Joy and gratitude in the Redemptorist celebrations of Pagani and Rome
At the heart of the Redemptorist family, perpetual profession represents a moment of grace and profound meaning. It is the culmination of a journey of discernment and total self-giving to Christ the Redeemer and to the mission of the Church of the Congregation. Recently, two young brothers, Br. Rocco Baldini and Br. Davide Velocci, pronounced their definitive “yes,” choosing to consecrate their lives to the service of God and their brothers and sisters according to the charism of Saint Alphonsus.
The perpetual profession of Br. Rocco Baldini took place on October 18th in the majestic setting of the Pontifical Basilica of St. Alphonsus in Pagani. Just a week earlier, on October 11th, Br. Davide Velocci had professed his perpetual vows at the parish of San Gioacchino in Prati, in the heart of Rome. Both solemn celebrations were presided over by Father Gennaro Sorrentino, Provincial Superior of the Europe South Province of the Redemptorists.
These moments of celebration were further enriched by the presence of numerous Redemptorist confreres, priests, religious, and a large gathering of faithful. Brothers, friends, and family shared the joy of these days, testifying to a vibrant and fruitful communion, a sign of the beauty of the vocation lived in community.
During the celebrations, Father Gennaro Sorrentino addressed the young professed and all those present with deeply inspiring words. He urged Brother Rocco and Brother Davide, and with them all the young brothers, to courageously follow Jesus the Redeemer, allowing themselves to be guided by the shining example of the Redemptorist saints. In particular, the Provincial Father recalled the figure of Saint Gerard Majella, the third centenary of whose birth we celebrate this year: “Saint Gerard teaches us that holiness is possible today, in the simplicity of daily life and in joyful fidelity to the Gospel. Take his dedication and unconditional love as an example, to be a living sign of God’s mercy in today’s world.”
At the conclusion of the celebrations, Brother Rocco and Brother Davide emotionally expressed their gratitude. They offered heartfelt thanks to the families who supported them on their vocational journey, to their Redemptorist brothers for their fellowship and support, and to all who prayed and rejoiced with them. The words of the two young men revealed their awareness that no one journeys toward holiness alone, but that the Lord works through the closeness and affection of a vibrant community.
After their final profession, new avenues of service open up for Br. Davide and Br. Rocco. Br. Davide Velocci will begin his ministry at the Materdomini community, a place dear to Redemptorist spirituality where the body of Saint Gerard Majella rests, and then continue at the community of Bussolengo, Verona, home to the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Br. Rocco Baldini, on the other hand, will continue his ministry at the Palermo community, where he can continue to contribute his enthusiasm and passion to the apostolic mission.
The perpetual professions of Brother Davide Velocci and Brother Rocco Baldini are a shining sign of God’s faithfulness and the generous response of young people to His call. In an age that often struggles to recognize the value of total self-giving, the testimony of these young Redemptorist brothers is an invitation to be surprised by the joy of the Gospel and the beauty of consecrated life.
As the Word of God states, “he who sows in difficulty, reaps in joy”: the Redemptorist community, with gratitude and hope, accompanies Brother Rocco and Brother Davide on the new stretch of road that awaits them.
The Community of Pagani
