I find myself full of gratitude for the gift of my life and ministry as a Redemptorist priest. My gratitude and my experience of blessing within my Redemptorist life has everything to do with God, with our community, and with all God’s people.
Happy Feast Day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to all! As the entire Redemptorist family gives thanks to God for the gift of Mary on this special day, let us be ever grateful for the blessing of her unfailing trust in the promises of God and for her loving and powerful intercession on our behalf.
A commitment to listening and to life-long learning would, I believe, go a long way to breaking the back of the fear, suspicion, division, and discord that is draining our hope, depleting our spirit, and shutting us down. Listening and life-long learning help to create bridges of understanding, collaboration, creativity, and freedom to meet both the challenges and opportunities of our times.
Friendship is a gift of God that makes us all more human and helps us to experience God as friend, companion, and source of blessing. I hope and pray that you might take some time to reflect on the grace and blessing of friendship in your own life story
Father Donald Miniscalco, C.Ss.R died April 30, 2024, a few weeks ahead of his 81st birthday. He was born May 25, 1943 in Philadelphia, the son of Daniel and Mildred (Lagana). Father Don made his perpetual vows in 1965 at Mt. St. Alphonsus Seminary, where he was ordained in 1968.
The expression - ‘we are family’ - is ringing in my ears as I share this month’s pondering. In a recent reflection on the “Redemptorist family”, our Superior General, Father Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R., reminded us that the bond which unites as family is not one of blood, but rather ‘a charismatic, spiritual and missionary one’.
La Pastoral de la Basílica redentorista de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro en Brooklyn, Nueva York, es una de inclusión, acogida y animación de las culturas de los diferentes países de origen.
I recently assisted at two weekend retreats at Notre Dame Retreat House. The first weekend in January had 35 men and the second, the first weekend of February, had 75 men. Both retreats were on the theme, Just As You Are: Encountering God’s Mercy in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
During a virtual Zoom meeting on Sunday, February 4, 2024, Superior General Fr. Rogério Gomes, CSsR, participated in an ongoing formation session for the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer and professed Redemptorists from the various Provinces of the North America Conference.
Happy New Year to you! I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season and pray that 2024 is off to a good start for you! As January begins to wind down and we find ourselves deep into the season of winter, I find myself pondering both this month and season.
The Redemptorists have been part of the life of the borough of Ephrata, PA, since the early 1900’s. Arriving first as missionaries, they were soon asked to care for the Catholics of the area. Initially 13 people gathered in what is now St. Gerard’s Mansion to celebrate Mass.
The Parish Community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn celebrated on January 17th, 2024, with a special Eucharist and Reception, the 90th birthday of Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R., and the 25th anniversary of ministry at this beloved Basilica.
Fr. Peter and I along with Fr. Chuong Cao, Vocation Director for our Denver Province, attended the SEEK24 Conference that was held in St. Louis, Missouri, January 1-5. There were over 22,000 college-age students, graduate men and women, hundreds of religious women and men, priests, bishops and two cardinals along with keynote speakers, lecturers, choir, musical groups and all sorts of vendors witnessing to the overwhelming love of God. It all took place at the St. Louis Convention Center and it was wonderful to behold.
