As the Redemptorist family in Vietnam joyfully prepares to celebrate 100 years of Redemptorist presence (1925–2025) and 293 years since the founding of the Congregation (1732–2025), the community of St. Alphonsus Theologate in Saigon had the great joy of welcoming the General Government on November 10, 2025.
This visit carried special pastoral and formative significance for the Province of Vietnam, particularly for the theologate community, which today includes 89 Redemptorist students and 160 students from other religious congregations and orders. The presence of the Superior General, Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R., together with General Consultors Fr. Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., was a powerful sign of communion and fraternal closeness within the Congregation.
The visit began with a traditional song of welcome, followed by an open and fratenal dialogue between the members of the General Government, the Theologate’s formators, and the students. Also present were the Provincial Superior of Vietnam and representatives from different Redemptorist communities across the Province.
In his message, Fr. Rogério Gomes expressed his joy at the vitality of the Congregation in Vietnam and the growth of vocations, while inviting the confreres to reflect on the missionary identity of Redemptorists in today’s world. He encouraged the students to nurture a deep love for the poor and to live their formation with faithfulness and generosity.
Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, General Consultor, praised the missionary spirit of Vietnamese Redemptorists both within the Province and abroad, and invited the young confreres to remain open to future international missionary service.
During the dialogue, students shared their experiences and questions regarding formation and mission, receiving from the General Government words of encouragement, wisdom, and hope.
The gathering concluded in a joyful fraternal atmosphere with the exchange of symbolic gifts and a shared meal.
May the Redeemer, through the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and St. Alphonsus, continue to bless the Province of Vietnam and the entire Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, as together we proclaim the joy of abundant redemption in our wounded world.
Fr. Anthony Dung, C.Ss.R.
Dean of Studies, St. Alphonsus Studentate
