Oasis of Peace and Prayer

The public church of the Consolata missionaries in Turin, 18 Corso Ferrucci, is named "The Founder's Church", because in a lateral chapel there is the tomb of Blessed Giuseppe Allamano. It is a holy place, object of pilgrimage, an invitation to prayer and meditation, as in a oasis.
The focal point is the sarcophagus of "Pietra d'Istria", sculptured by Giordano Pavesi on the occasion of the transfer in it of the body of Giuseppe Allamano, October 1938. On the front of the sarcophagus, a bas-relief figures the Allamano sending the sons and daughters to the missions, and the Latin inscription "Annuntiabut gloriam mean gentibus" (i.e. Will announce my glory to the peoples). It is covered with a marble slab on which in large letters is engraved the name: Giuseppe Allamano. The sarcophagus is seen as to be enveloped by a white dome divided in four sections which recall the Universe, with clear reference to the mission dimension impressed by the Allamano to his priestly work. On the background there is a stained-glass window on which are figured (from the left):
-- the Consolata's Shrine, renovated materially and spiritually by Allamano, place from which irradiated his action for 46 years;
-- the Consolata's Icon, loved tenderly by him and to whom he is convinced to owe everything;
-- the Globe surmounted by the Cross, which recalls the Allamano's passion for the evangelization of the peoples;
-- Giuseppe Allamano, who pointing to the world and the underneath inscription: "First saints and then missionaries", announces the necessary condition to be true evangelizers;
-- the Mother House of the missionaries, adjoining that of the Consolata missionary sisters, in which is expressed the Founder's charisma.
The figures portrayed on the stained-glass window, which reflect as in a mirror on the slab of the sarcophagus, explain the main fields of activity and at the same time, the ideals and the message always topical for Giuseppe Allamano: the Virgin Mary & the World, the Church & the Mission.
One is pleasantly struck by the serene sensation which springs up from this place. The candour which surrounds the sarcophagus, interposed by the vivid colour of the stained-glass window and by the restful green colour of the ornamental plants underneath disposed, give a feeling of peace and quietness, similar to a spiritual pause in the tumult of the day to day life.
Really, as St. Augustine used to say: "God gives to the Church the bodies of the saints as a call to prayer".

The Sepulchre of Blessed Giuseppe Allamano

According to the very ancient Christian concept, a saint's sepulchre is like his earthly "house", while he lives in perfect communion with God. It is the "abode" from which he continues to dispense blessings, encouragement, consolation etc.
The saints' body, as a matter of fact, sanctifies the area where he is placed and those who visit it: "it is for all a source of holy living and blessing".
Next to the saints' sepulchre:
-- their presence is more vivid: "they really live with us"; in this chapel one has the exact impression to be in the house of Blessed Allamano, to feel him alive and present;
-- their word is more meaningful: "the voice of these dumb bodies is more powerful than the preachers'"; here resounds the memory of Allamano's words: " the Lord has placed me at the head of the Institute and gives me the grace to guide it";
-- their intercession is more efficacious: "from their sepulchres they keep us away from sin"; they are "saviours and guardians, ambassadors to God from whom obtain divine gifts". Here is felt the strength of Allamano's promise: "When I'll be in Heaven, I'll bless you all the more".
This is how the Consolata missionaries and sisters, the Allamano's devotees and the friends of the Consolata missions have considered this place. Here they come "as to a family sacrament" to draw strength and inspiration. From this resting place, in his family, Blessed Giuseppe Allamano instils "new sap into the vine shoots of the vine planted and made fruitful by him.
He is:
-- "father" who knows to have given "everything" and assures: "the Lord could have chosen one more learned and capable, but not one who could have loved you more";
-- "angel" who guides the missionaries' steps;
-- "treasurer" of the Consolata's favours;
-- "guardian" of his family;
-- "guide" in living God's Covenant.

Memorial Room

Next to the chapel there is a memorial room where are exposed some objects which belonged to the Blessed and which recall his day to day life, work and prayer.
There are the volumes of the divine office, of the missal, the canonical robe and liturgical vestments, the kneeling pew, the small writing desk of his studio from which were sent many documents and letters, the pocket watch, bus tickets etc.