On March 12th, 2024, the Redemptorist Brothers from across the Conference of North America met via zoom for our first Encuentro of Brothers for the sexennium. The virtual gathering was organized by the North American Conference Commission for Brothers, chaired by Br. Eumir Bautista with the members namely, Br. Augustus Rivière, Br. Kenneth Stigner and Br. Roberto Avalos Hernandez. The gathering included Br. Larry Lujan, the General Consultor of North America, Fr. Jerome Chavarria, Conference Coordinator, as well as some Major Superiors, Fr. John Collins of the Baltimore Province and Fr. Joaquín Frausto Nájera of the Province of Mexico.
The Encuentro of Brothers commenced with a prayer led by Br. Eumir, followed by welcoming remarks, a message from the Conference Coordinator, and an introduction of the membership of the Conference Commission for Brothers. Then, everyone was assigned into breakout groups where the Redemptorist confreres shared about themselves, their ministries, their vocation stories, and their lived experiences as a religious. In the plenary session, there was an opportunity for confreres to share some of the highlights from their breakout groups. Afterwards, Br. Larry gave a message from the General Government and the vision of the General Commission for Brothers for all Redemptorist Brothers throughout the Congregation. Br. Eumir also shared future activities and events specific to Religious Brothers like the International Religious Brothers Day on May 1st, an invitation of the Superior General for a world-wide virtual gathering of Redemptorist Brothers on October 15th, and discussion sessions on the “Document of the General Commission for Redemptorist Brothers” published on the 1st of May 2020.
The virtual gathering brought together 17 Brothers from Canada, Mexico and USA. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old faces, to meet unfamiliar faces, and to familiarise ourselves with the lives of Brothers from across the conference. It was a time to pray and reflect on the Brother’s unique identity and spirituality within the Congregation. We were also grateful for the support and participation of the Major Superiors and other persons in leadership. We as a commission are excited about all the possibilities that lies ahead.
Br. Augustus Rivière, CSsR.
