The Formators’ meet of the Liguori Province was held on 5th May 2025. Fr. Poly Kannampuzha, the provincial superior, inaugurated the meeting and welcomed everyone to the sessions. There were seven formators who attended the meeting. The meeting began at 9.15 am and Fr. Augustin Kalleli, a professor of liturgy, a formator as well as a motivational speaker led the first session. Fr. .Augustin spoke about the importance of having a ‘result oriented formation’ in our seminaries and he suggested the formators to pay attention to seminarians in developing their ‘growth mindset’ instead of ‘fixed mindset’ in life. It was an invitation for all involved in formation to embrace continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability in accompanying young people discerning their vocation. Together, we reflected on how formation can be enriched when we cultivate an attitude that sees challenges as opportunities for growth, and failures as stepping stones towards maturity.
The second session was led by Fr. Poly Kannampuzha who asked the formators to share their experiences, future plans and concerns in the formation centers. It was an occasion to listen to one another, to take stock of the current realities of formation, and to discern future plans and priorities that will help us respond faithfully to the needs of the Church and the Congregation. The formators also discussed concerns about ongoing formation, accompaniment, and how to better foster communities of discernment and missionary zeal. The OPC and the members of the secretariate of formation were also present at the meeting.
A particularly meaningful dimension of the meeting was its connection to the celebration of the Year of St. Gerard Majella. Inspired by his example of humility, service, and trust in God, the formators reflected on how St. Gerard’s virtues can illuminate and guide our work with those in formation. His life invites us to form not only minds and skills, but also hearts that are deeply rooted in Christ.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to walk together as a team of formators, supporting one another in the shared mission of preparing future Redemptorists to be authentic witnesses of plentiful redemption.
Fr. Shijo Meppilly C.Ss.R.
