The Spirit of Allamano spreads in Guinea Bissau. We the Consolata Missionary Sisters present in Guinea Bissau had a wonderful celebration of thanksgiving for the gift of St. Allamano our Founder, whose spirit and Charism has been present in this place for more than 30 years.
The feast begun at around 9.30 am with the main celebrant being Bishop Jose Lambra Cá, the current Bishop of Bissau Diocese. The Christians in a procession carried the icons of Our Lady Consolata and that of St. Joseph Allamano from the main church of St. Joseph Allamano Bor to the outside grounds where the feast was prepared to take place.
It was characterized by simplicity and the warmth of African people, with their dancing charms, joy and welcoming spirit which made the liturgical celebration colourful and amazing. Many people were present for the feast both the religious and the lay faithful as well as our own LMCs who joined us in this great event.After the mass we proceeded for a lunch and cake cutting.
The motto “first saints then missionaries” touched the hearts of so many people, and they were so enthusiastic to know more about us. At around 4 pm people departed for their homes .
Am overjoyed to celebrate the holiness of our founder. I really felt him present among us during the celebration of his feast and still offering his spirit to us. His presence has offered new strength for the mission ad-gentes especially for the young and growing church of Guinea Bissau.
Here is indeed a very fertile mission field, of first evangelisation by its nature. We have a lot to carry out despite the fact that the labourers are few in God’s vineyard. The Canonization of Saint Allamano has re-energized me, offering us a new strength to serve well in our little ways guided by the quality and not the quantity as he himself teaches us. Being witnesses of Christ’s love, evangelizing through actions more than words. This is what our founder left us, that we be saints then Missionaries.
St.Joseph Allamano pray for the church in Guinea Bissau!
Sr. Purity, mc
