In the Footsteps of Christ our Redeemer – With Celeste and Alphonsus
“Spread your wings to the Sun.”
The 2026 Formation Gathering of the OMPH Federation of Redemptoristine Nuns concluded in Scala on 5th of October with a renewed appreciation of our vocation, charism and mission. Sisters from different communities gathered for prayer, formation, reflection, sharing and fraternity, visiting Rome, Scala, Foggia, Pagani and Sant’Agata. It was a three-week program beginning from 17th of September and ended on 5th of October.
Returning to the Source
A central theme of the gathering was the importance of Scripture in the life of a consecrated woman. Through the conferences of Fr. Lorenzo Gasparro, C.Ss.R., we were reminded that the Word of God is not merely to be studied but received, pondered and lived. The example of Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa helped us to rediscover the Gospel as the foundation and guiding rule of our vocation. We were invited to ask: Is the Word of God truly at the centre of our lives, forming and transforming us each day?
Learning from Maria Celeste
The life of Maria Celeste reminded us that fidelity to God often passes through uncertainty, misunderstanding and moments of trial. Yet she remained rooted in Jesus, the Holy Gospels and faith. Her witness encouraged us to remain faithful to our first “yes” and to remember that our identity as beloved daughters of God comes before everything we do.
The Courage to Face What Is Within Us
The gathering also invited us to look honestly at our human experiences—fear, rejection, jealousy, misunderstanding and insecurity. True formation requires us to recognise what is happening within us and bring it before God. We were reminded that holiness does not mean the absence of struggle, but the courage to allow God to transform us through the realities of everyday life.
Formation for Community
Through the sessions of Sr. Lynne Barron, FCJ, we reflected on multicultural and intercultural community life. Our different cultures and experiences can become a source of enrichment when we learn to listen, understand and receive one another. Community is more than the place where we live; it is part of our vocation—a school of love, healing, growth and joy.
A Vocation That Continues to Grow
The programme also included reflections on the vows, Alphonsian moral theology, the theology of redemption and the meaning of monastic and cloistered life in today’s digital and media culture. We are grateful to Fr. Andrzej Wodka CSsR., Fr. Velson Fernandez, C.Ss.R., Fr. Sanjay Tirkey, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Piotr Chyła, C.Ss.R., for their guidance, wisdom and fraternal support. These reflections reminded us that our vocation is a continual journey of growth, centred on Christ the Redeemer, who calls us to belong entirely to Him and to participate in His mission of love.
From History to Mission
Our visits to Foggia, Pagani and Sant’Agata connected our formation with the history and spirituality of the Redemptoristine family. These places helped us remember that we are part of a living story begun through Maria Celeste’s courageous response to God’s call. We returned with a renewed invitation to become women of deep listening, passionate love, freedom and courage.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sisters of Foggia and Sant’Agata for their warm welcome and generous hospitality, and especially to the Sisters of Scala, assisted by Sr. Maria and Sr. Maika from Kežmarok, for opening not only their home but also their hearts to us. We are also sincerely grateful to our Federal President, Sr. Lucy Conway, and to all the Prioresses for their support and encouragement in making this gathering possible.
As we return to our communities, may the words “Spread your wings to the Sun” remain with us as an invitation to live our vocation with renewed faith, joy and courage, always keeping our eyes fixed on Christ our Redeemer.
Sr. Angela, OSsR.
