Rome, Italy
July 16, 2012

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL, MICHAEL BREHL, C.SS.R. To Redemptorist Missionaries, Lay Associates, Sisters and Friends of The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer

Dear Confreres, Brothers and Sisters,

The Alphonsian Academy and Moral Theology

Greetings as we anticipate the August 1st celebration of our founder and father, St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori. There are so many dimensions of his life, witness, spirituality and theology to remember with joy and to imitate with fidelity. In this message, I would like to highlight his great legacy as a Moral Theologian and Pastor.

1. St. Alphonsus, Moral Theology and the Alphonsian Academy

St. Alphonsus claimed that he learned his moral theology primarily from hearing the confessions of poor, country people. It was his commitment to the abandoned, and especially the poor which formed and shaped his missionary spirit. This commitment urged him to continue to research, study and write on moral theology as bishop of Sant’Agata and even after his retirement to Pagani. His concern for a pastoral moral theology permeated his spiritual and doctrinal works, as well as his praxes for confessors, missionaries, bishops and pastors.
When Fr. Leonard Buijs founded the Alphonsian Academy on February 9, 1949, he implemented a decision of the 1947 General Chapter to continue this tradition so vital to the Charism of our Congregation – to research, study and reflect on moral theology in the context of a changing cultural and historical reality. For St. Alphonsus, the study and teaching of moral theology was a service to the Congregation, and especially to the whole Church. Not only did his work help prepare our confreres for the ministry of preaching, reconciliation and pastoral guidance of people – his research provided concrete assistance to bishops, pastors, confessors and seminarians. The Alphonsian Academy continues this tradition in our age.

2. The Academy as Congregational Priority: Decision of the XXIV General Chapter

The XXIV General Chapter (November 2009) reflected on the mission of the Alphonsian Academy today. The President, Fr. Martin McKeever, invited the Capitulars to face the challenges confronting the Academy and this ministry. His presentation provoked a reflection on the necessary and mutual relationship of the Congregation with the Academy, which involves the professors, the Redemptorist and other students, and the financial stability of the Academy.

The XXIV General Chapter subsequently declared that. “The Alphonsian Academy is one of the common apostolates and priorities of the Congregation with which all Units must collaborate generously and effectively. This collaboration includes the choice and composition of the body of Professors and financial aid” (Decision 13)

Over the next few months, each Conference of the Congregation will gather in the Mid-Sexennial Meetings to consider, among other matters, how we are effectively implementing the Decisions of the XXIV General Chapter. In this context, I am writing this letter to the whole Congregation. As we continue the process of restructuring the Congregation for the sake of the mission, I am convinced that the Alphonsian Academy has an important role to play – not only for the Congregation, but for the sake of the Universal Church.

3. The Bologna Process and the Strategic Plan for the Academy

At the present time, countries in Europe are engaged in a process of developing uniform standards for accreditation of academic institutions. This process has been accepted by Italy. It has also been affirmed by the Vatican for all pontifical universities and academies. Thus, it must be embraced by the Academy as well. Without going into the details of this complicated process, it is important to know that the Academy must prepare a Strategic Plan as part of its participation in this process. The appropriate authorities in the Academy will prepare the plan for the areas in which they have competence, involving the program, policies, etc.

At the same time, the Congregation together with the Academy must address the major challenges of ensuring financial stability and a qualified corps of Redemptorist professors. It will be impossible to address these challenges without the full support, collaboration and partnership of the Congregation. When the XXIV General Chapter decided that the Academy is a common apostolate and priority of the Congregation, it insisted on the responsibility of all the Units to collaborate in the mission of the Academy.

4. Collaboration of the Congregation and the Academy

Recognizing that the Alphonsian Academy exercises its mission and ministry in relationship to the Lateran University and the Congregation for Catholic Education, I am also aware that the care of the Academy has been entrusted to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and in particular to the Superior General who assumes the responsibility of Moderator General of the Academy. Among my responsibilities is the task of promoting the relationship of the Academy and the Congregation, especially in relationship to the choice and composition of the body of Professors, as well as ensuring financial stability.

