Father Inácio Medeiros, CSsR, the director of the Redemptorist Historical Institute in Rome, presented the new issue (2025, issues 1–2) of the journal Spicilegium Historicum, a scientific publication of the Institute that collects studies and research on the history and spirituality of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Founded in 1948 during the term of Generalate of Fr. Leonardo Buijs, the Redemptorist Historical Institute launched the journal Spicilegium Historicum in 1953 as a tool for historical dissemination and research. Today, the journal continues its mission, offering scholarly contributions that bring the Redemptorist tradition into dialogue with the history of the Church and contemporary culture.
In the presentation video, Fr. Inácio recalled that the Spicilegium Historicum is “a way for us to be Redemptorists too—by spreading, researching, and learning about our history.” The director emphasized how knowing one’s roots is an integral part of the missionary vocation: “No one loves what they don’t know.”
The issue of 2025 comes in a particularly significant context for the Congregation, which is preparing to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella and, in a few years, the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer itself.
Contents of issue 2025 (issues 1–2)
The new volume presents studies of great historical and theological value, written by Redemptorist authors and lay scholars of international standing:
- Carl Hoegerl, CSsR, “The American Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (1835–1849),” An in-depth analysis of the origins and development of the Redemptorist presence in the United States during the 19th century.
- Aurelio Porfiri, “Saint Alphonsus M. de Liguori and popular religious song,” A study that explores the contribution of Saint Alphonsus to the diffusion of sacred song as a pastoral tool and popular evangelization.
- Rudolf Svoboda, “John Nepomucen Neumann’s Letters (1824–1836),” The publication and commentary of previously unpublished letters by the future Redemptorist bishop, offering new perspectives on his formation and spirituality.
- Vincenzo La Mendola, CSsR, “The first hundred years of the presence of the Redemptorists in Scifelli (1773–1883),” A historical reconstruction of the foundation and life of the Redemptorist house of Scifelli, one of the oldest of the Congregation in Italy.
The new issue will be distributed to all the Provinces and Vice-Provinces of the Congregation and will also be available in PDF format for confreres, oblates, and lay associates.
