Provincials and delegates from across North America reflect on mission, fraternity, and the path ahead
From October 13–18, Redemptorists from across Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Vietnamese Extra Patriam Province gathered at St. Alphonsus Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey, for the Mid-Sexennium Meeting of the Redemptorist Conference of North America.
The meeting brought together provincial superiors, vocals, and partners in mission, joined by Fr. Rogério Gomes, CSsR, Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and Br. Larry Luján, CSsR, General Consultor. Also present were facilitators, translators, and members of the Conference’s leadership team.
Despite the gathering beginning amid a Nor’easter storm, participants experienced a week filled with prayer, reflection, and fraternal dialogue under more temperate autumn skies. The event offered an opportunity to discern how best to live out the Redemptorist mission of proclaiming the Good News to the poor and most abandoned in the context of North America today.
Fr. Jerome Chavarria, CSsR, Coordinator of the Conference, noted that the Mid-Sexennium provides “a vital pause halfway between General Chapters to review progress, celebrate unity, and adjust direction.”
During the opening Mass, Fr. Rogério Gomes delivered a moving homily, reminding confreres that Jesus is “the ultimate sign of mercy, compassion, and love.” He challenged participants to reflect personally and communally on this question: “What sign do each of us represent to the people of God?”
Throughout the week, discussions centered on formation programs, communication strategies, safeguarding initiatives, and ongoing revisions to the Redemptorist Constitutions and Statutes. Participants also heard a comprehensive report from the General Government outlining achievements and challenges from the first half of the current sexennium.
Fr. Kevin Zubel, CSsR, Provincial of the Denver Province, described the experience as “a family reunion” that rekindled hope and energy for the mission. “We’re dreaming big,” he said. “My hope is that we can turn this momentum into new ways of bringing our mission to life in North America.”
Fr. Joaquín Frausto, CSsR, of the Province of Mexico, called the gathering “a hopeful moment,” emphasizing that the process of reconfiguration across provinces is both challenging and grace-filled. “These challenges don’t limit us—they invite us to face the future with joy and confidence in what God is doing among us,” he reflected.
As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of gratitude and renewed commitment. Participants expressed thanks for the spirit of fraternity experienced in Long Branch.
“The Redeemer, in the power of the Spirit, has blessed us, and Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help, has walked at our side every day,” the Conference shared on its Facebook page. “We leave carrying the missionary spirit of St. Alphonsus—a light of hope for a world in need of the Gospel.”
Scala News
Pictures: North American Conference of Redemptorists’ Facebook profile
Watch the video highlights below for moments of reflection and fraternity from the 2025 Mid-Sexennium Meeting of the Redemptorist Conference of North America.
