The Redemptorist Renewal Centre, Vadavathoor, Kottayam, became a vibrant gathering place for the Formees Gathering 2026 of the Liguori Province, Kerala, held from 26 to 30 May. Bringing together Redemptorist students pursuing their formation in various houses across India, the programme offered a meaningful blend of celebration, formation, prayer, and fraternity.
The gathering was marked by several significant moments in the life of the Province. A special highlight was the celebration of the Final Profession, during which confreres publicly committed themselves to God through perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The occasion was a joyful witness to the continuing growth of vocations within the Province and an inspiration to the younger members in formation.
Another memorable event was the felicitation of the newly ordained priests, celebrated on the evening of 28 May. The community gathered in thanksgiving for the gift of their priestly ministry and honoured them for their dedication to the mission of the Church and the Congregation. The evening was enriched by moments of fraternity, cultural sharing, and organized recreation, creating an atmosphere of joy and gratitude.
The programme also included the initiation of brothers into their pastoral year, marking another important milestone in their formation journey. Through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, and community gatherings, the participants reflected on the call to serve the people of God with missionary zeal.
Formation sessions added further depth to the gathering. Fr. Prince Thekkepuram animated a series of classes on “The Use of Smartphones in Redemptorist Mission,” encouraging the students to engage responsibly and creatively with digital media in the service of evangelization. Fr. Henry Fernandes later guided the participants through reflections on Redemptorist leadership, helping them to understand the values, vision, and responsibilities that shape leadership within the Congregation.
Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering provided valuable opportunities for prayer, recreation, dialogue, and mutual support among the students. Coming from different formation communities across India, the participants strengthened bonds of brotherhood and renewed their commitment to the Redemptorist vocation.
The gathering concluded on 30 May with an evaluation session and thanksgiving, leaving the participants enriched by the experience of community life and inspired by the witness of their confreres who celebrated important milestones in their vocational journey. As they returned to their respective formation houses, they carried with them renewed enthusiasm for their ongoing formation and future missionary service.
“May the witness of our newly professed and newly ordained confreres continue to inspire all our students to grow in fraternity and missionary commitment.”
Fr. Alex Theruvankunnel, C. Ss.R.
