By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, MAY 16, 2025 (CISA) — Rev Fr Zachary Kariuki, IMC, the Regional Superior of the Consolata Missionaries Kenya-Uganda Region, has urged young Consolata missionaries in formation to embrace the missionary life with love, commitment, and a spirit of availability.
Speaking today during the closing session of the Consolata Missionaries Inter-House Formation Meeting (IFM) 2025 at Consolata Seminary in Karen, Nairobi, Fr Kariuki delivered a passionate address on the essence of the Consolata missionary vocation. The biennial IFM gathering brings together formees from the Consolata Missionary Fathers (IMC) and the Consolata Missionary Sisters (MC) to foster unity, formation, and missionary zeal.
“Family life is at the heart of our identity as Consolata Missionaries. We care for one another and prepare together for the mission, a mission not of our own choosing, but one that aligns with the will of Jesus. We are sent; we do not choose where to go,” said Fr Kariuki, emphasizing the spirit of obedience and communion in mission.
He challenged the formees to go beyond academic formation and cultivate hearts rooted in love and compassion for the people they are called to serve.
“It’s not enough to speak many languages if your heart isn’t with the people you serve. If you cannot console, accompany, or love them, then you miss the essence of mission. The greatest language is love, love the people, love the mission. Don’t seek comfort; seek to serve God. Be ready to go wherever you are needed,” he said.
Encouraging the young missionaries to live authentically and draw inspiration from the founder of the Consolata Missionaries, St. Joseph Allamano, Fr Kariuki said: “Strive to be good missionaries, not only by following in the footsteps of our founder, but by living the spirit of the mission today.”
Acknowledging the challenges and imperfections inherent in missionary life, he added: “There is no such thing as a perfect missionary. What we must aim for is a saintly life, even with our weaknesses and limitations.”
He also stressed the importance of formation as the foundation of holiness and fraternity.
“If you desire to live a saintly life, it begins with formation. Be your brother’s keeper. Everyone can lose their way, it is our responsibility to guide each other back to the right path,” he noted.
Calling for collective responsibility and commitment to the future of the Consolata Missionary family, Fr Kariuki reminded the gathering of the evolving dynamics of missionary work in the modern world.
“We must unite and collaborate to sustain and grow our congregation. Today’s reality is that our missions must support themselves. Let us take ownership of our community and work for its future,” he concluded.
The IFM 2025 provided a space for shared prayer, learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange among formees of different nationalities and stages of formation, as they continue preparing to serve across the world as Consolata Missionaries.
