(Rome) After four years of collaboration in the work of the General Curia of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in Rome, Br. Michael is back in Goiás to take up other pastoral activities. Living in Rome was an experience of growth and learning. During this time, in addition to the work with regard to the economy of the congregation, I had the opportunity to do a master’s degree in economics and ecclesiastical administration at the Institute of Theology of Consecrated Life (Claretianum), linked to the Pontifical Lateran University and collaborate in the work done in team by the general commission.
Living in Rome has been a special opportunity to get to know the congregation in its different realities. Understand our action of evangelization in the world and the multiplicity of pastoral dynamics. The wealth of the congregation is in its current, dynamic charism and its performance in the most challenging realities around the world. With the work done by the general commissary team, I was able to understand the importance of solidarity, both material, and missionary. Spread all over the world, we have concrete examples of the missionary heritage of St. Alphonsus and our predecessors.
The Redemptorist Congregation lives a beautiful time of re-evaluation of the missionary project and restructuring of its teams on all continents. I return to Brazil with a heart full of excitement about the mission, with the certainty of having grown humanly and spiritually. I return with the certainty that we need to make every effort to continue announcing the Redeemer, to the poorest and most abandoned, the Gospel of salvation, which inspires us to an experience of sharing and joy.
Brother Michael Goulart, C.Ss.R.
Editor’s Note: Brother Michael had the opportunity to participate in a private audience with Pope Francis on 12 January, when he received the blessing to resume his missionary work in Brazil. He will go to the Redemptorist community of Campinas and will collaborate both in the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Goiânia, and in the financial management of Vila São Cottolengo, in Trinidad.
