For the first time in the history of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, brothers from all five Conferences of the Congregation gathered together in Rome, marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of St. Gerard Majella. More than 70 brothers, representing a wide spectrum of cultures, languages and apostolic contexts, arrived in the Eternal City on April 22 and will remain together through Sunday 26th in what promises to be a truly historic moment of fraternal communion.
The gathering was opened with a solemn Mass presided by Fr. Rogério Gomes CSsR, Superior General, on the morning of April 23. In his homily, Fr. General set the tone for the days ahead, describing the meeting as “a significant moment that allows us to recognize ourselves as one missionary body, in the richness of our Redemptorist charism, in the ‘yes’ given on the day of religious profession, in the diversity of apostolic works, and in the various cultures and languages that enrich us.”
The first working session was moderated by Br. Celestine and Br. Diego, both members of the General Commission for Brothers. After a warm round of introductions — which itself took considerable time, given the size and diversity of the group — the Commission presented the agenda and the goals of the meeting.
Following the coffee break, Fr. Gomes delivered a longer address in which he articulated the deeper meaning of the gathering. He described it, first and foremost, as a meeting of brothers, among brothers and for brothers: “Brothers through consecration, through Baptism, and through mission; Brothers called to live the same vocation, even within diverse cultural, linguistic, and apostolic contexts.” He emphasized that seeing one another face to face, listening to each other’s stories and sharing both joys and fragilities is itself a way of building communion and strengthening Redemptorist identity.
Fr. General then invited the brothers to reflect on the Lord’s question from the Gospel: “What are you seeking?” — encouraging them to approach these days with openness and a genuine desire to “come and see.” He also spoke candidly about the situation brothers have been experiencing within the Congregation in recent times, stressing that an honest look at reality must be accompanied by a renewed sense of vocation. “Create spaces amongst yourselves where you can share in the life and mission of the Brothers, and seek new ways to proclaim the Gospel in ever-changing forms,” he said.
A second part of the meeting is a return to the sources — contemplating the life and witness of St. Gerard Majella, Fr. Gomes explained. This, he made clear, is not a nostalgic exercise, but a living encounter with an incarnate charism. “Saint Gerard teaches us that holiness is not expressed in great speeches, but in daily fidelity to the will of God.” He invited the brothers to approach the upcoming pilgrimage to Materdomini not merely as an external visit, but with a truly contemplative attitude, allowing themselves to be touched by Gerard’s simplicity, humility and deep union with God.
Finally, Fr. General pointed to the missionary dimension of the gathering: those who have come and seen are called to go forth. “Whoever experiences the Risen One cannot remain closed in on himself; he inevitably becomes a witness,” he said, encouraging the brothers to be “missionaries of hope in a world marked by so many uncertainties.”
After the address, several brothers took the floor to share their reactions, expressing gratitude, joy and a renewed sense of hope. The session was formally concluded by Br. Larry Lujan, General Consultor and head of the General Commission for Brothers.
In the afternoon, the participants followed a video presentation by Fr. Serafino Fiore, C.Ss.R., Rector of the Shrine of Materdomini, on the life and spirituality of St. Gerard and the legacy he has handed to the Redemptorist family. Following the presentation, the Brothers spent about half an hour in shared reflection on the day’s talks. The day concluded with adoration in the chapel, offering thanks and praise to God for the many blessings received as Missionary Brothers in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Perhaps what is most striking about this gathering, beyond the agenda and the speeches, is the human reality it represents. Many of these brothers are in Rome for the first time. Many are meeting one another for the first time. And yet the atmosphere from the very first moment has been one of warmth, cordiality and genuine brotherhood — a living sign that, across every difference of culture and language, the Redemptorist vocation remains a powerful bond.
Through the intercession of St. Gerard and continuous assistance of our Mother of Perpetual Help may we carry out the will of God as Missionary Brothers witnessing the love of God in all our ministryes.
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