“ A life that cannot be confined to the past” were the opening remarks of the homily given by His Excellency Archbishop Hurbetus Maria Van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya during the centenary celebrations of birth into Heaven of St Joseph Allamano.
The celebrations took place on 28th February at Consolata Shrine Westlands, where the Consolata fraternity; Fathers, Brothers, Sistelrs, Lay Missionaries and Christians from different parishes, touched by the life of Saint Joseph Allamano, came to witness the simplicity, humility, faith and the Missionary zeal of a Man whose spirit a hundred years later continue to remain active and alive.
“A hundred years ago Joseph Allamano died, leaving behind a testimony of life rooted in Love for God and humanity. Stories about him were narrated, books were written, his sons and daughters deepened and developed his heroic virtues. Thus, “the testimony he lived 100 years ago was not an end but the beginning of a seed sawn in Faith, Hope and Charity and entrusted to the fertile soil of the Church.
This seed, as witnessed in today’s world where the Consolata Missionaries are present, has flourished into a tree that its branches have touched far and beyond, and its fruits continue to nourish generations and generations.” said the Apostolic Nuncio, Van Megen.
We are not living a memory, we are not just remembering events, we don’t recount stories of the past, rather we stand before a life, spirit, a charism that is not fading, that is not confined to a hundred years ago but is flourishing and alive in the hearts of many a hundred years later, as witnessed by the joy and cheerfulness expressed in the day with words, songs, dances and gestures.
Among many, our Regional Superior Sr Felicidade Maria de Lurdes expressed the profundity with which the celebrations carried. With every year’s memorial of our Founder, let us also confirm the activity of his spirit in us, remembering that the Mission is living our faith and living it in action. Living in gratitude, proclaiming Christ in today’s world with simplicity, being extraordinary in little things of life.
In doing all for the greater glory of God, may communion be our strength, may service be our language, may love be our enduring witness and
may the spirit of our Founder Saint Joseph Allamano flourish for generations and generations. Amen.
Sr. Winniejoan Naanyu, mc
