From July 20 to 24, 2026, the city of Lima, Peru, was the venue for the First Latin American Meeting of Young Redemptorists, a historic experience for the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean, which brought together young people committed to the Redemptorist mission under the motto: “United by the mission, following in the footsteps of the Redeemer.”
This meeting marked the beginning of a new path of communion, formation, and missionary commitment among the young people of our Conference. Representatives from the Andean-Caribbean, Perpetual Help, and Our Lady of Aparecida Provinces participated, as well as representatives from the Bolivia-Peru Province, which had the joy of hosting this first meeting.
During these days of fraternity, prayer, reflection and exchange of experiences, the participants shared the richness of youth and vocational ministry that is developed in each of their Units, strengthening the bonds of communion and renewing the commitment to proclaim Christ the Redeemer to new generations.
One of the most significant moments was the virtual participation of our Superior General, Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R., who delivered a profound message of closeness and hope to all the young people. In his address, he encouraged them to continue walking in the footsteps of the Redeemer, reminding them that they hold a privileged place in the heart of God, the Church, and the Congregation. He also exhorted them to discover and joyfully live the universal call to holiness, bearing witness to the Gospel in the world.
The meeting also benefited from the valuable participation of Fr. Cristian Bueno, C.Ss.R., Secretary of the General Secretariat for Evangelization, and Fr. César Torres, C.Ss.R., Coordinator of the Conference of Latin America, and the Caribbean. Both offered words of encouragement and inspiration, inviting the young people to strengthen the collaborative work among the Provinces and to continue bringing the Abundant Redemption to so many young people who long for and need to encounter Jesus Christ.
More than just an event, this first meeting has been the beginning of a process that opens new horizons for Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has reaffirmed that shared mission, communion among the Units, and the active participation of young people are fundamental elements for responding creatively and boldly to the challenges of our time.
With renewed hope, the participants committed themselves to continue building a Latin American network of young Redemptorists who, inspired by the charism of St. Alphonsus Liguori, will make the Redeemer’s merciful love present wherever it is most needed. This first step strengthens one of the apostolic priorities of our Congregation: to accompany, form, and evangelize young people, so that they too may be missionary disciples in service to the Kingdom.
We entrust this path to Jesus Christ the Redeemer, to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, to Saint Alphonsus Liguori and to the entire Redemptorist Family, so that they may continue to guide and inspire this evangelizing service, fostering among young people the desire to follow Christ and joyfully proclaim the abundant redemption.
Fr. Víctor Ernesto Espinoza Gil, C.Ss.R.
Member of the General Commission of RYVM
Representative of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean.
