The Redemptorist Formation Community in Davao City, Philippines, represented by 6 brothers and 2 formators, has recently joined the general mission in the Diocese of Catarman on July 14-27, 2024. Catarman is located in the western part of the central Philippines. This mission is an integral part of the diocese’s preparations for its upcoming 50th anniversary in 2025 and is spearheaded by the Itinerant Mission Team of the Redemptorist Province of Cebu.
The mission, running until November 2024, will cover almost all of the parishes in the diocese and is supported by a diverse group of participants, including several Redemptorists all over the Philippines, seminarians, lay partners in the mission, MPS sisters, and other volunteers, all working together for this missionary endeavor. Part of the highlight of the mission is the revitalization and strengthening of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), rebranding them into “One Barangay, One Basic Ecclesial Community.”
Several mission activities were carried out each week by six teams in different places such as: community and chapel leaders’ reflection, men and women gatherings, youth gathering, as well as catechesis and celebrations for first communion and baptism. Additionally, blessings of homes were of course a part of activities. The Brothers were given many opportunities to collaborate and facilitate in the various activities.
After two weeks of active involvement in the general mission, the brothers and their formators visited the Redemptorist Parish in Tacloban, a five-hour drive from Catarman, for a brief stay and a moment for reflection about the mission experience before heading back to Davao City.
(The Redemptorist Formation Community is the home of Redemptorists studying at Saint Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute or SATMI)
Bro. Tyrone Grant Senires, CSsR.
5th Year Theology Student
