Redemptorist Media Center, India, celebrated the feast of St. Alphonsus with the Global Online Novena 2022. Last year we had renowned Redemptorists from across the globe share the Word of God during the Novena. This year the Redemptorist youth from various units, through their song and dance, helped us to reflect on biblical themes, highlighting the many attributes of St. Alphonsus. Along with the novena prayers, the performances of the youth helped us appreciate the gift of St. Alphonsus to the Church. The cultural diversity, the performances, the devotion, the energy and the excitement of the youth made it a spiritual treat to all those who participated in the Global Online Novena.
Here’s the list:
Day One: The Redemptorist Youth from the Province of Bangalore – India, put up two worship dances on the theme “The Reckless Love of God”, highlighting St. Alphonsus as The Apostle of the Love of God. Fr. Sandeep Menezes, Fr. Robin Kumar and Fr. Ginu Cletus took up the task of organising the youth to record the performance.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/efpfgUvZwas
Day Two: The Redemptorist Youth from Vietnam put up a brilliant performance about the life of St. Alphonsus as an Artist and Musician with the theme – “All I am is for God’s Glory”. Their music, dance and enactment brought us closer to the world of St. Alphonsus and his passion for art and music. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Vincent Pham Cao Quy and other Redemptorists along with his very talented youth for their performance.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/itCjhMgBCig
Day Three: The Redemptorist Youth from Vice Province of Majella – India brought out the Theme – “Go make a difference” as they showcased St. Alphonsus as the Friend of the Poor. It was the special efforts of Fr. Louis Menezes and the Redemptorist Youth from Goa, India, that made it a prayerful experience.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/YRy4Na2_ucs
Day Four: The Redemptorist youth from the Province of Indonesia helped us reflect on the theme “There is Power in Prayer” and highlighted St. Alphonsus as – the “Doctor of Prayer.” Credit goes to Fr. Willy Pala along with his Youth for their gracious and wonderful Choreography.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/BtBrKiBOQn8
Day Five: It was a day to highlight St. Alphonsus as the “Patron of Moral Theologians.” The Redemptorist Youth from Brazil – JUMIRE – danced for the theme, “Freedom in the Redeemer.” A special thanks to Fr. Fabio Pascual, from Brazil and for his lively Youth for their music and dance.
Video Link:https://youtu.be/R5gIhKeeH-M
Day Six: It was a double treat for the participants as two units from different continents shared their talent and joy in helping us reflect on the theme “God’s Word Changes Hearts.” They highlighted St. Alphonsus as a prolific writer and Thinker. Special thanks to Fr. Boguslaw Nawracaj and their youth group – from Poland, and Fr. Cornel Omondi, Fr. Francis Sila, and Fr. Lewis Mutisu, from Kenya along with the Youth for their enactment and dance.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/i-eJDQur88M
Day Seven: St. Alphonsus is hailed as the Patron of Confessors and The Redemptorist Youth from Oceania highlighting this attribute, helped reflect on the theme “The Steadfast mercy of God.” A Special Thanks to Fr. Roy Alfonso and his Youth Group for their beautiful dance and Choreography.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/y79BXP0GcMY
Day Eight: St. Alphonsus, as a Bishop, always strived to care for his most abandoned. That’s why the Charism of the Redemptorist is to preach the Gospel to the most abandoned. On day eight, the Redemptorist Youth from Thailand showcased their talents through dance on the Theme “How our Great God Serves.” Kudos to Fr. Kokiat Deesri and Fr. Prud along with their amazing youth for their performance.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/iBXC0uEoGzc
Day Nine: Among the many titles given to St. Alphonsus, one that stands out is the title – “The Most Zealous Doctor.” His heart was set on fire with passion for the mission of Christ. In all that he did, he gave his all. So, on the final day, the Redemptorist youth from Singapore lead us to reflect on the Theme, “Holy Spirit Fill us with Fire” through their song and dance. A Special thanks to Miss Jacelyn Pang, along with our Redemptorist Confreres and the very energetic youth from Singapore for their song and dance.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/LJmJtxbLxkA
The Festive Mass
The festive Mass of our beloved founder was celebrated on the 1st of August, live from RMC, presided by Fr. Juventius Andrade, former General Consulter and member of the Provincial Council of the Province of Bangalore, India. Fr. Juvy reminded the participants of the extraordinary love and passion St. Alphonsus had for Christ and his mission for the most abandoned.
Indeed, the Global Novena 2022 to St. Alphonsus was a spiritual treat for young and old alike. It was a celebration of our togetherness in mission beyond geographical boundaries and cultural and linguistic diversity as one Redemptorist family. In a way, it celebrated the spirit of the Restructuring process that we as a Congregation are going through – to be one in Mission as Redemptorists.
On behalf of Redemptorist Media Center, India, and Fr. Edward Joseph, Provincial Superior of the Province of Bangalore, India, I sincerely thank Fr. all the major superiors of the participating units, the RYVM coordinators and each and every one who made this Global Celebration a reality. May St. Alphonsus continue to bless and inspire us.
Fr. Charles Vijay Kumar, C.Ss.R.
Director, Redemptorist Media Center, India
