On 20th July 2025, Fr. Rogerio Gomes, Superior General, formally inaugurated the Confederation of Indian Redemptorists at the Holy Ghost Church Parish Hall, in Bengaluru. Joining him on the dais were Fr. Ivel Mendanha, General Consultor; Fr. Yaokim Ndelo, Co-ordinator of the Asia-Oceania Conference; Fr. Brendan O’Rourke, Provincial Superior of Dublin; Fr. Takeshi Inoue, Vice-Provincial Superior of Japan; Fr. Manoj, representing the Province of Oceania; Fr. Victorino Cueto, Provincial of the Singapore-Malaysia Vice-Province; Fr. Edward Joseph, Provincial Superior of Bangalore; Fr. Poly Kannampuzha, Provincial Superior of Liguori; and Fr. Henry Fernandes, Vice-Provincial of Majella. Meanwhile, the other Redemptorist priests concelebrated the Holy Mass from the floor. The liturgy was beautifully organized with the generous assistance of the Redemptorist theology students of Mt. St. Alphonsus and the candidates in formation at the Sadupadesa community.
The Eucharistic celebration took place in a setting enriched by intricate decorations and a majestic LED screen. As the main celebrants entered in procession, the hall resounded with the mellifluous voices and music of the Redemptorist Brothers. Upon arriving at the altar, the celebrants were given a solemn Indian-style welcome known as Kumbha Aarath; a traditional gesture acknowledging and honouring the divine presence in the celebrants.
During the Holy Mass, chosen in honour of the Most Holy Redeemer, Fr. General exhorted the Indian confreres to embrace the challenge of restructuring for mission—not as a mere administrative task, but as a spiritual journey of discipleship, following the Most Holy Redeemer in His kenotic, self-giving love that makes room for others: for sinners, the poor, and the most abandoned.
At the offertory procession, lay partners and the MPS Sisters presented symbolic offerings:
- The Constitutions (symbolizing consecration),
- Flowers (symbolizing love and devotion to God),
- The Confederation of India Emblem (symbolizing unity-in-mission), and
- Bread and wine (for Eucharistic consecration, transforming lives in Christ).
Alongside the confreres, the celebration was graced by religious sisters who reside within the Holy Ghost Church parish limits, the Missionary Sisters of Mother of Perpetual Help, family members of confreres, and lay partners in the mission, a truly wholesome gathering of the entire Redemptorist family. Before the final blessing, all professed confreres renewed their religious vows together, led by the Superior General.
The Formal Reading of the Decree of Inauguration of the Confederation:
Following the Eucharist, Fr. Ivel Mendanha invited Fr. General to read the Decree of Inauguration of the Redemptorist Confederation of India. As the decree was proclaimed, the congregation responded with resounding applause.
The inauguration of the Confederation will bring the three Indian Units of Redemptorists (Bangalore, Liguori and Majella) closer together for mission, for formation and for community too. This day marks the culmination of several years of discussions and discernment on the part of the Major Superiors of the three Units, guided by the General Government and Co-Ordinator of the Conference of Asia-Oceania. The law of the Confederation will be found in a carefully worked-out Statutes for the new body.
The inauguration of the Confederation of India marks a historic moment for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. As it is the first-ever Confederation of different Units within the Congregation, India now charts a pioneering course that may well set a precedent for many other Redemptorist Units across the globe.
A Breathtaking Cultural Presentation
A breathtaking cultural presentation followed, performed by the students of St. Alphonsus Academy, performing traditional dances from India’s diverse cultures, all while being presented in beautiful native costumes. We were privileged that His Garce, the Archbishop of Bangalore Rev. Dr. Peter Machado graced the occasion and added solemnity to the occasion. He gave warm words of encouragement and exhortation to the Redemptorists gathered there, appreciating the pastoral zeal and activities of the Redemptorists in the Archdiocese. Fr. Brendan O’Rourke, the Provincial of our Mother-Province of Dublin and Fr. Yaokim Ndelo, the Asia-Oceania both gave short and meaningful exhortations to the Confreres.
Inauguration of the Tricentennial Birth Anniversary of St. Gerard Majella
The celebration concluded with a solemn procession in which Fr. Gino Henriques, C.Ss.R., the senior-most Indian confrere, carried the relic of St. Gerard Majella to the centre of the congregation. He reverently placed it on a stand and incensed it before the people. This relic is set to travel across India throughout the coming year as part of the Tricentennial Birth Anniversary celebrations of St. Gerard Majella. Several initiatives are underway this year to promote devotion to and the spirituality of St. Gerard, the great patron saint of expectant mothers and families.
These twin celebrations have infused new life and enthusiasm into the Redemptorist family so that we can walk more fruitfully as Missionaries of Hope in the Footsteps of the Redeemer.
Fr. Sandeep Menezes, CSsR.
