Forty-nine Redemptorist priests, brothers, and lay missionaries from across Canada gathered in Mississauga for the Provincial Chapter of the Redemptorist Province of Canada, held February 24-28, 2025.
During the meeting, Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R., Superior General of the Congregation, spoke about the ongoing transformation within the Congregation. He stressed that the restructuring process, such as the 2019 merger of the former provinces of Edmonton-Toronto, Yorkton, and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to become the Province of Canada, is ultimately aimed at serving the mission more effectively.
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of this process, Fr. Gomes quoted theologian Aquilino Bocos, who sees challenges in the Church’s mission as invitations to grow in faith and commitment. He described restructuring as a call to personal and collective conversion, asking Redemptorists to embrace change, overcome fear and renew their missionary spirit.
“In times of change, it is natural to feel some uncertainty,” he said. “But transformation also brings renewal and growth. The Redemptorist mission has always been rooted in boldness and trust in divine providence, and this moment is no different. The Holy Spirit is calling us out of our comfort zones to embrace this new chapter with hope. We are not alone: we are part of a global Congregation, united in the same vocation to bring abundant redemption to those most in need.”
Fr. Santo Arrigo, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Province of Canada, echoed this message, encouraging confreres to put their trust in God and one another as they continue to navigate the work of unity as a new Province. “Our future as a Province depends on each of us making a commitment: to be faithful to our mission, to work together in unity, and to move forward with good will. “This can only happen if we are in this together,” he said.
He also provided an update on the current state of the Province, touching on its membership, communities, and missionary and apostolic commitments. Key milestones of the past year included the hiring of new staff for administration, communications, and Ignite Ministry; the development of a financial unity plan; and the approval of several foundational documents to guide the life and mission of the Province.
“As we approach the final stages of our restructuring, our focus must be on the real, everyday work of our mission: how we live it out in our communities and pastoral activities,” said Fr. Arrigo. “We need to ask ourselves not only who we are called to serve, but how we can best serve them, now and in the years ahead. This moment calls us to be practical and hopeful, while remaining faithful to the values that have shaped our journey toward unity.”
Throughout the week, the confreres addressed a variety of topics, including electoral law, health care, finances, and safeguarding policies. They also heard from Sean Tan, the Province’s communications coordinator, who shared updates on recent projects, including a bilingual monthly newsletter “The/Le Scribe,” new vocation promotion materials, the launch of a provincial Facebook page, and the acquisition of new media equipment. He also previewed the soon-to-be-launched Province website.
On the final day of the chapter, Fr. Arrigo thanked everyone for their dedication and participation throughout the week. He urged the confreres to remain committed to the ongoing work of the Province. “Working together, we can bring our mission to life, even if that means accepting changes along the way,” he said.
Celebrating milestones
The Provincial Chapter was not only a time for debate and decision-making, but also a time for celebrating important milestones for both confreres and lay missionaries.
A special Eucharistic celebration was held on Monday, February 24, presided over by Fr. Gomes, Fr. Arrigo, Fr. Jerome Chavarria (Coordinator of the North American Conference of Redemptorists), and Fr. Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R. (General Consultor of the Congregation). A highlight of the Mass was the presence of Anne Walsh, Lay Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer, who made her perpetual commitment as a Lay Missionary. As a sign of her dedication, she received a Redemptorist mission cross from Fr. Arrigo.
Later in the week, confreres, provincial office staff, and guests, including former Redemptorist Superior General and Provincial Superior of Canada, Most Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., of the Diocese of Pembroke, Ontario, gathered for another Eucharistic celebration. This time, the focus was on honouring confreres who were celebrating significant jubilees. Following Mass, a dinner and social evening provided an opportunity to celebrate their decades of service, with confreres singing “Многая літа” (Mnohaya lita), a traditional Ukrainian hymn of blessing, in their honour.
The confreres commemorating important anniversaries this year are:
Fr. James Mason, C.Ss.R. – 70 years of religious profession, 65 years of priesthood
Fr. Réal Tremblay, C.Ss.R. and Fr. William Steacy, C.Ss.R. – 65 years of religious profession
Bishop Emeritus John Pazak, C.Ss.R., Fr. Bill Bernard, C.Ss.R., Fr. Dino Benedet, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Eugene O’Reilly, C.Ss.R. – 60 years of religious profession
Fr. Peter Chin, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Mark Miller, C.Ss.R. – 50 years of priesthood
Fr. Ed Eherer, C.Ss.R., Fr. Ciro Perez, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Régis Pellerin, C.Ss.R. – 25 years of priesthood
Sean Bernard Tan,
Communications Coordinator
Redemptorist Province of Canada