It is also important to strengthen this relationship between the Congregation and the Academy by recognizing and appreciating what the Academy offers to the Congregation, as well as to the Universal Church, such as:

· Regular courses leading to the Licence and Doctorate degrees.
· The journal Studia Moralia with articles for study and reflection. This journal is now available online as well.
· Moral Theology Congresses, which are open to the confreres.
· Short renewal courses for the confreres, such as “Moral Issues in Pastoral Ministry”, the two-week course in English offered in Thailand, June 17-30, 2012. Another course is being planned in Spanish for 2013.
· Individual professors from the Academy are always willing to offer talks, workshops, or short courses in different Units and Conferences.

4.1 Redemptorist Professors and Students

As a common apostolate and priority of the Congregation, it is important that the Academy is served by a body of Professors which includes a significant number of Redemptorists committed to its mission. When a Redemptorist Missionary is called to exercise his ministry as a Professor at the Academy, he does so for the sake of the mission of the world-wide Congregation. It is not a question of personal preference and choice. Confreres such as Fr. Capone and Vereecke, Häring and Hitz, as well as many others too numerous to mention, have formed part of this body of Professors committed to excellence in Moral Theology. This tradition of excellence has continued. However, as we look to the future, the Congregation must make important choices and decisions so that the next generation of Professors will be ready to respond to this call.

It is only be possible to assure that there will be Redemptorist Professors available for the Academy by ensuring that confreres are prepared now. I am convinced that we must encourage more Units to send Redemptorist confreres to study at the Academy and elsewhere not only to provide excellent professors for the initial formation of our students, but also to develop the pool of candidates available to teach and undertake research at Academy. I urge the Conferences and the individual Units to carefully consider how they can collaborate in this area.

4.2 Financial Stability

As you are aware, the whole Congregation has experienced the effects of the financial crisis of recent years. This crisis has also affected the Academy. Over the years, many Units have contributed financially to support this ministry which is a priority for the Congregation. Some of these Provinces are no longer able to contribute as generously as in the past. We are certainly grateful for the financial commitment they have carried out, which is a sign of real solidarity and a service to the whole Church. I am also aware that different ways of ensuring this solidarity must be found today in light of our changed situation.

The Commission for Economic Solidarity, the General Financial Secretariat, and the General Government are exploring more effective ways of ensuring the financial stability of the Alphonsian Academy. This will only be possible in solidarity with the Congregation on many levels. Long-term solutions to the financial challenges must be found. However, in the short-term, we must also find sources of new income to sustain the present quality of the Academy.

4.3 Promotion of the Academy in the Conferences and Units of the Congregation

The relationship between the Congregation and the Alphonsian Academy must go beyond providing a body of Professors and financial stability. Recognizing the Academy as a ‘common apostolate and priority’ of the Congregation requires a renewed vision of this relationship and collaboration. This vision and mind-set challenges the Congregation to promote the study of moral theology and the Academy within the Congregation. It also encourages us to promote the Academy in the local Church, both as an institute to prepare moral theologians – diocesan priests, religious and lay people – and as a resource for research in moral theology and ongoing formation. At the same time, it invites the Academy to continue its initiatives to assist the whole Congregation and the Universal Church in serious moral reflection through writing, workshops, and other programs.

5. Conclusion: The Academy, the Redemptorists and St. Alphonsus

Missionary and pastoral experience convinced St. Alphonsus of the importance of Moral Theology as an integral dimension of the Charism of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He devoted time, study, and enormous effort to his Theologia Moralis. His spirituality is founded on a deep conviction that the Christian moral life is based on and shaped by the practice of love of Jesus Christ and uniformity with the Will of God. These lead to sanctity. For St. Alphonsus, moral theology is not merely an independent theological discipline, but a vital and integral praxis for the effective proclamation of the Good News of ‘Copiosa Redemptio’ in Jesus Christ – and this proclamation is directed to the most abandoned and the poor.

The XXIV General Chapter affirmed this fundamental conviction of St. Alphonsus, and identified the Alphonsian Academy as a concrete priority in order to realize it today. As part of the ongoing process of renewal and restructuring for the sake of the mission, the Congregation must also examine and renew the vision and role of the Academy as a means of proclaiming the Gospel ever anew.

