Our history
Our history
The Consolata Missionaries (IMC) are a Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers dedicated to missionary evangelization, particularly among peoples who have not yet fully received the Gospel. The congregation was founded in Turin, Italy, on 29 January 1901 by St. Joseph Allamano, then Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady Consolata, from whom the missionaries take their name. Inspired by Mary under the title Consolata, meaning the one who consoles, the missionaries dedicate their lives to bringing the consolation of Christ to the world through evangelization, pastoral ministry, education, and social outreach.
The Consolata Missionaries arrived in Kenya in 1902, establishing their first mission in Tuthu, Murang’a County, where the first official Mass was celebrated on 29 June 1902. From this historic beginning, the missionaries played a significant role in the spread of the Catholic faith across Central and Northern Kenya, founding missions, parishes, schools, and social institutions that continue to serve communities today.
Over the years, the congregation expanded its missionary presence across the globe. Today the Consolata Missionaries serve in many countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, forming an international missionary community of more than 1,000 priests and brothers committed to the proclamation of the Gospel and the promotion of human dignity.
Within the Kenya–Uganda Region, the missionaries serve in several dioceses including the Archdioceses of Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, and Mombasa, as well as the Dioceses of Embu, Meru, Marsabit, Maralal, Kakamega, and Isiolo. In these dioceses they administer parishes and mission stations while also contributing to education, pastoral ministry, social development, and evangelization initiatives.
The region also hosts several formation houses that prepare young men for missionary life, including the Novitiate in Sagana, the Philosophical Seminary in Lang’ata, the Allamano Centre in Karen for theological formation, and the Mathari Formation House for aspirancy and initial formation.
Guided by the spirituality of St. Joseph Allamano, whose vision was “First saints, then missionaries,” the Consolata Missionaries dedicate their lives to proclaiming the Gospel beyond cultural, social, and geographical boundaries. Inspired by Our Lady Consolata, they strive to bring the consolation of Christ to all people by serving the poor, promoting justice and peace, supporting education and human development, and witnessing to the universal mission of the Church.