Sixty-five years in Kenya, missionary work in Africa that began before Kenya's independence, in the mission of Tuthu, the first historic Consolata mission in the country, and continued in Rumuruti, at the foot of the Aberdares mountains, always alongside the poorest and most needy.
Father Mino Vaccari passed away in recent days in Nairobi at the age of 95, assisted until the end by that fantastic living guardian angel, Father Gerardo Martinelli.
Originally from the province of Reggio Emilia, a land with which he always maintained strong ties, in Rumuruti he replaced a fellow countryman who had done so much for the people of that area, Father Giuseppe Ricchetti, from Fiorano in Modena.
Since then, continuing Father Ricchetti's tireless work, the community of Rumuruti has continued to have wells, medical facilities, and schools.
"This is a man whose doors have always been open to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. Thanks to his boundless philanthropy, many children from disadvantaged backgrounds have had the opportunity to attend school. Today, Rumuruti has a promising group of engineers, doctors, teachers, nurses, etc. And many of them were ‘raised’ by Father Vaccari," wrote the Fiorano-based association ‘Africa nel cuore’ (Africa in the heart), which for many years has supported the work of the Consolata missionaries, thanks to its connection with Father Vaccari.
“At a time when divisions and separatism, even bloody ones, dominate, it is more necessary than ever to remember people like Father Vaccari, so that their virtuous example of solidarity and cooperation may suggest paths of peace and mutual aid,” wrote the mayor of Fiorano, Marco Biagini.
How can we not agree?
There are fewer and fewer Italian Consolata fathers in Kenya, but they must be remembered by everyone more and more.