The Redemptorist Province of Bolivia-Peru experienced days of profound spirituality and fraternity under the sun of Tarija, Bolivia, from March 10 to 14. The young priests of the province gathered to pause on their journey, strengthen their identity, and prepare for the challenges of their current mission.
Formation of the Heart and Mind
The meeting was led by Brother Luis Mojica of the Hospitaller, Order of Saint John of God. With his experience as a psychologist, Brother Luis facilitated a space for human and spiritual reflection that touched on essential aspects of consecrated life.
Through their talks, crucial topics for our ministry were explored in depth:
• Fidelity and Perseverance: We reflected on God’s unwavering fidelity as the foundation that sustains the priest’s daily “yes”.
• Holistic Care: The importance of caring for physical, mental, and spiritual health to better serve God’s people.
• Evangelical Freedom: A call to live with detachment in the face of the seductions of money and the traps of power.
• Identity and Community: It was reaffirmed that the Redemptorist identity is not lived in isolation, but in the warmth of community life, sharing the mission of announcing the Redemption.
A fraternal sharing
It wasn’t all training and reflection. The gathering was marked by the joy of being together. Daily prayer and Masses were the driving force of the meeting, while walks through the Tarija landscape and opportunities for sharing allowed the young priests to strengthen bonds of friendship and mutual support.
The mission is strengthened when brother embraces brother in prayer and shared responsibility.
A Grand Finale at the Mother House: Tupiza Dresses Up in Gala
The grand finale of these days could not have been more meaningful. The delegation travelled to the historic city of Tupiza, the birthplace and mother house of the Redemptorists in Bolivia.
On March 14, in an atmosphere of celebration and faith, the community celebrated the priestly ordination of Brother Ronald Agapito Bolivar Aparicio. This new “yes” to the service of the Church is the most beautiful fruit of this gathering, reminding us that Redemption remains alive and active through young hands and willing hearts.
We congratulate the new priest and thank all those who made this space of renewal possible, which will undoubtedly bear abundant fruit in the Redemptorist communities throughout the country.
Fr. Boris Calzadilla, CSsR.
Provincial of Bolivia-Peru Province
