From February 16 to 28, 2026, the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila in the Philippines hosts the Fraternal Visitation of the General Government.
The visit led by Fr. Nicolas Issifi Ayouba-Martin, CSsR (General Consultor) and Fr. Yoakim Rahab Ndelo, CSsR (Coordinator of the Conference Coordinator for Asia–Oceania), serves as a pilgrimage of listening, aimed at strengthening the bonds of international solidarity and reaffirming the Redemptorist identity in the service of the poor.
The visitation officially commenced on February 16 at St. Alphonsus Mission House (VP Residence) in Quezon City. The opening was marked by a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Raymond Urriza, CSsR, Superior of the Vice-Province, followed by a traditional Gaudeamus—a joyful celebration of brotherhood.
The itinerary has been a deliberate balance of liturgical prayer, individual dialogues with confreres, and collaborative sessions with lay partners. A poignant highlight of the Manila leg was the visit to Brgy. Tatalon, bringing the General Council directly to the “peripheries” to witness the Redemptorist commitment to the most abandoned.
The visitors travelled extensively to witness the diverse expressions of the Redemptorist mission across various islands:
- Legazpi Mission Community (Feb 18–20): The delegation engaged in a series of intensive consultations with professed Redemptorists, lay missionaries, postulants, and lay partners in mission. The visit included a deep immersion in the mission areas of Inang Maharang and Holugan in Manito, Albay, and a shared moment of prayer with the Redemptoristine Sisters.
- Northern Luzon Mission Station (Feb 21–24): The “grace-filled encounter” moved to the highlands of Ifugao at Our Lady of Visitation Mission Parish. The visitors met with Bishop Valentin Dimoc, DD, and BEC leaders, highlighting the vitality of the apostolic presence in the north. The journey also took the team to Laoag, where they visited former mission areas in Uguis and met with the Confraternity of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
On February 24, the visitation reached a new milestone with the arrival of Fr. Rogério Gomes, CSsR, Superior General of the Congregation, at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran). His arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony attended by staff, lay partners, and the professed community, followed by a prayer and blessing at the shrine.
As the visitation moves toward its conclusion on February 28, the fruits of these dialogues and immersions are being entrusted to the guidance of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. For the Redemptorists of the Vice-Province of Manila, these two weeks have been more than a series of meetings; they have been a renewal of their call to be “Missionaries of Hope in the footsteps of the Redeemer.”
Scala News
Information and photos are from the Facebook profile of the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila.
