With joy and hope, the Andean-Caribbean Province celebrated the First Congress of Redemptorist Formandi, held from October 9 to 12 at the San Alfonso Seminary in Piedecuesta, Colombia. The event was attended by 36 formandi from various stages of formation, seven novices from the San Alfonso International Novitiate, and twelve Redemptorist priests, including formators, vocation promoters, and the Provincial Superior.
The Congress centered on the theme “Saint Gerard, Missionary of Hope,” which linked two important anniversaries: the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Gerardian Jubilee Year. Inspired by the testimony of Saint Gerard, participants reflected on how to be witnesses of hope in the current context, strengthening a formative program committed to mission and close to the needs of the most abandoned.
During the work, each formation phase creatively presented its own thematic contribution, demonstrating the richness and diversity of formation in the Province. The Congress also saw the virtual participation of Father Rogério Gomes, Superior General, and Brother Larry Luján, General Consultor, who encouraged those in formation to live their journey with joy, depth, and a missionary spirit.
In person, the meeting was accompanied by Fr. Fulgencio Guerrero, a member of the mission team of the Province, who shared his missionary experience and invited the young Redemptorists to maintain a constant attitude of availability and service.
The event took place in an atmosphere of fraternity, prayer, and conviviality, offering opportunities for meeting, dialogue, reflection, sports, music, and liturgical celebrations. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen provincial communion and renew their commitment to the Redemptorist mission.
This first Congress leaves behind a stronger sense of belonging and hope in the Congregation, as well as the desire to increasingly conform to Christ the Redeemer, following the model of Saint Alphonsus and Saint Gerard, in serving those most in need.
With this meeting, the Andean-Caribbean Province continues its commitment to comprehensive, missionary, and hope-filled formation, at the service of the Church and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Fr. Jesus Ortiz, C.Ss.R.
