Redemptorist confreres aged 55 and under from the Units of the United States and Mexico gathered in Mexico City on August 26-31 to listen, discern and discuss with each other in our process of unification. We were joined by several special guests, including: Br. Larry Luján, General Consultor; Fr. Jerome Chavarria, North American Conference Coordinator; and three representatives of the Province of Canada, including Fr. Santo Arrigo, Provincial Superior.
The meeting was structured to allow the Unification Committees – Formation, Mission, Apostolic Life, Finance and Governance – to present their work and to receive feedback and insights at this stage of the process. Between small group and large group discussions, confreres were able to share their experiences and provide critically needed feedback to the Committees. This was the first time that each of these Committees received feedback from a body of confreres. Committee members conveyed gratitude for the sincere and straightforward feedback.
Confreres venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Additionally, confreres were able to express their hopes in and concerns about the unification process. There appeared to be solid consensus for strong communication about and throughout the unification process, and the need for the Unification Commission to find ways to actively engage all confreres in the unification process.
“With so many of this cohort already in leadership positions in the different Units, the conversations offered a healthy balance of the pragmatic and visionary,” Fr. Kevin said. “I believe that the ideas surfaced have a solid chance of enlivening the mission in innovative ways. Of course, there was ample time to make new connections and renew old friendships, one of the most critical aspects of gatherings like the Under 55. It’s always a blast when the family gets together!”
Aaron Meszaros, C.Ss.R.
(courtesy: Denverlink, September 13, 2024.)
