On the morning of Sunday 14 January (the feast of Blessed Pedro Donders), the liturgical celebration of the opening of the Province of Pedro Donders took place with a large participation. The Eucharistic celebration, which took place in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Asunción), was presided over by Rev. Fr. Javier Machado and concelebrated by numerous priests representing the former units of Buenos Aires, Resistencia, Santiago de Chile and Paraguay. The sermon was given by Rev. Fr. César Torres Pantoja, coordinator of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Furthermore, we were accompanied by the Redemptorists who work in the mission of Uruguay, many religious men and women, and lay people from the Redemptorist communities of Argentina and Paraguay. At the end of the Holy Mass, a festive lunch was shared with the priests, religious and lay people present.
This historic event marks the beginning of a new moment for the entire Redemptorist Family. We welcome this challenge with faith, hope and courage, moved by the love of Christ the Redeemer and helped by the intercession of our Mother of Perpetual Help, of Saint Alphonsus and by the patronage of Blessed Peter Donders.
Leonardo Valdez CSsR
