The title "Consolata" names the Virgin Mary as our Mother of Consolation. Her missionaries have shaped Catholic life in Montreal since 1976, and in Canada since 1952.

Among them was Father Hermann Crespi, a charismatic priest who ministered tirelessly among Montreal's Italian community, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Italian immigration to the city and on everyone he accompanied along the way. Ask any Italian who immigrated in the 1960s, '70s or '80s and still calls Montreal home what they think of him, and they will tell you how he touched people's hearts: through charismatic renewal prayer gatherings, a listening ear for anyone who needed one, and his devotion to Our Lady of Consolata.

Indeed, one of his spiritual children and altar servers from those years is spoken of today with particular respect and esteem: Frank Cardinal Leo, now Archbishop of Toronto.

Deeply loved by Italian Canadians for his tireless devotion, Father Crespi belonged to the Institute of the Consolata Missionaries, a religious community founded by Giuseppe Allamano. Yet according to Allamano himself, the true founder of the congregation was not him, but the Virgin Mary, venerated and honoured under the title Our Lady of Consolata. She has profoundly shaped the Consolata Missionaries as well, a community known for its humility, generosity, and closeness to the people it serves.

Each year on June 20, the Consolata Missionaries gather, along with friends and acquaintances, to honour Our Lady of Consolata with Mass followed by a community meal. This year, the celebration took place in Rome, where Canada was represented by Father Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala, episcopal vicar for the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Montreal. The event was hosted by the community of the Consolata Institute's International Theological Seminary, with friends, laypeople and Consolata Missionaries from the General House, the Theological Seminary in Rome and another formation house in the city also taking part.

Writing this account, Father Jean-Marie wished to highlight that St. Joseph Allamano's vision of Our Lady of Consolation rested on two fundamental convictions: first, that she is the true foundress of his institutes; second, that she is the supreme model of holiness. These convictions shape his teaching, which turns on a handful of key points:

1. The true foundress. Allamano believed the Blessed Virgin Mary had conceived the institute and sustained it, materially and spiritually, through the years. He described himself as no more than an instrument God had placed there.

2. Filial affection. He addressed her affectionately as "Dear Mother," and liked to tell his missionaries and sisters, "Yes, we are the children of this tender Mother, who watches over us as the apple of her eye."

3. The necessity of devotion. He held that "no one becomes a saint without devotion to Our Lady." For him, Our Lady of Consolation was the surest path to Jesus.

4. A way of life. In Mary of Consolation, he saw a model of "goodness lived out to perfection in ordinary things, without fanfare": a humble, quiet, active way of life he made the spiritual foundation of the missions.

In a joyful atmosphere, we took part in a Mass celebrated by one of the Institute's general councillors and concelebrated by numerous priests, followed by a table shared in warmth and good company, the flavours rich and true to the day.

"VIVA CONSOLATA!" ("Long live Consolata!")

Father Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala
Episcopal Vicar, Central Region
Archdiocese of Montreal