Under the motto “Remembering the Redemptorists: Cradle of our Formation,” the historic Redemptorist Seminary of Santa Fe opened its doors on September 27, 2025, to welcome dozens of alumni to a moving gathering commemorating the 75th anniversary of its founding. What was once a place of formation and vocation is now the “Perpetual Help” senior residence, but for one day it once again pulsed with the energy of those who spent their youth there.
The first attendees began arriving at 9:30 a.m., half an hour ahead of schedule, a testament to the excitement and nervousness that permeated the atmosphere. Many hadn’t seen each other in more than four or five decades, and the first scenes were a carousel of hugs, laughter, and moist eyes. “But you’re the same person, just with more gray hair!” joked one of the veterans, while another pulled a yellowed photo of the school’s football team from his pocket.
The day officially began at 11:00 a.m. with a welcome address and prayer led by Fr. Laurentino Pineda C.Ss.R., followed by the presentation and motivation for the meeting by Fr. Pedro López C.Ss.R. The organizers had prepared a carefully designed program that combined moments of spirituality, historical memory, and reflection.
The chapel was the first stage of the morning. Although remodelled and smaller than before, those present were moved to find the images of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori intact. There, prayers were said and the hymn to Our Lady was sung, culminating with a floral offering laid by the oldest and youngest of the alumni, amidst thunderous applause that shook the walls.
The meeting then moved to the auditorium for a round table discussion, which brought together several keynote speakers: the Ombudsman of Granada, Manuel Martín (a former student), Fr. Antonio Manuel Quesada C.Ss.R., and Luis Mesa, president of the Alumni Association. Together they reviewed the formative role of the Seminary, recalling that it was an institution that provided education to those who would otherwise have been unable to study. Phrases were shared that summed up the essence of what was experienced there: “More than learning, we lived, ” “They taught us to know, to do, and to be,” “The Redemptorist AA has a special charisma.“
Following the roundtable discussion, attendees were given a guided tour of the current residential center, led by the managing director, José Luis Pareja, who showed every corner and explained how the building has been adapted to continue serving a social function.
The day culminated with a potluck lunch at a nearby restaurant. There, emotions subsided, and anecdotes began to flow. As at any reunion of old friends, there was no shortage of people who stood up mid-meal to recount how they snuck out of the seminary in the 1960s to watch a Granada CF game, only to be discovered upon their return with muddy boots. Laughter echoed through the dining room, and someone joked that if the then director had been present, he would still be serving “penitence.”
Before parting ways, awards were presented to the organizers, the Redemptorist Fathers, and the residence staff, in a gesture of collective gratitude. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt “see you soon” and a commitment to not let another three or four decades go by before meeting again.
What we experienced in Santa Fe was more than a gathering: it was a celebration of memory, shared values, and the pride of belonging to the great Redemptorist family. Those present left with their hearts full, knowing that, although time has passed, their formation and spirit remain the true “cradle” of who they are today.
(courtesy: granadacostanacional.es)
