From July 18 to 20, 2025, in Villa Allende (Córdoba), the 6th Training Course on Current Pastoral Issues was held under the motto taken from the theme of the six-year term: “Missionaries of Hope in the Footsteps of the Redeemer.” The event, offered both in-person and virtually, brought together pastoral agents from various fields with the aim of deepening the theological and experiential value of hope from a Redemptorist perspective, shedding light on its expression in personal, family, professional, and ecclesial contexts.
Course Development
On Friday, July 18,the focus was on hope as a vital resource for human development. Mrs. Patricia De Petris gave a clear and profound presentation on emotional health, followed in the afternoon by a hands-on workshop led by Mrs. María Marcela Valenzuela on anxiety management and quality of life.
On Saturday, July 19 was dedicated to illuminating reality through a spirituality of hope. In the morning, Fr. Javier Machado reflected on the motto of the six-year term, its spirit, and purpose. Later, the Superior General joined via livestream from India to discuss the theological value of hope. In the afternoon, participants explored how hope is embodied in different areas of life. Prof. Valeria Bertone spoke on hope in personal life, Fr. Alfredo Reyna addressed the family as a source of hope, and Mrs. Cecilia Lasbaines shared her testimony on fostering hope in the workplace. The day concluded with a deep moment of prayer and Eucharistic adoration.
On Sunday, July 20, a Day of synthesis, evaluation, and celebratory closure. Fr. Juan Pablo Roldán led a communal review and final synthesis of all topics covered. The course ended with a Eucharistic celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer, with the presence of the Provincial Superior, who participated in several key moments of the gathering.
The course reaffirmed the missionary commitment to live and proclaim hope as a transformative force and sign of the Kingdom, with particular attention to the current challenges of our Redemptorist mission.
Fr. Sergio Elías Stang, CSsR.
Province of Pedro Donders