May the wisdom and commitment of St. Alphonsus inspire us to continue his vision of study, research, teaching and writing on moral theology so that all who are called to redemption and holiness may find the inspiration and hope they need in order to do God’s will in all things.

As we celebrate his feast with joy and hope, let us follow the example of his life with confidence and fidelity. May our Mother of Perpetual Help always accompany us.

Your brother in the Redeemer,

Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R.
Superior General

FROM THE EDITOR:
An expression of thanksgiving for all who bring you SCALA

FROM THE PROVINCES:
Vice Province of Bangkok to become Province of Thailand
Thailand’s Mission in Laos
Baltimore Province concludes Neumann Year
Brazil hold a Youth Encuento in preparation for 2013

ACTIVITIES OF OUR MOTHER CHURCH, SANT’ALFONSO, ROME:
A Neighborhood Multi-Cultural Celebration
Corpus Christi Procession
Parish Church of San Vito
Celebration of Alphonsus’ 250th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination
Archdiocese of Amalfi
Feastday of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Mother of Perpetual Help webcam
Slideshow: Procession in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help around the Esquiline Hill

COLLEGIO MAGGIORE:
Academic Achievements
Comings and Goings

TRANSITIONS:
Professions, Ordinations, Deaths, Erection & Suppression of Houses

From the Editor's World Notebook:

Below we cover the upcoming celebration of Thailand becoming a Province. We also cover several end-of-year highlights around Casa Sant’Alfonso and other parts of the Redemptorist world.

This being July, it is the last issue of SCALA for the Roman Summer as everyone, including the Holy Father, takes flight from the heat of the “Infernal City”! We will be back in October unless, in the meantime, very important news demands a special SCALA. As usual, this is my annual opportunity to thank by name all those who have helped us accomplish our work this October-July publishing year.

First of all, to all the units of the Congregation who send us their news to share with all the other confreres around the world; and members of the General Government who submit articles and ideas from their visitations; and the members of the Sant’Alfonso community who often pass on tips of what’s happening back in their home provinces. Thank you from me and from the Congregation. I receive e-mails after every edition of SCALA thanking us for keeping confreres around the world “connected” with the wider Congregation – especially those confreres in remote places or not presently near another Redemptorist community.

I need to thank our technical expert, my brother, Ron Ziuraitis, who, from his home in San Antonio, Texas, USA, works to format the monthly bulletin in the manner you receive it. We are happy that we have been able to improve and expand SCALA’s ability over the years to provide more than just mere text - to add photos, audio/video and special slideshows. This is due to Ron’s continually seeking newer and better ways to deliver the news through the complex environment of the internet across the various capabilities people have of receiving it. Of course, the hyperlinks included in many of the articles permit you to continue to explore and expand your experience of a given article.

We owe a big thank you to our many translators from around the world who bring you SCALA in seven language editions: English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, German and Polish. When I began my service here in Rome in 2004, the General Government had in-house translators for all seven languages. It now have just two in-house translators: Father Porfirio Tejera for Spanish and Father Jan Chaim for Polish. Our other translators now for SCALA, with the exception of Italian, are volunteers from throughout the Congregation:

English: Edward Vella, Gary Lauenstein, J. Robert Fenili, Joseph Dorcey, from the Province of Denver.
Charles Randall, from the Province of London.
Brian Dolan from the Province of South Africa
Ray Douziech from the Province of Edmonton-Toronto.
Tony Mulvey, English translator Emeritus, and Martin McKeever, from the Province of Dublin.
Jelle Wind, Secretary of the Province of St. Clement.

Italian: Ms. Annalisa Pinca, employed by the Provinces of Rome and Naples to do Italian translations for the General Government and for SCALA.

French: Father Hervé Gendron, from the Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, who has been faithfully handling all the French translations for SCALA.

Portuguese: Following in the large footsteps of Father José Vidigal who returned to his Province of Rio di Janeiro last year, Father Ronival Benedito dos Reis, from the Province of São Paulo, manages to do all of the Portuguese translating in between his busy pastoral work.

