After more than four years of not being able to gather together for the annual Joint Young CSSR Gathering, young confreres from VP Manila and Cebu Province finally had a chance to spend time together as part of the ongoing formation for all Redemptorists.
Facilitated by Fr. Piotr Chyla, CSSR, the Director of the Redemptorist Spirituality Center in Rome, the four-day event took place in Poggio Bustone Renewal Center in Zambales from October 01 to 04, 2023.
Fr. Piotr, not minding the distance he has to travel just to be with the young confreres in the Philippines, passionately and provocatively challenged the participants to “continue Christ’s mission” mindful of the change of era we are being called as Redemptorist missionaries, to rediscover a “sense of belonging to the Congregation” through a renewed sense of identity and community, and to embrace “missionary conversion and dynamism” in our pastoral engagements.
More than a time for common study and recollection, the gathering was also a joyful and fun-filled moment to “waste time together” as brothers — sharing banquets and stories, music, and laughter, and even the pains and struggles in the ministry.
As an extra treat, an organized heritage tour took place in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, showcasing heritage houses of the Philippines.
Though not everyone in the age group was able to participate due to prior schedules, we remember them in these days of collective enrichment.
As Young Redemptorists, both in age and in mission experience, we continue to strive to be missionaries with Courageous Hope, filled with gratitude and generosity for genuine Mission!
Cheers, and carry on, young confreres!
Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila
