As the community of Gambettola, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, celebrates 100 years of the Consolata Missionaries’ presence, the experience of Father Angelo Casadei serves as a reminder that the missionary vocation continues to build bridges between Europe and the Colombian Amazon.
A native of Gambettola and a Consolata missionary for several decades, Father Angelo has spent 21 years accompanying communities in the Colombian Amazon, where he currently carries out his pastoral work in Solano, Caquetá (Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Leguízamo–Solano), one of the Amazonian territories where the Church continues to walk alongside local peoples and communities.
On the occasion of this centennial commemoration, the missionary shared an audiovisual testimony in which he recounts his vocational and missionary experience, also recalling memories of his years of formation at the seminary in Gambettola between 1974 and 1978, alongside his brothers, Father Gabriele Casadei and Tarcisio Casadei, as well as other young men from the region who shared the dream of the mission.
A breeding ground for vocations for the world
Reflecting on the significance of the Consolata Missionaries’ 100-year presence in Gambettola, Father Angelo highlighted the fundamental role this place has played in forming generations of missionaries sent to different continents.
“Missionaries set out from here who gave and dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Kingdom of God.”
As he explained, the seminary not only trained those who embraced the consecrated life but also left a profound mark on many laypeople who, even as they pursued other paths, kept alive their commitment to the missions and their support for the Institute’s evangelization projects.
A center for missionary outreach for the local Church
Casadei also emphasized the importance of Gambettola as a center for missionary outreach in collaboration with the Diocese of Cesena-Sarsina.
Over the years, this center has fostered a missionary consciousness within the local Church, facilitating the sending of fidei donum priests, providing missionary experiences for young laypeople, and supporting numerous pastoral and solidarity initiatives.
“Some young laypeople have gained experience in our missions and today serve as missionaries committed to the work of the Consolata Missionaries”.
This missionary dimension has made it possible to maintain a permanent bond between the Italian communities and the territories where the Consolata carries out its evangelizing service.
Spirituality and closeness to the Amazon
Another aspect highlighted by the missionary is the role currently played by the Consolata Shrine in Gambettola as a place of spirituality, encounter, and reconciliation for local communities.
As he noted, many people regularly participate in liturgical celebrations and find in the shrine a space for spiritual accompaniment, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation.
From the Colombian Amazon, Father Angelo also expressed his gratitude to the people of Gambettola and the neighboring towns for their constant support of the missions.
“I personally thank the people of my town and the surrounding areas for the closeness, prayer, and solidarity they have shown toward this corner of the Colombian Amazon”.
A Mission That Continues
After a century of the Consolata Missionaries’ presence in Gambettola, history continues to be written through the men and women who keep alive the missionary spirit inherited from previous generations.
For Father Angelo Casadei, the mission remains a universal call to build fraternity, justice, and peace, regardless of where each person has been called to serve.
“What matters, wherever we may be, is to work toward building the Kingdom of God, where justice and peace reign.”
His words resonate today from the heart of the Colombian Amazon, reminding us that the mission knows no borders and that communion among peoples remains one of the most visible signs of the Gospel lived and shared.