Last Saturday, December 6th, the Advent spiritual retreat concluded with a particularly significant moment: Fr. Rogério Gomes, CSsR, Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, awarded Dr. Massimo Bottini the Redemptorist Oblate diploma in the chapel of the Sant’Alfonso community in Rome. It was an emotional ceremony, marking Dr. Bottini’s official entry into the Redemptorist spiritual family, after years of generous and dedicated service as the community’s benefactor and primary contact physician.
A day of reflection and communion
The retreat, led by Fr. Mario Boies, CSsR, professor at the Alphonsian Academy, had the theme “The Incarnation: God’s Empathy for Humanity,” joined by two Roman Redemptorist communities of Sant’Alfonso and San Gioacchino. The day was an opportunity to explore the Advent journey, preparing for Christmas through prayer, sharing, and reflection, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori.
A spiritual bond with the Redemptorist charism and mission
The culminating moment was the Eucharist presided over by Father Rogério Gomes, during which Dr. Bottini was awarded with a certificate of recognition as an Oblate of the Redemptorist Congregation.
In his homily, the Superior General emphasized that being an Oblate is not a choice marked by religious vows, but a free and generous communion with the Redemptorist charism: “The Oblates are inspired by the four pillars of Redemptorist spirituality: the Incarnation, the Cross, the Eucharist, and the Virgin Mary. They seek to be living signs of God’s mercy, especially among the poor and abandoned. In the world, in their families, at work, and in social life, they are an evangelizing and supportive presence, witnesses to Christ’s abundant redemption,” stated Fr. Rogério.
Addressing the new Oblate, Father General added: “Dear Dr. Bottini, your career as a physician already demonstrates a service to others marked by empathy, listening, and dedication—values that in our Congregation we call compassion. The physician, in my opinion, embodies the figure of the Good Samaritan par excellence: one who stops, sees, cares, and is close. The title you receive today only confirms, with joy and gratitude, what your life already manifests: a commitment to faith lived with intelligence, sensitivity, and compassion.”
The graduation ceremony
Before the final blessing, Fr. Rogério Gomes presented the Oblate diploma to Dr. Bottini, assisted by Fr. Gianni Congiu, CSsR, Rector of the Sant’Alfonso community. Before the community and his family, Dr. Bottini expressed his gratitude for this recognition, calling it “an immense honour,” which allows him to share more deeply in the Redemptorist charism. “I pledge to embrace this gift and to contribute, under the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin of Perpetual Help, to the good that your mission promotes in the world, bringing the love and hope of the Redeemer everywhere,” he declared.
An example of service and faith
Dr. Bottini embodies the intersection of professionalism and spirituality, demonstrating how the lay vocation can be a concrete sign of God’s mercy in the world. The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer joyfully welcomes this new Oblate, hoping that his testimony may be a sign of hope for all he meets in his service.
May Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, accompany Dr. Bottini and his family on this new journey of faith and mission.
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