German: Fathers Hans Schermann and Bruno Primetshofer, our two venerable translators for German from the Province of Vienna along with occasional help from Father Marco Limberger of the St. Clement Province.

These are your confreres and lay associates who every month help to bring you the news of Redemptorists working in the various fields and endeavors of Copious Redemption.

Grace and Redemption for All!
Gary Ziuraitis, C.Ss.R.

Index

FROM THE PROVINCES:

Thailand
Bangkok Vice Province becomes a Province on September 22, 2012
Joseph Apisit Kritsaralam, C.Ss.R.

Introduction:

First and foremost, I’d like to thank all missionaries from the St. Louis/Denver Province who have worked in Thailand; those who have gone to their eternal reward or returned to their province; and those who are still with us today. Because of them and the Saint Louis/Denver Province, we have become who and what we are today. You should be proud of your daughter!

The first 4 missionaries from the then St. Louis Province came to Thailand in 1948. Year after year one or two new missionaries came to Thailand until the early 1970’s. Now we have 2 Bishops, 47 priests, 7 Brothers and 9 professed students in theology; 2 in Novitiate; 21 in Philosophy; 10 Postulants and 60 in the Minor Seminary. There are 8 canonical communities.

In terms of the Mission: I’d like to start with some background history of our mission in Thailand. We will see that the development of our mission has been more or less a community-based approach, which we can divide into three phases:

1st Phase: The First 25 years: (1948-1973): The focus for the first 25 years was the Udon Thani Diocese and parish ministry. Because of the demand of the mission, we could not live together as a community. We had a “home week” only once a month, except for confreres who lived in Bangkok and Sriracha.

Communities: Holy Redeemer,Bangkok
Nongkhai
Khonkaen
Sriracha

Apostolate:
- Parish Ministry
- Schools: Holy Redeemer School; Ruamrudee International School
- Mission preaching
- Formation: Sriracha

People only knew us through Holy Redeemer, Bangkok while the mission in Udon Thani was developing. There was only one formation house in Sriracha.

2nd Phase: The Next 25 years: (1973-1998): Udon Thani Diocese continued to be our priority along with additional new initiatives, such as social work and school ministry. The emerging apostolate at this phase was social work ministry. Mission preaching had been on and off.

Communities: Sampran, Pattaya
Apostolate:
- Parish Ministry
- Schools: Holy Redeemer School; Ruamrudee International School, KG Perpetual Help
- Mission Preaching
- Formation: Sriracha, Nongkhai, Sampran
- Social Work: Orphanage, Handicapped, Slum Work
- Retreat House
- Foreign Missions: Korea and Nigeria

We started our Major Seminary in this phase as well as a social work ministry in Pattaya which has become well known. We also started our foreign mission in Korea and joined in the mission to Nigeria.

3rd Phase: 1998 – to the present

We have set up new priorities: Institutional, Apostolic and new initiatives.

I. Institutional Priorities:

Formation Houses in Thailand: Sriracha, Sampran (Postulants), Minburi (Pre-novitiate).
In the Philippines: Lipa (Common Novitiate) and Davao (Common Theologate). These should always be our first priority in order to assure that we have qualified confreres to continue our mission.
Ruamrudee International School is our institutional priority and financial resource for the Redemptorist mission.

II. Apostolic Priorities:

1 Chiang Mai Diocese: The Province continues to develop and support this priority.
2 Holy Redeemer Church: The various apostolates of Holy Redeemer Parish should be continued and supported by the Province. The work in the slums (Mercy Center) remains a priority of the parish/community.
3 Pattaya C.Ss.R. Work: The Province maintains the social work in Pattaya as a priority. Pattaya could be at the service of social works. e.g. Mercy Center, Sarnelli House, and Missions in the North.
4 Mission Team: Extraordinary preaching is an important part of our Charism and serves a definite pastoral need of the Church in Thailand. Care should be taken in the choice and training of dedicated personnel for this apostolate.
5 Udon Thani Diocese: The Redemptorist apostolate in Udon Thani diocese remains a priority of the Province. The terms of our apostolate should be agreed upon in dialogue with the Bishop in a written contract.

