The Redemptorist Spirituality Course 2025 for the English-speaking group officially began on the morning of 16th June at the common hall of the Casa San Alfonso in Rome. The participants, 20 members from various nationalities and Redemptorist units: Frs. Amila Pathum and Jude Perera (Sri Lanka), Fr. Mhel Dacillo, Fr. Mario Yolus and Br. Rey Regan Gatdula (Manila), Ms. Portia Awayan and Fr. Ferderiz Cantiller (Cebu), Frs. Ginu Cletus and Glen Jose (Bangalore), Fr. Isaac Wanyoike (Kenya), Frs. Anthony Patipon Sub-ananchai and Peter Somchai Chojan (Thailand), Fr. Henry Nwokoro (Nigeria), Fr. Tran Huu Hoan (Vietnam), Sr. Alfonsa Karapata MSSR (Ukraine), Br. Tan Chye Hian Francis (Singapore), Frs. Jobin Joseph and Bijo Joseph (Liguori), Fr. Krzysztof Dworak (Responsible for Spirituality Course – Rome), Fr. Piotr Chyla (Conference Coordinator of Europe), gathered for an introductory session to begin their three-week journey into the heart of Redemptorist spirituality.
The session was opened by Fr. Piotr Chyla, former Director of the Spirituality Centre, along with Fr. Krzysztof Dworak, the current Director of the Spirituality Centre in Rome. Fr. Piotr introduced the objectives and methodology of the course, offering a general overview of Redemptorist Spirituality and its foundational significance for mission and life.
The course combines spiritual reflection, and pilgrimages to Alphonsian sites in Rome and in southern Italy. In addition to lectures, participants will share how the Redemptorist charism is lived out in their own Provinces, Vice-Provinces, and Regions. This intercultural exchange enhances the experience, encouraging deeper appreciation and unity in mission.
The Inaugural Mass was presided over by Fr. Ivel Mendanha, CSsR, General Consultor at 11:00 am. In his homily, Fr. Ivel reflected on the Jubilee Year 2025, emphasizing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” He invited the participants to embrace a spirituality of Pilgrimage – highlighting four key elements: Setting Out, Journeying (both externally and internally), Being with God and one another, and the commitment to Move Forward with renewed zeal.
Later in the evening, Fr. Ivel led the group to visit important historical sites in Rome linked to the spirituality of the Congregation, thus grounding their journey in the lived heritage of the Redemptorist mission.
As part of the pilgrimage, the confreres will also visit the Catacombs of St. Callistus, attend a Papal audience, and celebrate the daily Eucharist together as a spiritual community. Key Redemptorist heritage sites on the itinerary include: Frosinone, Scifelli, Scala, Ciorani, St. Agatha of the Goths, Naples, Materdomini, Pagani, and Marianella—places that echo the footsteps of St. Alphonsus and the early Redemptorists.
We pray that this time of study, reflection, and encounter will be a spirit-filled experience for all the participants, enriching their vocation and strengthening their mission as witnesses of the Redeemer in the Church and the world.
Fr. Sanjay Tirkey, CSsR.
Scala News