“Lord, look kindly on your servants: we send them forth as messengers of salvation and peace, marked with the sign of the cross.”
With these solemn words, the Redemptorist community celebrated the Rite of Commissioning and Sending Off of Fr. Ronald B. Balase, CSsR, and Dn. Mark Bennett F. Gonzales, CSsR during the 9:00 AM Holy Mass on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The rite marked an important moment in their missionary formation and reaffirmed the Congregation’s commitment to proclaiming the Gospel among those most in need of hearing the Good News.
The commissioning ceremony was both a joyful celebration and a profound expression of missionary discipleship. In the presence of the faithful, the two confreres received the Church’s blessing and were entrusted with a mission that echoes the call of Christ to His disciples: “Go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” Marked with the sign of the cross, they were sent forth as bearers of hope, reconciliation, and the message of God’s abundant love.
Together with other Redemptorists in the Transition to Ministry Stage, Fr. Ronald and Dn. Mark have been assigned to Sitio Malbato, Barangay Bintuan, Coron, Palawan, where they will undertake a period of missionary immersion and pastoral service from July 20 to September 8, 2026. During these weeks, they will live among the local people, sharing in their daily realities, listening to their stories, and accompanying them in their journey of faith.
This missionary experience is a vital part of their formation as Redemptorists. Beyond pastoral activities and evangelization programs, it offers an opportunity to encounter Christ in the lives of ordinary people, especially those who often find themselves on the margins. By living closely with the community, the missionaries seek not only to proclaim the Gospel through words but also to witness to it through their presence, service, and solidarity.
The sending forth of missionaries has always been at the heart of the Redemptorist vocation. Inspired by the charism of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Redemptorists are called to bring the message of Plentiful Redemption to those most abandoned and spiritually neglected. The mission in these places continues this tradition, extending the Church’s pastoral care and affirming the dignity and worth of every person.
As the community entrusted these missionaries to God’s providence, prayers were offered for their protection, perseverance, and fruitfulness in ministry. The faithful were likewise encouraged to accompany them spiritually, recognizing that missionary work is a shared responsibility of the entire Church.
May Christ the Redeemer, who has called and sent these missionaries, strengthen them with wisdom, compassion, and courageous hope. May the Holy Spirit guide their steps, and may their witness inspire many to encounter the love and mercy of God. Through the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and St. Alphonsus, may their mission in Coron bear abundant fruits for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
(source: Facebook page of Redemptorist Legazpi)
