Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Muranga (Agenzia Fides) – Over 100 delegates of the lay movement of the Consolata Missionaries recently met for a three-day meeting at Sagana Retreat Center in Muranga (Kenya), with the aim of strengthening the movement and make their operations available on a grassroots level. They will continue to support the work of evangelization and strengthen the family as an institution, following the charism of the founder of the Consolata missionaries and missionary, Blessed Allamano. The theme of the meeting was the slogan "A New Journey with a New Spirit," and was attended by lay men and women from all walks of life, committed to working within the structures of the Church to support the work of the priests, brothers, and sisters of the Consolata Order.
The delegates came from the Archdioceses of Kampala and Lugazi, Uganda, and the Archdioceses of Mombasa, Nyeri, Nairobi, and Kisumu, as well as the Dioceses of Bungoma, Muranga, Embu, Meru, and Machakos in Kenya. The meeting was chaired by the Regional Superior of the Consolata Missionaries in Kenya and Uganda, Father Franco Cellana, who was assisted by several speakers and moderators who presented: "The Teaching of the Church to Lay Missionaries" and "The Role of Consolata Lay Missionaries.” Addressing the meeting, Fr. Cellana said that the movement will implement strong and tangible action programs, which included a plan of prayer, formation, and a plan of action. These programs will help to strengthen and fortify parishes, assisting in the preparation of the Sunday Mass, the sacraments, and prayer life of Christians. Fr. Cellana also insisted on the joint work of lay missionaries with their pastors and other groups within parishes, as "the Church is made up of one great family of God." It was also suggested that this meeting will be repeated every year, to promote awareness among members, exchange experiences, and for mutual enrichment. Other meetings will be held quarterly and bi-annually among groups and parishes. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2010)
