Silent Industrious Man

FOREWORD

In the last 30 years literature about Blessed Joseph Allamano has greatly thrived: a monumental biography, short biographies, the publication of all the letters he wrote, small books, theses, reflections, articles. They have enriched our knowledge of his personality and activity in various sectors of apostolate.

The present book, written by Fr. Jonah Makau, leans heavily on the available material and draws from it, manifesting familiarity with many sources.  But its particular perspective adds much to the wealth of the existing writings.  The author has in mind formation, seminary educators, and the students in formation. The book combines biographical data with today’s challenging times.  It endeavors to re-read the teaching of the Blessed Founder in the context of globalization and inter-culturality, the new face of the Institute, both in its members composition and inner life, and its outgoing Mission.  Many are the new interesting insights, expressed with live images, intelligent considerations and philosophical support. 

The Blessed Founder clearly stands out as Father and Teacher.  Father by the spirit and spirituality infused in his family of all times.  That ‘spirit’ which he frequently spoke about, and of which he jealously considered himself the only proprietor and dispenser. Teacher, mostly through his life, and not just by imparting lessons and indicating ways and methods.  Hence the ‘silent man’, indeed, speaks loudly.  He speaks with his life.  He is constantly present to our eyes and heart as a credible witness and a model to imitate.  He was and lived what he taught, drawing from his personal experience.  And greatly experienced he was!

The self-references are not self-gratifications but instructive indications for life and Mission.  Blessed Joseph Allamano, as Father and Teacher, in all humility could rightly say like St. Paul: imitate me. Just as Jesus invited his followers to learn from him gentleness and humility of heart (Mt. 11:29). These, according to all the witnesses who knew the Blessed Founder, were his two typical traits.  Typical traits…that he wanted engraved in the hearts and evangelization of his missionary sons and daughters.

FR. JOSEPH INVERARDI, IMC