Scala News shares a brief review of the arrival of the Redemptorist missionaries in Honduras, their work, and their expansion. Then, a few lines about the arrival at the Parish of San Antonio da Padova, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of its foundation.
The Redemptorist Missionaries (Spanish) arrived in Honduras in 1928 and settled in Comayagua. Years later they moved to Tegucigalpa in the emblematic and historic Church of Los Dolores.
For many years, this church was the reception center for many Redemptorist missionaries (Spanish) who traveled through various regions of western, eastern, and central Honduras, preaching missions.
The preaching of itinerant and popular missions has been the predominant work of the Redemptorists in this country since their arrival in 1928. Over the years, and due to the decrease in vocations, especially from Spain, along with the aging and illnesses of the missionaries, their itinerant mission activity has decreased considerably. However, the charismatic spirit, essential in Redemptorist preaching, remained active, although from a stable place: the Parish of Los Dolores. For many years, and until today, Los Dolores (as it is popularly known) has become a place where the faithful frequently encounter God’s forgiveness, through the sacrament of confession and other sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation.
In 1990, new missionary initiatives emerged in Honduras, created by new generations of purely Central American Redemptorists. The Mission Station was opened in Yuscarán, Oropolí and Morocelí, towns located in the east, in the area of El Paraíso.
This Mission Station was active for about five years. After the period, it was handed over to the diocesan priests. In 1995, a new Mission Station was opened in Trojes, also in the area of El Paraíso. This station operated for a certain period and today it is a parish, whose patron is Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
When did the Redemptorists arrive in San Pedro Sula?
In 1998, the Redemptorist foundation began in San Pedro Sula, in the colony of Fesitranh, as a residence. February 8, 1998, is the auspicious date of the canonical erection of the Parish of San Antonio de Padua, which continues to be governed by the Redemptorist Missionaries today.
More than twenty-five years have passed since that beginning, which, between joys, challenges, successes and failures, lights, and shadows, has permeated the Redemptorist missionary spirit in the hearts of the faithful.
However, the attraction for the Redemptorist vocation itself, that is, the religious and priestly vocation, did not penetrate the hearts of the young people who have known so many Redemptorists who have passed through this parish. Only one young man, in those early days, felt called and motivated by the charism, choosing to train to become the first Redemptorist of the parish. Today he is the parish priest and superior of the parish of Saint Anthony of Padua. Father Egberth Josué Álvarez, CSsR, is the first Redemptorist of San Pedro Sula.
Finally, Parish of St. Anthony of Padua: Who will be the next Redemptorist?
Victor Manuel Gonzalez, CSsR.
