The Spanish edition of the Redemptorist Spirituality Course began on Monday, September 8, 2025. Its main objective is to connect with the sources of Alphonsian spirituality and to delve deeper into the figure of Saint Alphonsus Mary and the early Redemptorists during the founding and growth of the Congregation.
The course was organized by the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality of the General Curia of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in Rome, under the direction of Fr. Krzysztof Dworak, CSsR, and with the assistance of Fr. Cristian Bueno, CSsR, Executive Secretary of the General Secretariat for Evangelization.
Twelve members of the Redemptorist family—Redemptorist missionaries and one lay person—from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean participated. The experience took place from September 8 to 27, with two main stages: Rome and Ciorani.
During these three intense weeks, the participants enjoyed lectures, moments of communal prayer, and visits to places associated with the life of the Founder, the Redemptorist saints and blesseds, and the Congregation’s first communities. It was a true experience of spiritual and historical pilgrimage, rediscovering their shared roots and renewing their missionary vocation.
Below are some testimonials from participants who share their experiences of the spirituality course.
Following in the Footsteps of Saint Gerard in Muro Lucano and Deliceto
Fr. Alipio Flores, Province of Bolivia-Peru
“Walking through the places where Saint Gerard was born and lived moved me deeply. I felt the silence and peace of a child who walked those same streets, experiencing poverty and faith with joy and humility. Saint Gerard teaches us to follow Jesus with passion, facing life’s difficulties and challenges. From being considered “useless,” he became a cornerstone for the Congregation, demonstrating that holiness is built through daily life and humble commitment.”
My experience at Materdomini
Ana Carolina Massae Suetake, collaborator of the Province of Curitiba
Visiting Materdomini was an intense experience: seeing where Saint Gerard lived and worked, feeling God’s presence in those sacred places. Despite his short life, he left a great legacy of welcome and love for the most vulnerable. This course helped us reflect on our role in the world: helping the marginalized, spreading the faith, and living holiness in our daily lives. It is an experience that renews our faith and strengthens our missionary commitment.
A deeply positive and enriching experience
Fr. Gladimir Gerard CSsR, Mother Province of Perpetual Help
For years, I dreamed of participating in this Redemptorist Spirituality Course. These three weeks have been the fulfilment of that dream. I knew I would visit the founding sites of my Congregation, but this pilgrimage also held many surprises for me.
For example, Saint Alphonsus’s abandonment of Scala was similar to that of Naples, as there were also many priests there; he sought rest but faced the same spiritual dilemma. Another curious detail: Alphonsus smoked his own tobacco—I didn’t know that!
It was an experience that allowed me to better understand the history of my Congregation. I take with me precious memories and a clearer and broader perspective of my Redemptorist family. The conferences and visits have helped me better understand the Congregation’s beginnings and its great value for the Church.
I believe it’s an experience every Redemptorist should have at least once in their life time: it opens us to the original spirit of the pioneers and renews our charismatic identity. I feel more rooted in the Redemptorist spirit that has always inspired my pastoral work. I am grateful and blessed, and I sincerely hope that this journey will continue over time.
Following in the footsteps of our founding fathers
Rubén Martínez CSsR, Pedro Donders Province
“Ciorani, Muro Lucano, Deliceto, Pagani, Caposele… These are names that, for every Redemptorist, resonate in the depths of their heart and soul. From the first steps of discernment and vocational formation, these places have been a constant presence: not just geographical locations but living reminders of the missionary journey of our Congregation, born to bring the Gospel to the poorest and most abandoned.
Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Saint Gerard Majella, Blessed Gennaro Sarnelli, Vito Curzio, and many other confreres are intimately linked to this missionary history that began in 1732 and still marks our path today.
Participating in this course has been an immense grace for me. It allowed me to connect with the deepest roots of our spirituality and with the experience of fraternity of the first Redemptorists in the house of Ciorani. I was deeply moved by their determination in the face of difficulties and their passion in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the poor and abandoned.
Traveling through these lands and learning about their spirituality powerfully motivates me to follow in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers. The mission continues, because the mission belongs to the Redeemer.
A renewed call to the lay vocation
Luiz Antônio Rocha Amaral, Redemptorist lay missionary – Province of Curitiba
My participation was completely unexpected. In January, the Redemptorist community at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Campo Grande informed me that I would be participating in the September course. I looked forward to it with joy and a bit of dilemma, as it would be my first experience on another continent.
The course allowed me to visit the Congregation’s places of origin and feel the breath of the Spirit that inspired Saint Alphonsus and so many others to proclaim God’s Redemptorist love. It was a retreat-like experience: the places, the early communities, and the guidance of the missionaries helped us immerse ourselves in Redemptorist spirituality.
In particular, the visit to the Catacomb of St. Callixtus had a profound impact on me: seeing how early Christians lived their faith, hope, and charity strengthened my belief in the importance of passing on the faith to future generations.
The course reminded me that my primary vocation is my baptismal vocation: to be a sign of God’s Kingdom in society and in the family. This experience renewed my commitment as a lay person to the Congregation, strengthening my desire to serve with dedication and joy.
I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to embrace this experience with courage and openness: three weeks at the heart of the Congregation help us embody the Redemptorist charism and fully live our mission of proclaiming the Gospel, especially to the most abandoned.
