A unique opportunity presented itself when Lay Associates in Grande Prairie met with Fr. Ivel Mendanha, General Consultor, and Preacher for St. Joseph’s Church recent “Pilgrims of Hope” Parish Mission. They were graciously hosted by Fr. Ed Eherer and Fr. Joseph Horo at their residence. Archbishop Gerry Pettipas and his coadjutor, Charles Duvall, were also present.
What a treat!
Fr. Ivel thanked the Associates for their commitment and service. He said that the tradition of Redemptorist Lay Associates went back to the very beginning of St. Alphonsus’s ministry and the founding of the Redemptorist Order. In turn, Co-Founder, St. Clement Hofbauer followed St. Alphonsus’s teachings (even though he never met him) and used the same method to reach out to lay people and train them to share the good news with the poor and marginalized.
This bit of history certainly made everyone pause in reflective thought.
Fr. Ivel spoke about the Redemptorist world – literally! He shared enrollment statistics worldwide and what areas were increasing and decreasing. It was no surprise to hear that enrollment in North America had decreased, given the growing secular culture and society.
Fr. Ivel imparted the Holy Father’s wisdom that to create community, we must step out of the box of traditional thinking. We must identify commonalities that affect everyone no matter what faith people are – or even if they follow no faith. Human Trafficking, Climate Change, Poverty,and Racism are some examples that have no borders. Make the contact, engage in conversation and from there try to build community.
The evening was extra special with Archbishop Gerry and Bishop-Elect Charles present. As Fr. Ivel said during the Mission’s closing Mass: “How often would an Archbishop and Bishop-Elect, both from the Redemptorist Order, celebrate Mass together in a Redemptorist Parish?!” We are so Blessed.
Fr. Ivel recognized Archbishop Pettipas for living the Redemptorist charism as an Archbishop– by his authentic means of being a missionary of hope, where he strives to be present where the need is greatest and adapting to the times. His kind, gentle and humble manner has made him well-loved in this archdiocese.
It was a great privilege and a huge Blessing to meet with and listen to Fr. Ivel as he shared his knowledge and insight into the Redemptorist world and answered other questions posed. Ultimately, the message was clear – that as Pilgrims of Hope, we are all walking together on the journey home.
Josy Burrough,
Redemptorist Lay Associate
St. Joseph’s Parish, Grande Prairie
Canada
