It doesn’t feel like 2023 has passed so quickly, and we are already in November. Many plans and programs have been executed and then evaluated. Before this year closes, we take time to gather together. This is a moment to reflect on personal and collective life. And then, the next step is taken to prepare plans and programs for the coming year.
The Redemptorists gathered together from November 14-17 at the St. Alphonsus retreat house- Konventu Weetebula. On the first two days, the provincial economic secretariat and bursars, superiors and parish priests held an annual meeting, evaluating and planning the yearly budget. As usual, this meeting produced several recommendations and action plans that can be followed up at both the provincial and community levels.
In the afternoon of the second day, the superiors met with the chairman of the secretariat of Vita communis and the Provincial government to share experiences and reaffirm their duties and roles as servants in the community.
“The role of local superiors really determines the dynamics of community life in the province. You know better about what is happening there within your communities since you live together in your respective communities day by day,” said the provincial.
On this occasion, he also invited the superiors and their house councils to pay attention to the Plan of community life and all daily structures. Prayer, meals, recreation, working together, and regular recollection and evaluation of life are pillars of community life that need serious attention.
On the 16-17th the community continued with a recollection with the theme “Leadership”, guided by Fr. Simon Tenda.
In the afternoon of the last day, the young priests and all members of the local committee of the ASIOC Alphonsian Youth Gathering held a meeting. On this occasion, Father Provincial inaugurated this committee, which will prepare a youth festival at the Conference level.
That is a series of joint activities at the end of the year before heading for the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Fr. Willy Ng Pala, CSSR
