebrates the Feast of the Consolata. The date commemorates the miracle of the blind man of Briançon, who regained his sight in 1104 after rediscovering the icon of Mary. An important and evocative moment of the Feast is the evening procession through the city streets, which gathers large crowds around the statue of the Consolata. The solemnity of Mary Consolatrix, known as Consolata, co-patron saint of the city of Turin along with Saint John the Baptist, has taken on particular importance over the centuries, coinciding with significant events. This was the case in 1904, when, to commemorate the eighth centenary of the icon’s rediscovery, the statue of the Consolata was crowned with a new star-studded crown. On that occasion: “Archbishop Richelmy, St. Joseph Allamano, several cardinals, a representative of the royal family, and a crowd of faithful participated in the solemn Mass. The procession began with the ringing of the Sanctuary bells.” The Procession is a collective event that unites past and present, spirituality and urban civilization. A blend of faith, popular participation, and a sense of belonging. On June 20th, early in the morning, the icon of the Consolata, positioned above the main altar, a Baroque work by Filippo Juvarra, is removed and placed near the main entrance of the Sanctuary, to emphasize that it is the Madonna who welcomes not only the people of Turin, but also pilgrims arriving from various parts of Piedmont. A simple gesture, yet one that emphasizes Mary’s welcome and protection. Throughout the day, the Sanctuary hosts a series of Holy Masses interspersed with therecitation of the Holy Rosary. At 12:00, coinciding with the supplication to the Consolata, several bell towers in the area ring out to accompany the prayer, while in the evening, several bell towers located along the procession route ring out their bells to greet the statue of the Madonna as it passes. Around 9:00 PM, the procession, led by the Archbishop, departs from the Sanctuary and winds through the streets of the historic center, passing in front of the Town Hall, where the statue of the Consolata is awaited by a delegation from the Palazzo Civico executive branch, the City Council, and other city officials. Along the sidewalks, people await the silver statue of the Consolata, joining in prayer and singing, which the choir plays through speakers positioned along the route. The Confraternities with their banners, the Catholic volunteer associations, and the city’s men and women religious, followed by the faithful and a few curious tourists, accompany the statue of the Consolata on a journey steeped in symbolism and memory. And so, every year, on the evening of June 20th, the city streets become avenues of faith! by Sr. Maria Luisa Casiraghi, mc
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – ninth day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “Allamano’s devotion to the Most Holy Virgin is abundantly demonstrated by the work he carried out for the splendor of the Sanctuary of the Consolata, as well as by the great development he gave to her devotion in Turin, Piedmont, and with missions throughout the world. Every day he was seen reciting the Rosary, and I remember that when I accompanied him to St Ignatius, he continually had me recite the Holy Rosary with him along the way. Following her example, I too recited the Rosary every morning. She showed great joy when she saw that the celebrations in honor of the Madonna were grand and solemn, and animated by a large turnout of the faithful. It can be said that the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary… Consolata was the dominant motif of his entire life” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Cesare Scovero, domestic of the founder) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys LITANIES Mary, profoundly consoled, pray for us Mary, most docile to the Holy Spirit, pray for us Mary, poor among the poor, pray for us Mother of consolation, pray for us Mother of the missions, pray for us Mother of good help, pray for us Hope of the desperate, pray for us Refuge of the afflicted, pray for us Queen of peace, pray for us LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Consolata, Mary, my Mother and mother of us all, hear the cry of the poor… As for me, you know what is in my heart… give me your beloved Son… Consolata, sustain the Poor people, may the Good that you give and reveal to us possess us all. Mary, Mother Consolata, guide me, teach me, for you know everything about Him. Let me love Him as you want Him to be loved. Speak to me of Jesus so that my love may grow stronger. Amen. Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – eighth day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “After devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist, devotion to the Most Holy Virgin was the one he most deeply lived and taught. He spent long hours in the sanctuary’s choirs. He never left the house without first paying his respects to the Most Holy Virgin Consolata, just as he never returned home without passing through the main door of the sanctuary, to have the opportunity to greet the Holy Virgin. He kept an icon of the Consolata permanently on his table, so that he would have reason to turn to her frequently and pray fervently. On his initiative, the solemn novena was established in preparation for the feast of the Consolata. In all his family conversations, he always included a word, a thought, an exhortation about the Madonna. We have proof of Allamano’s fervent devotion to the Madonna in the many graces he received following her blessing, which he often gave in the sacristy” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Canon Giuseppe Cappella) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS Let us repeat together: pray for us. 1. O Most Holy Virgin, Consolata, who in Heaven are Queen of the Angels and Saints, but here on earth you wish to be the Mother of consolations, to you I turn, oppressed by tribulations. 2. Virgin Consolata, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mother of the Church and of humanity, be the sole and perennial consolation of those who suffer and pray to you. 3. O Mary, Consolata, obtain for us strength on the journey of life, comfort in suffering, and the grace we ask of you with faith. 4. Blessed Virgin Mary Consolata, Consoler of the Afflicted, sustain us in trials and guide us to Christ, the source of true joy. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA My Mother, here before you I lay down everything… my life, my poverty and smallness, and the great dreams of belonging to your Son, my Lord Jesus… I lay down everything on your altar… do with me everything you see clearly… whatever you want… it is all yours… it is all on the altar… it belongs to you… Mary, my Mother… thank you. Amen. Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – seventh day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “Allamano was devoted to the Most Holy Virgin like a son. He was very pleased with the title someone had given him, ‘Secretary and Treasurer of the Mother Consolata.’ He spoke to us with indescribable, filial tenderness. He felt she was a Mother in every sense of the word. I remember how he told us he was amazed that one could tire of reciting the Hail Mary, thinking that one was greeting the Madonna. He then celebrated all the feasts of Our Lady with great devotion and particular fervor. He honored the Most Holy Virgin under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows, for he said that Our Lady, before being Consoled, had been Our Lady of Sorrows. In his conferences, he often spoke to us of Our Lady, and we noticed that when he spoke of Our Lady, he was deeply moved, so great was the enthusiasm and affection his heart nourished for the Holy Virgin” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Sister Maria degli Angeli Vassallo MC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R. O Lord, through Mary our Mother, hear us. 1. For government leaders and those responsible for nations: That, guided by the Holy Spirit, they may always seek paths of dialogue and justice, placing the good of the weakest and the dignity of every person at the center. Let us pray. 2. For young people and educators: That, following the example of Mary’s “yes,” the new generations may courageously respond to the Lord’s call and find in us credible witnesses of faith. Let us pray. 3. For those who live in doubt and anguish: That the light emanating from the face of the Virgin Consolata may dispel the darkness of despair and open hearts to trust in Providence. Let us pray. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Mary Consolata, caress of God… Make me a caress of God for those who approach me… Make me a place… a room… a space…: space to give oneself… space to love… space to manifest my love… Space for the joy of being saved… Help me to be a space for Him, for His manifestation of love… Amen Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – sixth day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “It is impossible to express the filial and ardent love that Allamano had for the Madonna. She used to say: “Never be afraid of loving Our Lady too much, or honoring her too much. If we are not devoted to Our Lady, we will never accomplish anything… How can we not feel the joy of Our Lady? We feel it for our earthly mother, and for our heavenly one?… She constantly urged us to say the Holy Rosary well and to meditate on the mysteries, and she would exclaim: ‘Is it possible that one could tire of saying the Hail Mary?’ It would be impossible to express the love she bore for the Consolata: she wanted us too to love her with a singular love, invoking her under this title. ‘The Institute takes the name of Maria Consolata,’ she would say, ‘and we should be proud of this title: she is your Foundress!’ She wanted us to take Our Lady as our model. ‘Seeing you,’ she would say, ‘one should be able to say: Behold the Madonna!’” