From October 7th to 10th, the annual meeting of the brothers of the Andean-Caribbean Province was held at the Redemptorist Community of Buga, as part of our ongoing formation process. It was a moment of grace, fraternity, and spiritual renewal, which allowed us to share our lives, strengthen our communion, and renew our commitment to the Redemptorist mission.
In light of the Communicanda 02/2025: “Let us cross over to the other side,” we reflected on the need to reimagine our mission in a changing world, drawing inspiration from the simple, joyful, and profoundly evangelical life of Saint Gerard Mayela, patron and model of the Redemptorist brothers.
Throughout the days, several key themes were addressed: the spirituality and apostolate of Saint Gerard, redemption in the Redemptorist mission, and the brother’s vocation as a witness of hope and service in the community. Father Jorge Castro’s presentations were profound, illuminating with wisdom and realism the missionary meaning of our consecration.
Father Mauricio Monroy, Provincial Superior, welcomed us and shared his opening message, inviting us to experience this meeting as a space to renew the joy of our vocation and strengthen fraternal bonds. Likewise, we joined the virtual meeting led by Father Rogério Gomes, Superior General, and Brother Larry, General Consultor, who encouraged us to keep alive the identity and mission of the brothers within the Congregation.
Father Héctor Bonilla, provincial councillor, led the sharing of apostolic experiences, where each brother spoke of his service in the various mission fronts: parish communities, social works, and pastoral projects. It was a moment of fellowship and mutual learning, which strengthened our awareness of being one family at the service of the Gospel.
The meeting took place in a fraternal, joyful, and deeply participatory atmosphere. There were moments of prayer, reflection, celebration, and fellowship that helped us experience the Lord’s presence in the midst of the community.
We sincerely thank the Formation Secretariat for its dedication and commitment in organizing the meeting, as well as the Apostolic Community of Buga for its generous welcome, hospitality, and testimony of Redemptorist fraternity.
Guided by the spirit of Saint Gerard, we brothers of the Andean-Caribbean Province renew our commitment to the Redemptorist mission and reaffirm our desire to “cross over to the other side,” facing the challenges of today’s world with hope, creativity, and fidelity to the charism of Saint Alphonsus.
Fraternally,
Redemptorist Brothers of the Andean-Caribbean Province