III. Apostolic Activities/Initiatives:

1. Nakornsawan Diocese: The Province should support this mission and plan for future development.
2. Mass Media and Apostolate of the Pen: This apostolate should involve more confreres in working for the mass media.
3. Mission Abroad: The Province continues supporting mission in Takhek diocese in Laos and remains open to the possibility of expansion to countries bordering on Thailand (e.g. Myrnmar, Cambodia, China and USA.) In Laos there are 5 candidates: 3 in philosophy and 2 postulants. The community house will be finished by June 2012.
Communities: Minburi
Chiengmai
Davao and Lipa, Philippines
Laos Mission
Apostolate: - Parish Work
- Schools: Holy Redeemer School; Ruamrudee International School, KG Perpetual Help
- Mission Preaching
- Formation: Sriracha, Minburi, Sampran, Davao, Lipa
- Social Work: Father Ray foundation, Mercy Center, Sarnelli House.
- Retreat House
- Foreign Missions: Korea; Nigeria; Laos
- Hill Tribes Missions
- Media Center; Institute for Spirituality

At this phase, we have strengthened the social work ministry by having more social service centers at Mercy Center, Bangkok and Sarnelli House, Nongkhai. The new mission in Chieng Mai diocese has begun along with the foreign missions. The model of community life is “home week community” since we don’t live together. New collaborative projects in Formation with other units has begun: Lipa and Davao. New initiatives like mission in Nakornsawan Diocese and in Laos have been started.

Challenges

September 22, 2012: Inauguration of Becoming the Province of Thailand:
1. Diversity of Mission and Personnel Preparation
2. Community Life in the Vice-Province: building trust among confreres and confidence in the leadership team; many confreres don’t live together because of the demand of the mission.

Action Plans:
1. PCL of every community: Goal setting of each community and C.Ss.R. Provincial Goal within this quadrennium (goal is set in different categories: community goal, diocesan goal, conference goal, and initiative).
2. Home week meeting of each community monthly or bimonthly with one of the members of the Ordinary Provincial Council.
3. Evaluations of the Action Plans at mid-term

Index

Province of Thailand
Redemptorists Establish New Mission in Laos
Don MacKinnon, C.Ss.R., Denverlink

With the encouragement of Bishop John Vianney PridaIntirath, the Redemptorists will soon open a parish near the Benedict XVI Reception Center of the Major Seminary in Takhek, in the center of Laos. The first Redemptorists to serve in the new Laotian mission are: Fr. Peter Thienchai Getsurin of the Thailand Province, Fr. Joseph Đậu Xuân Toàn of the Vietnam Province, and Fr. Vimanphet of Laos.

This apostolic initiative will be the joint mission of the well-established Redemptorist provinces of Vietnam and Thailand.

Some years ago, Thailand and the Philippines joined forces to start the Mission of Korea, which now boasts 15 native Redemptorist priests and Brothers.

For several years, Thai Redemptorists such as Fathers Phairot, Apisit and Chai have served the Tahket seminary by lecturing and conducting retreats, with occasional visits to parishes in the nearby country. Until now, they have not been in a position to stay in Laos for extended periods of time. The arrival of Redemptorists from the neighboring Communist nation of Vietnam is contributing substantially to the Laos government’s recognition of what is to be the first house of religious men in the country since the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

The new mission will be a testament to the faithful and courageous Catholics in Laos and two religious organizations: the Paris Foreign Mission Society, which first came to the area in the time of King Louis XIV of France almost 500 years ago; and the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, who arrived in the 1930s.

Today the Takhek seminary includes two Kmhmú seminarians and newly ordained Fr. Bountha, both hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bishop Ling, who heads the most southern vicariate apostolic. Five of the Laotian students in Tahket, who speak Vietnamese as well as Lao, are preparing to enter the Redemptorist novitiate in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
 

See more information at: www.kmhmucatholic.org

Index

Mass Celebration Closes Neumann Year

Archbishop Joseph Tobin was the homilist at a Mass celebrated to close the Province of Baltimore’s Neumann Year on Saturday, June 23 in Philadelphia, PA. Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, was the main celebrant, and several other bishops from dioceses in which St. John Neumann served were also in attendance. Immediately after the 2:00 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, a reception was held at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel

Congratulations to the Baltimore Province, which sponsored a wide variety of special events
during the Neumann Year -- an 18-month celebration of his life, legacy and example of holiness.