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of St. Chiara Strapazzon MC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R.: Mary, Consoler and our Mother, intercede for us. 1. For families: That Mary, who experienced the toil and joy of the home of Nazareth, may protect homes, nourish love between spouses, and support parents in their task of raising children. Let us pray. 2. For volunteers and charitable workers: That their service may not only be material assistance, but become a “caress of God” for those in need of comfort and dignity. Let us pray. 3. For our deceased: That, purified by the Father’s love, they may be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven and forever enjoy the vision of the faces of Mary and Jesus. Let us pray. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Let us say together: Listen to us Mother of Jesus, Mother of Peace, Mother of the Church, Mystical Rose Mother of Consolation House of Bread, Mother of the total gift received and given, Mother of the total gift that Welcome, Mother of Mercy, Most Gentle Mother, Eucharistic Fragrance, Ever-Burning Lamp, Warming Fire, Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – fifth day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “The Servant of God’s devotion to Our Lady was touching; a tender, filial devotion, a longing of the heart. Speaking of Our Lady was a transformation. It was clear that he was imbued with love for Our Lady, whom he called by the sweetest, most beautiful titles. He wanted us to love Our Lady deeply. He said, ‘You can never love Our Lady enough.’ He loved to call himself the guardian, the treasurer of Our Lady, and he also wanted to be her darling. How much he did to rekindle the love and devotion of the Madonna in the people of Turin. He spared no expense in embellishing her sanctuary, confident that, even with a miracle, if necessary, he would be able to pay for it. He repeated: “We can never do too much for the Madonna” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Sister Margherita Demaria MC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R.: hear us, O Lord. 1. For the universal Church: That, looking to Mary as a model of listening and service, she may bring the comfort of the Gospel to every periphery of the world and be a sign of hope for those who are lost. Let us pray. 2. For the Consolata Missionaries: That the example of Saint Joseph Allamano may continue to inspire their preaching, supporting them in their labors and making them instruments of consolation and peace among peoples. Let us pray. 3. For the suffering and the afflicted: For those experiencing the trials of illness, loneliness, or bereavement. May Mary, Consolata Virgin, visit their hearts and give them the strength to feel God’s caring presence. Let us pray. 4. For peace in the world: Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, may conflicts cease, the walls of hatred fall, and humanity may walk united toward true and lasting justice. Let us pray. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA (In the Consolata Shrine) Mary… my most tender Mother, Consolata is here where everything began… it is here, looking at your gentle face as a most tender Mother, that the Founder thought of us, conceived of us. Shrine, foundation, we… me. My Mother, I am here before you, laying down everything… my life, my poverty and smallness, and my great dreams of belonging to your Son, my Lord Jesus… Amen. Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – fourth day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA Allamano recited a third of the Rosary every day; Saturdays were dedicated to Our Lady. He had resolved to meditate on the virtues of the Blessed Virgin throughout the month of May. He spoke of Our Lady very often and on every occasion, and sought to instill a love for her in us missionaries. Every feast of Our Lady was an opportunity to speak of her and exhort us to be devoted to her and to imitate her virtues. He established the Office of the Blessed Virgin Consolata as the Institute’s own prayer, to be recited daily by those who were not required to read the breviary. In the month of May, he himself began it with a short sermon, after which extracted the little flowers: and he too took his own. (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Fr. Giuseppe Gallea, IMC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R.: Hear, Father, our prayer. 1. That the feast of the Consolata, our Mother and Patroness, may renew in us the desire for holiness. Let us pray. 2. That we may learn from Mary to meditate on the Word in the secret of our hearts. Let us pray. 3. That our community may be a true “house of consolation” for all. Let us pray. