Celebrating Redemptorist Missionary Vocation Sunday — 9th November 2025, Province of Bangalore, India
The evening of 9th November 2025 will be remembered as a historic and grace-filled moment for the Redemptorist Congregation in India. On the occasion of the Redemptorist Missionary Vocation Sunday, the first-ever Redemptorist Concert in India came alive as a vibrant celebration of faith, music, and missionary zeal.
This milestone event was envisioned and organized by the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) of the Bangalore Province, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Peter B., C.Ss.R., Secretary, and coordinator for RYVM.
Unity in Mission: A Nationwide Collaboration
The concert was a collaborative effort among the three Redemptorist units in India the Bangalore Province, Vice-Province of Majella, and Liguori Province, symbolizing unity in mission. Fr. Velson Fernandes, CSsR., and Fr. Joyan D Costa CSsR., from Goa, along with nine youth performers and the SJC Band, brought vibrant energy to the evening with their faith-filled music that set a joyful rhythm from the start.
The program began at 6:45 p.m. on the seminary grounds, with parishioners, youth, and religious gathering in anticipation. The evening opened with Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Peter B and Fr. Frank., who invited the faithful reminding everyone that “We are all called to pray for the Redemptorists, appreciate our own vocation, and pray for the Redemptorist Vocations.
After Adoration, the concert unfolded in an atmosphere of joy and participation, with the crowd singing, clapping, and dancing. The Mt. St. Alphonsus theologate students added color and creativity with their mask-themed costumes, delighting children and youth with their artistic expression.
A Multilingual Symphony of Faith
A highlight of the concert was its linguistic and cultural diversity, reflecting India’s unity in faith. Fr. Anoop and his team, along with MSA students, sang moving Malayalam devotional songs. Fr. Peter and the Liguori Band led Kannada hymns with a Carnatic touch.
The SJC band from Goa, lead through some of the popular gospel songs in English, Konkani, and Hindi. Fr. Sandeep Menezes, part of the organizing committee and the member of RYVM, sang with the Redemptorist youth of Bangalore he had trained, embodying joyful accompaniment.
Fr. Juventius performed “O Bella Speranza” by St. Alphonsus Liguori, adding classical grace. Fr. Cyril offered a heartfelt Tamil hymn that resonated deeply with the audience. Fr. Velson sang a bhajan in Hindi. Together, English, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Konkani, Hindi, and Italian melodies blended into a single chorus of faith a beautiful mosaic of India’s rich culture and Redemptorist unity.
The Spirit of the Redemptorists: Music with a Mission
Many songs were original Redemptorist compositions, filled with messages of hope, mercy, and redemption. Each performance carried a missionary pulse proclaiming Christ through music and joy.
The youth played a vital role not just as an audience but as co-creators singing, dancing, emceeing, and volunteering. This dynamic spirit reflected the creativity of St. Alphonsus, who himself used art and music for evangelization. The Holy Ghost Church community actively supported the event, encouraging participation from children, youth, and parishioners. Their hospitality made the seminary grounds a true space of prayer, praise, and celebration.
Moments of Celebration and Gratitude
A memorable moment came with the cake-cutting ceremony, marking this historic first concert. The Redemptorists sang their traditional “Vivat” wishing song, while the cake designed with the Congregation’s emblem symbolized unity and thanksgiving for the mission in India.
The evening also saw the launch of “Stay Cheerful,” a new book by Fr. A. P. Rajan, C.Ss.R., released in honor of the Tercentenary of St. Gerard Majella. The book celebrates St. Gerard’s joyful spirituality and inspired those present to live their faith with cheerfulness and generosity.
The Call to Mission: Faith That Unites and Inspires
The Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Edward Joseph, C.Ss.R., and his council extended their full support, recognizing the concert as a creative means of promoting vocations. The chief guest, Rev. Fr. John Matthew, C.Ss.R., Vicar Provincial, commended the youth and organizers, inviting the People to pray for the Redemptorists and appreciated the event.”
Indeed, this concert embodied that truth it was not merely a performance but an encounter with the joy of the Gospel, alive in music and fraternity.
A Legacy Begins
The Redemptorist Missionary Vocation Sunday 2025 will be remembered not just as a concert, but as the beginning of a new missionary tradition in India one that unites hearts, cultures, and generations in the love of Christ the Redeemer. Audience feedback described the evening as “spirit-filled, joyful, and inspiring,” expressing hope that it becomes an annual celebration to foster new vocations and rekindle missionary enthusiasm. In every song, dance, and prayer, one message echoed clearly: “We are all called to be witnesses of redemption, hope, and joy. “O Lord of the harvest, send laborers into Your vineyard!”
Fr. Peter. B. C.Ss.R.
Coordinator RYVM, Province of Bangalore.
