The meeting of the ongoing formation led by Father Antonio Niemiec, C.Ss.R. was held from June 9 to 12 in the São Paulo Region.
“The fourth day of the second week of the 26th General Chapter (September 2022) focused on reflection on Redemptorist formation. The Chapter met to reflect on the path forward in formation for the mission. The reflection focused on the importance of ongoing formation, with several suggestions for strengthening Redemptorist identity, mission, and consecrated life in the formal moments of ongoing formation, both for Redemptorists and for lay collaborators for the mission. The importance of the selection of formators, the formation of formators, the necessary values to emphasize in a changing world such as accountability, transparency, etc., along with the importance of formation for intercultural communities were highlighted.” (See Scala News “Summary of the 2nd Week of the XXVI General Chapter” )
From Brazil, we receive information that motivated by the ardent desire for a fruitful and transformative evangelization, the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida held an important ongoing formation meeting from June 9 to 12 at the Santo Afonso Seminary in Aparecida (SP), where the meaning and essence of the Mission were reflected upon.
The event brought together approximately 65 Redemptorist missionaries from the various missionary fronts of the Province, in a true spirit of communion and mutual learning. The meeting was moderated by Fr. Antônio Niemiec, C.Ss.R., National Secretary of the Pontifical Mission Societies. With great theological sensitivity, he led reflections on the essential centrality of the Mission in the life of Redemptorist Missionaries, emphasizing that missionary consciousness transcends simply “doing mission” and demands, above all, “being mission.” Therefore, all formation must be oriented toward building a missionary identity, since only in the authenticity of being is missionary action fully realized.
The mission, truly understood, becomes the most sublime expression of the Christian vocation, translating itself into the dynamism of action that springs from the depths of one’s being. Each member of the Church, consecrated to this end, is called to transform their existence into a continuous mission, thus perpetuating the redemptive work of Christ, the Father’s missionary par excellence.
The life of the Redemptorist Missionaries is intrinsically intertwined with the missionary dimension, which requires an authentic experience of communal faith, where the Copious Redemption is proclaimed not only with words, but above all with the authentic witness of consecrated life.
In addition to the enriching reflections, the ongoing formation meeting also provided moments of fraternal fellowship, intense prayer, and a rich exchange about missionary life in the various areas of the Province’s activity. It was an opportunity to renew Redemptorist spirituality, strengthen communion, and renew our commitment to evangelization in the Congregation.
(a12.com/Scala News)
