“Look at the past with gratitude, live the present with passion and embrace the future with hope” – Pope Francis encouraged the religious in the Year of Consecrated Life (30 November 2015 – 2 February 2016).
In Brazil, the Redemptorist Missionaries of the Province of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo, are celebrating their jubilee! The Jubilee Provincial Assembly is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the unit this Tuesday, 31 May and Wednesday, 01 June, at the Casa de Retiro São José, in Belo Horizonte (MG).
The theme of the celebration is a phrase of Pope Francis: “Look at the past with gratitude, live the present with passion and embrace the future with hope” has been divided into three moments throughout the meeting.
On Tuesday (31/05), the central theme will be “Looking at the past with gratitude”, with the opening Mass presided over by Don Vicente de Paula, C.Ss.R., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte. Father Bruno, C.Ss.R., Master of Church History, then reflected on the Province’s history of daring and faith.
The photographic exhibition “Province of Rio, 70 years, 70 photos” was also inaugurated on the 31st at the Retreat House. This exhibition will tour the Redemptorist houses throughout the year. The book “Portraits of the Province” will be re-launched 20 years after the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Province.
On Wednesday morning (06/01), the theme “Living the present with passion” will be celebrated. On this occasion, the book “Redemptorist Memory” will be launched, with facts from the provinces of Rio, São Paulo and Bahia. In addition to the official photo of the meeting, the religious will have a moment to listen to the Redemptorist apostolic communities of the Province.
Finally, the theme “Embracing the future with hope” will be highlighted in the afternoon. There will be commemorative pictures for the stay in each community and gifts for the missionaries. The Provincial Superior of Rio de Janeiro, Fr. Nelson Antônio Linhares, C.Ss.R., will speak about the future of the New Province and the whole process of restructuring. He will also preside at the closing Eucharistic celebration of the Jubilee Year and the Assembly.
(a12.com)