In a world often defined by its divisions, our Redemptorist charism always calls us to the margins, urging us to be missionaries and pilgrims of hope in a wounded world. Recently, this mission continued and took on a vibrant, visible form in Rome during Christian Unity Week. For the Dublin Province, this was a profound moment of witnessing the ongoing work of peace.
Redemptorist Lay Associates Ed Peterson and Dermot Kelly, who have dedicated decades to peace ministry and youth work in Ireland, joined a pilgrimage of 28 people from Belfast’s 4 Corners Festival to engage in “Peace Connections”: a journey of dialogue, synodality, and reimagined realities.
Reimagining the New Realities: More than a Physical Journey
As our Congregation moves through this Year Dedicated to Mission, we are challenged by the call of the Communicanda: “Let us cross to the other side” (cf. Mk 4:35). However, as we reflect on the recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, we recognise that this is not merely a structural or physical crossing. As we focus on the Church’s call to love and to serve the poor, we must always ensure that the Redeemer is in the boat with us.
For Ed and Dermot, crossing to the heart of the Universal Church was an opportunity to “rekindle the gift of God” by leaving behind the human insecurities of the familiar to embrace the challenges of interchurch dialogue at the highest level. The group held significant discussions with Ambassadors to the Holy See, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and the General Secretariat of the Synod. Yet the true “interior passage” happened in the spaces between—the walks through the Eternal City where Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Catholic pilgrims recognised themselves as one body.
A Papal Mandate: “Peace Be with You… All”
A defining moment of the pilgrimage was the encounter with Pope Leo. It was deeply significant that the Holy Father greeted the group with the very same words that marked the beginning of his papacy: “Peace be with you… all.” These words are not just a polite greeting; they are a mission statement that aligns perfectly with our Redemptorist priority of evangelisation.
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At the conclusion of the meeting, Pope Leo offered a direct charge to the whole gathering, a message that Ed and Dermot are now bringing back to the Dublin Province: “Let us all work together for peace.” Reflecting on this experience, Ed Peterson noted:
“There was a significant sense of respect among the entire group and a pure heart of thanksgiving for our brothers and sisters from other Christian Churches. It was humbling as a Catholic to see the reverence which our brothers and sisters in Christ show towards our Catholic faith, from our various visits and prayer.”
Missionaries on the Move
For the Redemptorist family, this pilgrimage served as a reminder that our Lay Associates are vital to the vitality of our mission. In a time that invites us to leave behind routines that no longer evangelise, the Dublin Province represent the apostolic zeal and creativity needed to reach the excluded.
Dermot Kelly captured the spirit of this Redemptorist calling:
“This journey is essential for our Congregation because we are all missionaries. Crossing to the other side is how we learn from each other. As we take this experience home, we carry the Pope’s mandate to be peacemakers in our own communities. This is one way we can truly be together.”
“Because We Are Friends”
As Ed and Dermot return to Ireland to continue their vital work in peace, youth, and reconciliation, we are reminded of the words of the late Fr. Gerry Reynolds, a Redemptorist titan for peace in Northern Ireland. When once asked why he engaged in such difficult interchurch dialogue, his simple response was: “Because we are friends.” Our Congregation is alive with initiatives like “Peace Connections.” As we look toward the future of the Redemptorist mission, let us walk without fear, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. By embracing our Lay Associates and the new realities of our wounded world, we shall surely reach the other side together.
Dermot Kelly,
Youth Director, Dublin Province
