From April 25 to 27, 2025, the 7th Meeting of UNESER (National Union of Ex-Redemptorist Seminarians) took place at the Seminary of the Most Holy Redeemer of Sacramento-MG, with the participation of over 50 people. The event was a true moment of revitalization of Redemptorist spirituality, where experiences were shared that demonstrate the strength of the formation received and its global impact.
Former seminarians from different generations recalled, together with their families, the values and charisma that continue to live even outside the confines of the seminary, underlining the importance of preserving historical memory as the foundation of the mission lived in families and communities.
Roberto Rivas, visibly moved, remembered the seminary as a “solid rock” that shaped his life: “Coming back here, we relive the Holy Spirit who touched us. This flame does not go out: it renews itself and sends us on a mission.”
João Batista Rosa reiterated the motto: “Once a Redemptorist, a Redemptorist for life,” and recalled how the formation received is a basis for Christian action in the world. “Being a missionary today means going out of oneself to meet the other. And this encounter reconnects us with our essence.”
Walmor Júlio da Silva expressed his gratitude for the Congregation’s welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the poor according to the Redemptorist spirit.
One of the most touching moments was the speech by Fr. Dionísio de Foltran Zamuner, who emotionally recounted his missionary experience in Angola and Suriname. Esperandir Pereira shared everyone’s emotion: “He cried as he spoke of families who offered as a gift the only egg or an ear of corn. This reminds us that the Redemptorist mission is universal: from Africa to the Americas and beyond.”
Tania Meira compared the group’s unity to “a house built on rock” (Mt 7:25), an image of the spiritual solidity of the Redemptorist charism in challenging times.
Coordinator Valdair Bernardeli highlighted this year’s new features: moments of sharing in groups, recitation of the rosary in procession to the chapel and a musical evening (seresta) that combined music and memory.
“Sleeping in the seminary after 50 years was like reliving our history. And it is this story that we want to continue to tell.”
Sister Maria Luzia Alves, of the Messengers of Divine Love, expressed the joy of the welcome: “Receiving you here is strengthening a common path – that of living and transmitting Redemptorist love.”
Fr. João Batista de Almeida, CSsR, spiritual director of UNESER and the CAS Network, reiterated the value of the Redemptorist laity: “The Province is open to expanding the participation of former seminarians, in popular missions, in formation and in social works. The journey is made by walking – together.”
He also highlighted the role of the Social Action Center (CAS) in Sacramento, committed to helping the elderly, young people, and families, as a concrete sign of spiritual resurrection.
In a video message, the Superior General of the Congregation, Fr. Rogério Gomes, praised the initiative as a “model for other continents,” recalling that UNESER is a Brazilian seed that is bearing fruit for the world.
The Provincial Superior of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Fr. Marlos Aurélio, also emphasized the significance of the meeting in the Jubilee Year: “It is a sign of communion in the mission, in the wake traced by Pope Francis and in continuity with the Redeemer.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment to the future. Antonio Carlos dos Santos, together with Paulo Cesar and other coordinators, announced: “We want to involve more families and young people. Redemptorist spirituality knows no boundaries.”
This meeting in Sacramento-MG is living proof of how Redemptorist formation continues to generate life and mission, overcoming walls and inspiring new actions in different contexts.
UNESER invites all units of the Congregation to share their experiences and strengthen a global network of lay and consecrated people in mission, in the beauty of the Redemptorist charism.
“May our Mother of Perpetual Help and Saint Alphonsus guide every word, every gesture and every encounter, transforming us into signs of a Love that knows no borders!”
Vicente de Paula Alves, UNESER Brasil
