Aparecida, December 1-5, 2025
The 13th Congress of the Redemptorist Brothers of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean (CLAIR/CLAHER) was held in Aparecida at the Santo Afonso Seminary from r 1st to 5th of Decembe, 2025. The event brought together 57 participants from various units of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, representing the Provinces of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Brasilia, Curitiba, Andean-Caribbean, Pedro Donders, and Central America and the Caribbean.
After a long period without in-person meetings, this moment took on particular significance, fostering the strengthening of fraternal bonds and the resumption of direct coexistence. The meeting also reflected a new institutional reality: the participants already recognized themselves as the fruit of the unit’s restructuring process, a sign of a time that requires openness, co-responsibility, and new ways of collaborating in the Redemptorist mission.
The 13th CLAIR/CLAHER took place in a particularly significant context, marked by the celebrations of the 300th anniversary (1726–2026) of the birth of Saint Gerard, our brother, whose simple, trusting, and entirely dedicated life remains an inspiring point of reference for Redemptorist spirituality and missionary work. In light of this jubilee, the meeting called for a renewal of hope, a strengthening of bonds of communion, and a reaffirmation of commitment to the mission entrusted to the Congregation.
The event featured moments of prayer, fraternal sharing, and shared reflection, fostering a climate of listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility. The meeting reaffirmed fraternity as an essential pillar of Redemptorist life.
The event was attended by:
- Brother Larry Lujan, CSsR, the General Consultor,
- Father César Torres, CSsR, Coordinator of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean,
- Father Marlos Aurélio, CSsR, Provincial Superior of Aparecida.
Their closeness and contribution significantly enriched the work carried out. Special recognition goes to Brothers Marco Lucas CSsR, and Marcos Vinícius CSsR, responsible for organizing the meeting, whose dedication was fundamental to the success of this fraternal experience.
At the conclusion of the Congress, participants returned to their communities strengthened by their shared experience, inspired by hope, and committed to building shared paths. The importance of the vocation of the Redemptorist Brother in the life and mission of the Congregation was emphasized: his presence is neither complementary nor secondary, but constitutive of the Redemptorist identity. This constantly reminds us that mission arises from following Christ and from fraternal life, and not from ordained ministry. In this sense, the XIII CLAIR/CLAHER reaffirmed the importance of overcoming all forms of clericalism, promoting relationships characterized by co-responsibility, mutual respect, and the practice of authentic fraternity, in which each vocation is recognized in its dignity and specific contribution.
The fruits of the XIII CLAIR/CLAHER have been entrusted to the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida and the shining example of Saint Gerard, in the certainty that the Redemptorist mission remains alive, relevant, and necessary in the face of the challenges of evangelization.
Br. Diego Vinicio G. de Almeida, CSsR.
