During November the General Secretariat for Evangelization, with its five commissions, develops its evaluation and planning meetings. Up to now, they had been held in the General House, but this year, for evident reasons, they were held virtually. It was clear to all that social distancing does not mean “disconnecting” personal relationships, much less between the Redemptorist Family. In fact, Fr. General, who attended the meetings of each commission, encouraged the participants to strengthen these bonds and to continue to be creative in using the new possibilities for approaching and meeting each other. In this sense, the possibilities in virtual platforms, although challenging, are still extensive.
As part of the work of the Secretariat, the New Initiatives Commission continues to develop in the units the consultation on “the Redemptorist character of the churches, shrines and parishes” where we carry out our ministry. The Commissions for Shared Mission and Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry are promoting the implementation of the “Directory for Shared Mission” and the “Guidelines for Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry” throughout the Congregation. The Commission for Social Ministry – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation has been involved in the many experiences developed in this field by the different units, especially in dialogue with the spirit of Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti. Similarly, the Commission for Africa and Madagascar continued to explore possibilities for strengthening this priority within the Congregation.
The General Secretariat for Evangelization, based on the objectives proposed by the General Chapter and the action plan of the General Government, seeks to be an instrument of coordination of the evangelizing work of the Congregation, generating ideas and possible common actions that will help to heal the wounds of so many of our brothers.
Fr. Cristian Bueno Fonseca, C.Ss.R.
