From July 14–17, the members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in Thailand gathered for a pre-chapter meeting under the theme “Faithful to the Redeemer, Open to Renewal.” This was an invitation for everyone to pause and reflect on their lives and ministry amidst the changes in the world and within the Congregation, asking whether they are still living faithfully and with trust in Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Redeemer.
Prior to the meeting, Father Rogerio Gomes, the Superior General, sent a message to the members of the Thailand Province, explaining the meaning of the word “autoritas”, or “authority,” which has roots meaning “to cause growth.” He pointed out that authority in the spirit of the Holy Redeemer is not about seeking position, fame, or recognition, but about empowering each member to grow in their vocation and to use God’s gifts to their full potential. He also emphasized that the General Assembly is a space for listening, participating, and jointly taking responsibility for the future of the Congregation, not the burden of any one individual.
At the opening of the meeting, Father Chittapol Plangklang, the Provincial Superior, led the participants in reflecting on the journey of the Redemptorist Congregation in Thailand. Throughout its history, there have been times of success and disappointment, joy and hardship, but all events have contributed to the province’s growth to this day.
The Provincial emphasized the importance of the word ” Common,” or living together, because in a world that often pushes individuals to seek their own self-interest, the religious life is called to share—in faith, communal life, pastoral work, and the spirit of the Holy Redeemer—to collectively continue God’s mission. He also cited Saint Clement Marie Hofbauer as an example of a hopeful leader who was able to proclaim the Good News amidst cultural and historical differences without abandoning the heart of her entrusted mission.
Throughout the meeting, the atmosphere was filled with moments of prayer, reflection, and spiritual sharing. Father Saichol Kanyulai, the speaker at the meeting, invited participants to contemplate the “gift of faithfulness,” drawing upon the words of the Book of Proverbs which call for trusting God more than one’s own abilities.
He said that ability without humility can become an obstacle to coexistence, and no matter how valuable pastoral work may be, without a life of prayer, it may gradually and unknowingly replace God. He also cited Mary as an example of someone who remained faithful to God’s will even when she did not yet understand everything that was happening.
During another session, Bishop Peter Supoj Rerksoocharit led the participants in reflecting on the story of the two disciples on their journey to Emmaus, to illustrate the challenges of religious life today, which is sometimes filled with confusion, weariness, and numerous questions, whether it be the aging number of members or the declining number of vocations.
However, the bishop offered words of encouragement, saying that times like these are not when God abandons His people. On the contrary, Jesus is the one who walks alongside them, listening with understanding, and gradually opening their eyes to see the truth from a new perspective, until their hearts are rekindled. At the same time, he left everyone with an important question to ponder and reflect upon: Perhaps the most important thing is not “what we will do,” but “in what spirit we will do it.”
Throughout the meeting, the content returned to the foundations of being a Redeemer: being faithful to God, faithful to one’s brethren, and open to the revival led by the Holy Spirit.
No matter what challenges the future of the Congregation may face, what all members collectively pray for is that the Holy Spirit will guide every decision, so that the mission of proclaiming the Good News and redemption may continue with hope, courage, and faithfulness to the Holy Redeemer, just as the ancestors of the Congregation steadfastly pursued for almost 80 years in Thailand.
Source: www.cssr.or.th/
