(Sao Paulo, Brazil) – An interesting and rich exchange of experiences marked the video conference held between the postulants of the São Geraldo Seminary in Sorocaba, Brazil, and the Superior General of the Redemptorist Missionaries, Fr. Michael Brehl C.Ss.R. The conversation took place on Thursday evening, 21 May, in Italy. It was a strong moment of unity.
The conference was conducted through an application, in Italian, and was translated by postulant Felipe Pasquoto. The director of the seminary in São Geraldo, Father Cláudio Aparecido Teixeira, and Father Carlos Vitor Pinheiro da Cruz, Redemptorist missionaries, also participated in the conversation.
The idea of this video conference was proposed to strengthen the bonds with the Redemptorist Congregation in a gesture of unity and communion, especially in light of the situation we are experiencing. The meeting was full of family spirit. Several topics were addressed, such as the response that Redemptorists must make to the pandemic, the formation of Redemptorist missionary brothers, and the reconfiguration that is taking place in all provincial units.
Situation in Italy
Michael Brehl told the applicants that Italy was slowly returning to normal activities, after suffering many deaths from Covid-19. The Superior General informed too, that Redemptorist parishes had resumed recently celebrating Mass in the presence of the faithful.
He urged the postulants and religious to live this moment of the pandemic by intensifying their prayers. He also said that we must use creative means to respond to this period: not only the transmission of Masses but also Marian devotions and other moments. According to Father Michael Brehl, 25 Redemptorists from around the world have been infected by Covid-19.
Formation of the Brothers
Father Michael spoke of the need for excellence in the formation of future Redemptorist missionaries. “We are a congregation of missionaries and not a congregation of priests and brothers, one or the other,” he said. In his opinion, Brothers or Fathers should not be formed in separation from themselves, but as Redemptorist Missionaries. The seminary in São Geraldo is currently the only seminary in the world that specifically trains future Redemptorist Brothers.
The Superior General also spoke about the formation of adult vocations, a pioneering experience in the Province of San Paolo, which now extends to other parts of the world. According to him, it is important that there be formators ready and prepared to meet this new demand.
The previous week there was also a conference with Brother Jeffrey Rolle, General Consultor, and member of the General Commission of the Brothers. Both moments were important in strengthening the bonds between the whole Congregation.
Felipe Pasquoto and Gilson Gaigher,
Redemptorist Postulant
