The Diocese of Roraima, in northern Brazil, has expressed its deep joy following the announcement that Blessed Joseph Allamano, founder of the Missionaries and Missionary Sisters of the Consolata, will be canonized on October 20, World Mission Sunday. The news was communicated during the Ordinary Consistory held on July 1 at the Vatican.
A miracle in Yanomami land
The miracle that led to the canonization of Blessed Allamano took place in the Diocese of Roraima, where the Consolata missionaries have been present since 1948. According to Monsignor Evaristo Pascoal Spengler, Bishop of Roraima, the healing of the Yanomami indigenous man Sorino, which occurred in 1996, was the extraordinary event recognized by the Church. Sorino was attacked by a panther that caused severe head injuries, opening his skull. The Consolata Missionary Sisters, who have worked at the Catrimani Mission for over 70 years, began a novena to Blessed Allamano on February 7 of that year, asking for his intercession. The indigenous man miraculously recovered and still lives in his community.
Recognition of evangelizing work
In an official note, Monsignor Spengler highlighted that “it is the merciful God, acting once again in our history. God never tires of surprising us with his love and goodness.” The bishop emphasized that this miracle is a recognition of the diocese’s work in defense of indigenous peoples and the evangelizing option of the Catrimani Mission, where missionaries have prioritized presence and accompaniment over the administration of sacraments. The diocesan process for the miracle began in 2021 and was concluded by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on May 23, 2024.
A celebration that unites faith and history
The canonization of Blessed Allamano coincides with 300 years of evangelization in the Roraima region, adding special meaning for the local Catholic community. Monsignor Spengler announced that the diocese will establish a commission to properly celebrate “the gift of the fruitfulness of the proclamation of the Gospel among us, confirmed by the miracle performed on our brother Sorino.” The joy also extends to the Consolata family, which sees in this event a consolidation of its mission and a source of blessings and hope for the future.
Original source: www.consolataamerica.org (published July 3, 2024)
Photo: Pille R. Priske on Unsplash
