Christians defend themselves with the “weapons” of the Cross, the sponge and the spear, trusting in the Plentiful Redemption.
The coat of arms of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was born from a drawing by Brother Vittorio Curzio, C.Ss.R. (1707–1745), traced in the oven of the House of Anastasio, in Scala, in 1738.
The Redemptive Cross on Mount Calvary is flanked by a ladder, a sponge, and a spear. In the background rise Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments, and Mount Tabor, where the Divine Savior manifested himself as Mediator between the Law of Moses and the Mysticism represented by the prophet Elijah. Thus, God accompanies us with his loving gaze: “Copiosa apud eum Redemptio.”
Brother Gérard Knockaert, C.Ss.R. (1845–1928), Belgian Redemptorist, architect, sculptor and painter, designed and contributed to the enlargement of the church, the construction of the sacristy and, above it, the Domestic Chapel of the Redemptorist General House, in Rome.
In 1890 he returned to the Eternal City to collaborate with Brother Max Schmalzl, C.Ss.R. (1850–1930), a Bavarian, on completing the paintings in the Church of Perpetual Help. On that occasion, Max painted the Redemptorist coat of arms above the door of the Domestic Chapel in the Generalate. He also created the stained-glass windows in the sacristy, church, and chapel, and was also the author of the sacred illustrations contained in the liturgical books of the Catholic Church during the pontificate of Pope Pius X.
Brother Bonifácio, C.Ss.R. (1897–1994), Dutch draughtsman, sculptor and painter, worked for 55 years in Brazil, where he left a rich artistic legacy, including wood-carved and painted coats of arms.
Thus, our artist brothers have represented, shown, and left imprinted on the “Weapons of Copious Redemption” the sign of their missionary passage, announcing the Good News of the Kingdom.
In celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella, C.Ss.R. (1726–1755), we ask for his vocational intercession so that many future Brothers may arise, rich in gifts and wisdom to serve the mission of Jesus the Redeemer.
May faith, translated into spirituality, and the inculturated Redemptorist charism continue to inspire us ever more.
Let us give thanks: “Abundant redemption with him.” Amen.
Brother Maciel, C.Ss.R.
November 6, 2025