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Most tender Mother, faithful Mother, Consolata to console, Eucharistic Flavor… I belong to Him… I want to be space for You, my Lord. You are my space and I am Yours… a space of welcome, a space for my brothers and sisters (Everyone who approaches…students, sisters) Because I am Your Body…Your Blood – mutual gift…of love… A gift forever, Mary in you, in your son, You are my space…be in me with your son because only You can make room for him and for my brothers and sisters…Mother, be in me, consoled Mother, make me consoled…to console… Amen Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – third day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “Allamano undoubtedly professed a deep and tender devotion to Our Lady. He strongly urged all members of the Institute: fathers, clerics, and coadjutors, to visit the Shrine of the Consolata every Saturday, to join the good people of Turin, who make a devout pilgrimage on that day. He was accustomed to reciting the Holy Rosary, and was so punctual in this practice, that he said, he had used the same rosary for thirty-five years. He made it a rule for the missionaries to recite a third of the Holy Rosary daily, and for us coadjutors he imposed the daily recitation of the entire Marian Rosary. He also ordered that the natives could participate in the recitation of the Rosary every evening in the mission church” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of the so-called Benedetto Falda IMC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R.: Hear us, Mary 1. O Mary, Virgin Consolata, you who are the consolation of the suffering, accept our prayer and grant us peace. 2. Consoler of the afflicted, pray for us who turn to you in our needs. 3. Most tender, attentive and caring Mother, sustain us on the journey of life. 4. Holy Virgin, who gave Jesus, true consolation, to the world, obtain for us strength in tribulation. 5. Hope of those who despair, in your Immaculate Heart we place all our trust. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Consolata, You can strengthen me, you can make me faithful. I want to follow you, my Lord, but I take Mary, your mother, Spouse in the Spirit, who is pervaded by the Spirit and made fruitful in Him, made your Mother and ours by the Father. The Son delivers you to us… Deliver the Mother pervaded by the Holy Spirit to us, therefore the Holy Spirit and the mother are ours… given by You. Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF
Novena to Our Lady Consolata – second day
Pray for us, Virgin Consolata.Intercede for your people. Let us pray: O God, who through Mary wished to give your people true consolation, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who honour her under the title of Consolata, may collaborate with her in the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. JOSEPH ALLAMANO AND HIS LOVE FOR CONSOLATA “After devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Allamano’s primary and most heartfelt devotion was that of Our Lady, under the title of Consolata, to whom, it can be said, he had consecrated himself and everything he had. He wanted his missionaries to be true sons and daughters of the Consolata. He also wanted the image of the Consolata to be displayed in all the rooms of the Houses, including the workshops and courtyards. About the novena, he used to say: “This is your novena and your feast, urging you to celebrate it with great fervor. He also ordered that the missionaries residing in Turin, to be going to the Shrine every Saturday to visit the Consolata” (Positio super Virtutibus, 1986. Testimony of Fr. Tommaso Gays IMC) Let us pray 10 Hail Marys INVOCATIONS R.: Mary, Mother of the Missions, intercede for us. 1. For all humanity: That Our Lady Consolata, who brought the Savior to the world, may obtain for the people of the Earth the gift of universal brotherhood and the end of all oppression and violence. Let us pray. 2. For the mission ad gentes: That the missionaries who proclaim the Gospel in the most distant and difficult places may feel the maternal protection of Mary and be for all a sign of God’s closeness and comfort. Let us pray. 3. For the care of Creation: That the entire world may recognize the Earth as precious gift, and, guided by Mary’s love for life, we may learn to protect nature and distribute resources justly for the good of all. Let us pray. 4. For missionary vocations: That many young people, fascinated by the joy of serving the Gospel, may have the courage to leave everything in order to take God’s Consolation to the ends of the earth. Let us pray.5. For humanity suffering from war, that Mary, Queen of Peace, may touch the hearts of the powerful and bring comfort to the victims of conflict. Let us pray. LET US PRAY WITH THE WORDS OF BLESSED LEONELLA Mary Consolata, Fragrance of the Eucharist… Mary… The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, will pervade you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you… Mary, forever possessed by the Holy Spirit, cell by cell, make us Eucharist with you … Body of Christ… for humanity. Amen Holy Virgin Consolata, pray for us. DOWNLOAD PDF