From the very beginnings of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the vocation of the Brother has stood as a vital and integral expression of our Redemptorist identity. Yet, this unique and beautiful calling is sometimes overshadowed, misunderstood, or even forgotten. The Brother can appear to be a mysterious figure within the Congregation, a character whose role is often explored in fragments rather than with a full understanding. In truth, the Brother is not an afterthought but a co-founder, a co-missionary, and a co-heir of the Redemptorist charism. Through his distinct witness, he reminds us all of the radical simplicity of the Gospel: the call to serve, to love, and to follow Christ with an undivided heart.
The Legacy of St. Gerard Majella: Patron and Model
One of the clearest and most inspiring examples of the Brothers’ vocation is found in St. Gerard Majella. A Redemptorist Brother canonised for his holiness and love for the poor, St. Gerard remains an icon of humility and joyful service. He teaches us that sanctity is not the exclusive domain of priests or scholars, but the result of saying yes to God in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments. Gerard’s connection to the sick, the suffering, and the poor was not merely occasional acts of charity; it was his way of life. Today, as Redemptorists, we are called to emulate his missionary spirit. How might we approach people with the same tenderness that Gerard demonstrated? How can we be present to the wounds of the world, not as distant observers, but as brothers who belong?
Living the Vocation Today
So, how do we promote the vocation of the Brother in today’s Church? The best way is by living it. When Redemptorists, whether Brothers or priests, embrace their missionary identity with joy and fidelity, the vocation speaks for itself. We show that one does not need to be ordained to proclaim the Gospel powerfully. Jesus reminds us, “You are all brothers” (Mt 23:8). This revolutionary truth flips worldly hierarchies. To be a Brother is not to have less; it is to share more – to share life, love, community, and mission.
Scriptural and Spiritual Grounding
The Brother’s vocation is deeply Christological. Like Christ, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil 2:7), the Redemptorist Brother lives a life of kenosis, of self-giving. He may not preach from a pulpit, but his life is a homily. He may not consecrate the Eucharist, but he becomes Eucharist for others – broken, shared, and sent.
As Constitution No. 20 reminds us:
Strong in faith, rejoicing in hope, burning with charity, on fire with zeal, in humility of heart and persevering in prayer, Redemptorists as apostolic men and genuine disciples of Saint Alphonsus follow Christ the Redeemer with hearts full of joy.
This is not a poetic ideal but a daily challenge, embraced with the grace of God.
A Mission Shared: Brothers and Priests Together
The Redemptorist Congregation exists to “follow the example of Jesus Christ the Redeemer by preaching the word of God to the poor” (Constitution no. 1). Whether Brother or priest, each member is bound by this mission. The Brother may work in technical ministry, education, pastoral service, or even agriculture, yet all of it is preaching the Gospel when done with love. Redemptorist communities must foster mutual respect and collaboration between Brothers and priests. This includes shared leadership, decision-making, and ministry planning. Brothers should be encouraged to pursue academic and theological studies to enhance their formation and enable them to take on leadership roles within the Congregation.
To the Young: Is God Calling You to be a Redemptorist Brother?
Perhaps you are a young man reading this and wondering if God might be calling you. Maybe you love the Church but are not sure you are meant to be a priest. Could you be called to be a Brother?
Ask yourself:
- Do I desire to live in community?
- Do I feel drawn to serve the poor and abandoned?
- Do I want my life to proclaim God’s love, even without a collar?
If so, you are not alone. Talk to a Redemptorist Brother. Visit a community. Come and see, come and serve!
Conclusion: Plentiful Redemption Through Humble Lives
In the end, whether Brother or priest, every Redemptorist shares in the mystery of Christ’s redeeming love. The Brother does so with Gospel simplicity, with quiet service, and with a witness that speaks louder than many words. May we never forget: a Brother, a priest, each is a Redemptorist following Christ to make the Redeemer known.
Br. Tendai H. Tamai, C.Ss.R.
A Poem on the Life of St Gerard, the Brother
St. Gerard, gentle Brother,
Light in darkness, sign of hope,
Flame of love and humble servant,
In the Church, in all the world.
You, mirror of Christ’s mercy,
Wove charity with dedication,
Wore meekness like a sacred robe,
Clothed in patience, crowned with peace.
You prayed with the silence of saints,
In simplicity, you touched Heaven.
O faithful son, doing God’s will,
With joy, you served the poor,
With joy, you held the broken,
You knelt with the most abandoned
Revealing Christ in hidden places,
As feet that walk, as hands that bless.
You laboured in the vineyard
Spirit and flesh in sacred union,
A heart on fire with holy desire:
To awaken love in the young,
To stir the call to follow Christ,
To live a life consecrated in grace,
To choose the Brother’s path,
To answer the Brother’s vocation.
St. Gerard, inspire us still.
Let your spirit rise anew in us.
May your life be our compass,
Your joy, our strength,
Your prayer, our song.
Amen.
By Br Tendai H. Tamai, C.Ss.R.
