The General Commission for Redemptorist Youth and Vocational Ministry (RYVM) met in Rome from 17 to 20 February. On the first day, the Superior General delivered a message to the General Commission and the various RYVM commissions in the different Units. He emphasized that the commitment of RYVM leaders is a concrete sign that the missionary charism of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori is alive and continues to be relevant and fruitful. A charism that is capable of touching the hearts of new generations and opening paths of hope for today’s world.
Father Rogerio also emphasized that as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of St Gerard’s birth, we should remember his simple, joyful and deeply human way of living his faith, which touched and continues to touch the hearts of so many young people. He also recalled how St. Clement engaged with the youth of his time, in a period marked by profound cultural and political changes, and how he created spaces of welcome and support for the youth. This demonstrates that the RYVM is not a peripheral sector, but integral to the heart of our mission, providing a “theological and missionary space in which the Congregation can address the key issues facing contemporary youth.”
Within the framework of the restructuring process, Fr. Rogerio invites us to ‘move beyond isolated initiatives and consider youth ministry in a more organic, inter-conference and missionary manner. He also encourages us to invest in young people, as this represents an investment in the future of the Congregation. He also invited this commission and all RYVM working groups to:
- strengthen charismatic identity
- integrate youth ministry and vocation promotion
- create networks between conferences
- read the signs of the times in today’s world
- seek new paths with missionary courage
- develop formation materials integrated with the themes of the General Government
During the commission meeting, the action plan for the second half of the sexennium was reviewed. In accordance with the call of the Father General, possibilities for aligning the themes for the next three years (leadership, spirituality, and a review of life) with the Commission’s work and activities were considered.
On Friday the 20th, the commission held a Zoom meeting, attended by the general consultor for Asia, Fr. Ivel Mendanha, and the superior of the Redemptorists in Korea, Fr. Kwon Osang Casimir. The meeting discussed preparations for the World Youth Day (WYD), which will take place in Seoul, Korea from 3 to 8 August 2027 and World Alphonsian Day (WAD). World Alphonsian Day is celebrated during World Youth Day, in which members of the RYVM from the five conferences participate. The upcoming programs will help advance preparations for welcoming and participating in WYD and WYD for the members of the RYVM.
Fr. Cristian Bueno, C.Ss.R.,
Executive Secretary of the General Secretariat for Evangelization
