In the context of the Year of the Mission,
“This year in which, as a Congregation, we are reflecting on the mission with the theme: “The Lord who sends us as missionaries and pilgrims of hope in a wounded world,” allows us to express our gratitude and recognition to the Itinerant Missionary confreres and to the Sisters who participate in popular missions.
These are the words of Father General Rogério Gomes in his message of March 19, 2025, where he specifies the meaning of the Redemptorist Mission. As we read in no. 5 of his message: “The Redemptorist mission cannot forget two foundational texts: Luke 4:16-18 and Psalm 130 (129): 7-8. These passages are fundamental to the Redemptorist mission, as they express the heart of its charism: to proclaim the abundant redemption in Christ. They reveal the centrality of divine mercy and the commitment to the liberation of those most in need, essential elements of the Redemptorist missionary charism. We are called to be a living presence of God’s love, proclaiming the Good News of salvation to all, especially the poor and marginalized. We are convinced that God never abandons his people and that his mercy is inexhaustible. The expression Copiosa Redemptio, so dear to St. Alphonsus Liguori, translates the certainty that divine grace is abundant and always accessible to those who need it. This is the foundation of the Redemptorist mission: to proclaim that God is a loving Father, always ready to “to welcome, forgive and transform lives.”
We can hear Francis echoing his words: “the centrality of divine mercy and the commitment to the liberation of those most in need.”
Pope Francis also said on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the general audience: “God’s mercy is our liberation and our happiness. We live by mercy, and we cannot afford to be without mercy: it is the air we breathe. We are too poor to set conditions; we need to forgive, because we need to be forgiven.”
Popular Missions
“Popular mission is a profound expression of Christ’s living presence through an itinerant Church, close to the people, especially those most in need: the poor, the marginalized, and those forgotten by society. Through the proclamation of the Word—as a fruit of your encounter with the Redeemer—through your witness of life and your fraternal service, you become concrete signs of the abundant redemption. In this sense, popular mission shines like a beacon of hope for the discouraged and for those who have lost their perspective. The call of the 26th General Chapter to be missionaries of hope in the footsteps of the Redeemer is eloquent,” Fr. Rogério reminds us in no. 6 of his message.
In this regard, we can say that this pontificate will be remembered for the concepts that have synthesized complex ecclesial, political, and social realities: “throwaway culture,” “globalization of indifference,” “poor Church for the poor,” “outgoing Church,” “shepherds with the smell of sheep,” “global ethic of solidarity.” A constant invitation to understand the prophetic mission with the little ones.
A Pope, a Missionary of Mercy
We know that the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Church addressed many themes, particularly concern for the poor, fraternity, and care for our Common Home. But the heart of his message, the one that has undoubtedly entered the life of the Redemptorist family, has been the evangelical call to mercy. To that closeness and tenderness of God toward those in need of his help. We can fearlessly say that he succeeded in placing mercy, in a renewed way, at the center of his teaching.
Carlos Espinoza – Scala News
