The Bavarian Redemptorists arrived in Aparecida on October 8, 1894. While they were settling into the residence that had been prepared for them, they took the opportunity to hold a retreat for the brothers, before the Novena and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Aparecida that November.
Thus, the Redemptorist brothers held their first retreat, in Aparecida-SP. Evidently, from 1913 onwards, their favorite place has always been the village of Piedade da Pedrinha, municipality of Guaratinguetá-SP.
It is wonderful to see how the elder brothers spoke about this healthy tradition in which the brothers gathered in prayer. The ancient letters testify to this memorable moment of the “prophetic missionary brothers,” who preceded us and left this legacy to their contemporaries. Only the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) forced us to interrupt this “mystical meeting.”
In effect, the Redemptorist brothers of the region of São Paulo, of the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida, meet every year to pray, study and socialize. And in this year 2024, historical memory reminds us of the 130 years of the spiritual retreat made by the brothers. This year, 20 confreres, 15 brothers, 1 deacon and 4 priests participate of our Congregation, led by Father Rodrigo Arnoso.
The theme proposed for these days makes the Word of the Lord resonate in our hearts: “You are the light of the world,” as well as inspiring us with the first Communication of the current General Government, and with the restructuring process already begun. Let us remain united, strong in faith, together with our First Brother, Jesus Christ, Redeemer.
Information: Brother Mauro Maciel, C.Ss.R. and Brother Ian Lucas Lopes de Castro, C.Ss.R.
Province of Our Lady of Aparecida.
