Amid the demands of academic studies, examinations, ministry, and frequent travel, the Formees Gathering of the Bangalore Province provided a welcome opportunity for renewal, learning, and fraternity. Organized by the Secretariat of Formation, the gathering was held from 27–30 May 2026 at Holy Cross Parish, Muttada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Known for its serene atmosphere, vibrant parish life, and spiritual environment, the venue offered an ideal setting for prayer, formation, and recreation.
The participants were accommodated at the parish retreat centre which provided excellent facilities including a beautiful chapel, perpetual adoration chapel, dining hall, and comfortable accommodation. The local Redemptorist community, consisting of Rev. Fr. Paul Pazhangattu, C.Ss.R. (Rector and Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Devasiamangalam, C.Ss.R., Rev. Fr. George Puthenpura, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Jomio, C.Ss.R (Director of the Retreat centre) extended exceptional hospitality and fraternal care throughout the gathering. Their missionary zeal, pastoral dedication, and community spirit left a lasting impression on the seminarians.
Participants, resource persons, and confreres arrived on 26 May. The gathering began with a friendly football match against children from the parish football association, a vibrant initiative supported by the Redemptorist community. With nearly fifty young participants, the program reflected the parish’s commitment to youth development and community building.
The formal inauguration took place on 27 May with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Edward Joseph, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Bangalore Province, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. John Mathew, C.Ss.R., Vicar and the chair for the Secretariat of Formation, Rev. Fr. A. S. Raja, C.Ss.R., Secretary of the Secretariat of Formation, and members of the local community. The gathering focused on contemporary challenges relevant to religious formation and missionary life.
The first day featured sessions on digital media and responsible online engagement. Rev. Fr. Jijo Ariyamannil, C.Ss.R., Media Director of Reds Media Channel, Liguori Province, presented the scriptural, theological, pastoral, moral, and practical dimensions of digital communication. He emphasized the importance of utilizing social media as a tool for evangelization and ministry.
The participants were then introduced to Mr. Vipin George, a Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) professional specializing in cyber investigations and information security. Through a series of practical sessions, he addressed issues related to privacy, cybercrime, digital footprints, and safe mobile usage. Drawing on real-life cases, he demonstrated how personal data can be compromised and offered practical methods for enhancing online security. These sessions proved highly relevant in an increasingly digital world. The day concluded with sports, evening prayer, and a lively recreation program that strengthened fraternity among students from different stages of formation.
The second day began with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. John Matthew and focused on the theme of safeguarding human dignity. The resource person, Sr. Joseph Mary Mrudu Ravali, C.J.M.J., brought together her expertise in safeguarding, psychology, counselling, theology, and religious formation. Drawing extensively from Dignitas Infinita, she explained the concepts of ontological, moral, social, and existential dignity while addressing the reality of abuse within both Church and society. Through statistics, case studies, discussions, and group activities, Sr. Joseph Mary emphasized the responsibility of religious leaders to ensure the protection and well-being of all entrusted to their care. Her sessions encouraged deeper reflection on authority, accountability, and pastoral sensitivity.
That evening, Fr. Paul organized a special interaction with the parish-based Friends of Redemptorists group and lay partners in Mission. Comprising members from the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, and Latin Catholic traditions, the group serves as a remarkable witness to unity among the diverse rites of Kerala. Through cultural presentations and historical reflections, they shared the rich legacy of Holy Cross Parish and highlighted the significant contribution of the Redemptorists over the years. Meaningful conversations challenged the seminarians to reflect on the demands of future missionary service.
The third day began with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Raja and focused on safeguarding policies within the Province of Bangalore. Sr. Joseph Mary explained the province’s safeguarding structures, commissions, reporting mechanisms, and helpline services available to address concerns related to abuse and misconduct. Group presentations based on case studies encouraged participants to engage creatively with practical pastoral situations and strengthened their understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. In the evening, the participants visited Vetticaud and the historic Madre De Deus Church, renowned for its devotion to Christ the King, distinctive architecture, and beautiful coastal setting. They also visited Little Flower Church, a recently completed substation of the parish. The faithful warmly welcomed the group and organized a brief cultural program that reflected the vitality and faith of the local Christian community.
The final day was dedicated to recreation and fellowship. Through the efforts of Fr. Paul, the participants enjoyed a boat ride and a traditional Keralam meal along the riverside. Accompanied by altar servers and religious sisters, they visited Golden Island, where the beauty of nature, refreshing rain showers, and peaceful surroundings provided a fitting conclusion to the gathering. The experience offered an opportunity to relax, deepen friendships, and appreciate God’s creation.
The students expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial leadership, particularly Frs. Edward, John Mathew, and Raja, for organizing a gathering that was both enriching and refreshing. The event provided not only a welcome break from routine but also valuable formation through carefully chosen topics and experienced resource persons. The sessions on digital responsibility and safeguarding offered practical insights that will benefit the participants throughout their formation and future ministry.
Special appreciation was also extended to the Muttada community for their generous hospitality, constant support, and inspiring witness of missionary life. Their dedication to pastoral ministry and community living served as a powerful example for the seminarians. The students request prayers for all those in formation, that they may continue to grow as committed Redemptorist missionaries. Through the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Joseph, St. Alphonsus, and all the saints, blesseds, and martyrs of the Church, may God continue to guide and strengthen Redemptorist seminarians throughout the world.
Yours in the Redeemer,
Samson C.Ss.R.