During the course of the Neuman Year there were:
9 Neumann-themed parish missions
6 Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotions
19-city relic tour covering 4 states and Washington, D.C.
3 special Masses at the Shrine of St. John Neumann
1 prayer service for Catholic schools
2,800+ entries in the nationwide St. John Neumann Essay Contest

Index

Brazill
Brazilian Redemptorist Youth Commission holds second encounter.
Brenda Mello, Luiz Henrique Freitas y Terry Gomes
Journalists of the National Redemptorist Youth Commission

The National Redemptorist Youth Commission held an encounter from June 19th to 21st . The Commission is composed of young persons associated with the Redemptorist charism and Redemptorist spirituality. The encounter occurred in the city of Trindade, in Goiás state, and brought together representatives of the nine (Vice) Provinces of Brazil. The principle topic of discussion was the Alphonsian Gathering that will take place on July 22, 2013, in Aparecida, São Paulo.

The encounter began with a few words from each of the representatives regarding the activities and preparations going on for the Gathering in each respective provincial unit. All were unanimous in speaking of the enthusiasm of the youth from all over Brazil, concerning the project as they await the arrival of the day of the Alphonsian Gathering in Aparecida as well as World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro, both in 2013. Many young persons are already preparing to participate in both events in Aparecida and Rio de Janeiro.

In this second encounter, the commissions responsible for each area of planning (coordination, visuals, logistics, communication, liturgy, content and materials) presented proposals that were developed since the first encounter back in February. Also discussed were new activities for the Redemptorist Youth and Alphonsian Gathering.   With the theme “Youth, go forth and announce the Redeemer”, and the motto “Disciples of Jesus Christ, missionaries with Saint Alphonsus,” the Alphonsian Gathering 2013 will bring together youth from Brazil and the whole world for a pilgrimage to Aparecida. Pe. José Vergílio, C.Ss.R., representative of the Province of Porto Alegre, said “ The Alphonsian Gathering is an opportunity for youth associated with events in parishes, shrines, and Redemptorist Missions to undergo a much deeper and more intimate experience of the spirituality in which Redemptorist religious and lay life is founded, how we work and live together, whether local or worldwide.”

The Alphonsian Gathering will hold cultural events, prayer, and socializing, and a Mission in the National Shrine of Aparecida. Each Brazilian parish will prepare to arrive first in São Paulo, and travel to Rio de Janeiro. Those from other countries who will be in Rio for World Youth Day (WYD) will travel to Aparecida and return to Rio, and must pre-register on the internet. The Alphonsian Gathering site will be announced so that participants, both Brazilians and those from other countries, may register.
 
According to a priest of the Vice Province of Bahia, Pe. Aloísio Mota, C.Ss.R., the objective of the commission is to create a profile of today’s Redemptorist Youth missionary in Brazil. “Who will gain from this,” he said, “will be the youth, the Church, with the return of human values, and our Congregation, with renewed hope and heart in order to envision the future.” For Pe. Alexander de Castro, C.Ss.R., of the Province of Campo Grande, the fraternal spirit among the members of the commission is favorable for the work of the group. He affirmed, “I hope that this team will be motivated every day to rally the youth and the confreres – fathers and brothers - so that they might embrace this plan.
 
According to Pe. Fábio Mendonça Pascoal, C.Ss.R., of the Province of Goiás, the youth are the gift of the Catholic Church today, not only of those in the future. “The participation of youth in today’s Church, in the various movements, in the ministries, and in the very dynamism in which the youth are founded, is something that could very well bring about much fruit for our journey as Christians. The youth who are among us have the capacity to be a true witness to Christ through joy, exuberance, selflessness and active participation,” he said.

