The Board of the Confederation of India (The Major Superiors of the Three Units of India) organised a half day workshop for all the Rectors and Superiors of all the communities of the three Units in India. There were 27 Superiors from the Province of Bangalore, 11 from the Province of Liguori and 7 from the Vice Province of Majella along with the 3 Councils of the three units in India present for the Workshop.
The workshop began with a few words of welcome from Fr. Poly K, C.Ss.R. the Provincial of the Province of Liguori as he welcome Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R. Superior General, Frs. Ivel and Paul Consultors General and Fr. Kimy the Conference Coordinator along with a word of welcome to all the Superiors of the Redemptorist communities in India.
The workshop began with an opening prayer followed by a short Introduction to Leadership for Mission in the context of the year of Leadership in the Congregation. Fr. Rogério spoke about the vocation of the Superior of a Community as a mission in itself. He spoke about the crisis of leadership today in society, the Church, Religious life, and the Congregation. This crisis leads to a loss of trust and to the abuse of power. He distinguished between four concepts related to power and authority: Kratos, Potestas, Exousia, and Semeion. He then showed how leadership for mission exercises auctoritas as moral authority highlighting the role of Redemptorists Superiors exercising potestas and auctoritas.
After Fr. Rogério introduction, Fr. Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., General Consultor, presented the Status of the Congregation at the given time showing through the latest statistics of the Congregation as of June 2026 how the Congregation is exercising its mission, living community life, training through Formation its formandi, and finally governing at the General, Conference and unit levels of the Congregation. He presented the strengths, the challenges, the threats as well as the hopes for the future of the Congregation. Despite the present challenges there are many signs of the hope in the Congregation. Fr. Ivel then took a number of questions regarding the status of the Congregation especially in the context of leadership.
With councils of the Province of Liguori 
With Councils of the Province of Bangalore 
With Councils of the V. Province of Majella 
Meeting of Joint councils
After the break, Fr. Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R., General Consultor gave a presentation on the Leadership as exercised by Superiors at all levels in the congregation based on the visitation of different provinces. The offered challenges and opportunities present with examples concerning the leadership role of Superiors in communities and also offered some practical suggestions for superiors in animating their communities today.
Fr. Ivel returned and presented a reflection on the Leadership style of Jesus reflecting on 12 themes from the Gospels from the life of Jesus and showing how Jesus’s style is still so relevant and applicable today.
The session ended with evening prayer.
The confreres then went into groups, 6 groups to share on three questions at a very personal level on their joyful moments and their challenging moments in exercising the mission of Leadership of their communities. They also shared about how each one cares for his own spiritual, emotional, and physical health as a Superior.
The evening ended with dinner and a time to relax and share together.
Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R.
General Consultor
Second Meeting of the Confederation of the Indian Redemptorists begins in Kochi
The Second Meeting of the Confederation of the Indian Redemptorists began with a vibrant start on 17th of June in Kochi, Kerala, bringing together Redemptorist leaders and members from across India for a three-day gathering focused on mission, collaboration and renewal.
The program commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Vinh. In his homily, Fr. Vinh emphasized the importance of nurturing a deep personal relationship with Christ as the foundation of a fruitful Redemptorist mission. Drawing inspiration from the relationship between the prophet Elisha and Elijah, and from the example of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s profound union with Christ, he encouraged the participants to remain firmly rooted in their spiritual calling.
The official inauguration followed immediately after the Mass. Rev. Fr. Rogério Gomes, Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, who is visiting Keralam for the first time, formally inaugurated the meeting by lighting the traditional lamp. He was joined by Fr. Ivel Mendanha, Fr. Paul Vinh, Fr. Edward Joseph, Fr. Poly Kannampuzha and Fr. Henry Fernandez.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a thought-provoking session on the challenges and opportunities facing the Redemptorist Mission in India. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Fr. Jacob Parappally, MSFS, who reflected on the evolving pastoral landscape in the country and highlighted new avenues for missionary engagement and evangelization.
The three-day meeting is expected to provide a valuable platform for dialogue, reflection and strategic planning as the Indian Redemptorists seek to strengthen their missionary presence and respond effectively to the needs of the Church and society in contemporary India.
Fr. Prince Augustin, CSsR.
