In a vibrant and joyous ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, thirty-nine parishioners from the Hispanic and English groups were officially enrolled as Partners in the Redemptorist Mission. The event took place on the Titular Feast of the Congregation, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer, marking a significant milestone in the lives of these new associates and the mission of the Redemptorist community.
The ceremony was graced with congratulatory notes from notable figures from the Redemptorist Congregation. Father Cristian Bueno, C.Ss.R., director of the Office of Evangelization in Rome, extended his heartfelt congratulations. Fr. Francis Gargani, C.Ss.R., Copresident of the North American Conference of Partners in Mission, and Anne Walsh, Coordinator of Partnership in Mission for the Redemptorists of North America, also sent their warm wishes. Anne Walsh highlighted the significance of this celebration, noting that these new associates are the latest additions to the global Redemptorist family. She emphasized that while this ceremony marks the conclusion of their initial formation in Redemptorist spirituality and charism, it also signifies the beginning of a lifelong commitment and belonging to the Redemptorist community.
As part of the ceremony, each candidate’s name was called, and they responded with “Here I am,” signifying their acceptance and dedication to the Redemptorist mission. The new associates received a blessing and the Redemptorist cross, symbolizing their new protagonism in the mission. Six Redemptorists actively involved in the formation of our Partners in Mission entrusted the crosses: Lucy McNamara, Lay Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer, who has accompanied the groups from the very beginning, Father Karl Esker, C.Ss.R., also the event photographer, Fr. Edmundo Molina, C.Ss.R., Fr. Kevin Moley, C.Ss.R., Fr. Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R., and Father Manuel Rodríguez, C.Ss.R.
After the Church ceremony, a reception was held in the Parish Hall. Here, the new associates received their signed certificates and posed for photographs with their families and friends, capturing the joy and significance of the occasion. The celebration concluded with a lunch prepared by the associates, further emphasizing the community spirit and shared joy of the event.
This milestone ceremony celebrated new beginnings for the thirty-nine associates and was a testament to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s enduring and expanding mission. The event promises to invigorate the Basilica’s evangelization efforts, marking a new chapter filled with hope and dedication. This is a testament to the Basilica’s significant role in the Redemptorist Province mission, a source of pride and inspiration for all of us.
Fr. Manuel Rodríguez Delgado, C.Ss.R.
Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Brooklyn, New York