As related by Frater James Batista, C.Ss.R., representative of the Vice Province of Manaus, “in order to reach the youth it is necessary to be in their midst.” Reflecting on this, the commission will continue working to announce Plentiful Redemption side by side with the youth. The Provincial of Rio, Pe. Vicente de Paula Ferreira, C.Ss.R., who represents the Union of Redemptorists in Brazil (URB), on the commission, emphasized that the entire project is the responsibility of all, and hopefully will continue beyond the encounters and gatherings. The next meeting will take place October 29 – 31, in Recife, Pernambuco.

Index

ACTIVITIES OF OUR MOTHER CHURCH, SANT’ALFONSO, ROME :

The Shrine of Sant´Alfonso

The Church of Sant’Alfonso is a shrine Church, not a parish church, but it is increasingly involved in neighborhood activities with the parish Church of San Vito next door and busy with its own celebrations. This keeps our Shrine Rector, Father Luciano Panella (Province of Naples), on the move with official and ceremonial duties, along with the other shrine priests, Fathers Joshua Manubag (Province of Cebu), pastor for the Filipino community, Father Krzysztof Mamala (Vice Province of Bahia), pastor for the Polish community, and Father Juan José Medina (Province of Bogotá), pastor of the Hispanic community.

Several events have recently taken place. In late Spring, the Shrine took part in a multi-cultural celebration of our Esquiline neighborhood held in nearby Vittorio Emmanuele Park. The neighborhood around Sant’Alfonso is becoming increasingly multi-cultural, with a large influx of immigrants from Asian countries.

Pictured here is Shrine Rector, Father Luciano Panella, addressing the gathered throng.

Father Krzysztof Mamala talking with his faithful in their polish booth

A booth exhibiting some of the artwork of Father Thomas Biju Madathikunnel (Province of Liguori), which we featured back in SCALA#74;

The Hispanic flock of our Shrine, demonstrating native costume and dance.

June 7th was the annual Corpus Christi procession with the Holy Father from St. John Lateran to St. Mary Major. There seemed to be an increase in participants this year as the float with the Blessed Sacrament with the Holy Father kneeling in prayer made its way up Via Merulana. The Church and community house were decked out for the occasion with flags representing the numerous nations from where the confreres originate.

Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and of the Governorate of Vatican City State, was appointed titular Cardinal of our neighboring parish Church of San Vito back in the February consistory. He took possession of San Vito’s on Sunday, June 10th.

On June 20th, Archbishop Joseph Tobin presided and preached at the celebration of St. Alphonsus’ 250th anniversary of episcopal ordination. Bishop Antonio Napolitano, C.Ss.R., from the Province of Naples, Bishop of Sessa Aurunca, Italy, and Bishop Francisco Ceballos, C.Ss.R., Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño, Colombi, here on his ad limina visit, also joined us for the celebration.

The Redemptorists of the Province of Naples joyfully informed us that at the request of the Archbishop of Scala, Orazio Soricelli, the celebration of St. Alphonsus on August 1st will now be, for the Archdiocese of Amalfi-Cava de’Tirreni, liturgically upgraded to a Feast from a Memorial in recognition of Alphonsus’ influence on the spiritual life of the area and the constant devotion of the faithful. Cardinal Prefect, Antonio Cañizares Llovera, made the decision public in a letter accompanying the decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments dated June 20th, the anniversary of Alphonsus´250th anniversary of episcopal ordination.

The “Mother of all celebrations” at Sant’Alfonso is our annual Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. This year Father General, Michael Brehl, presided at the celebration on Sunday, June 24th. Vicar General, Father Enrique López was the homilist and Father Panella led the traditional procession around the Esquiline Hill.

Next year we hope this celebration can be “webcast” to the world by our new Church webcam, paid for and installed by the Province of Denver. www.MaryPrayForUS.org

Slideshow: Procession in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help around the Esquiline Hill
Photos by Thomas Biju Madathikunnel, C.Ss.R.

Rome
Collegio Maggiore

The end of the Rome academic year brings comings and goings to the Collegio Maggiore. This year’s end sees 8 confreres saying their official goodbyes to the Collegio.

They are:

Patrice Nyanda, who we previously noted in SCALA #76 had obtained his doctorate in Missiology at the Gregorianum.

Daniel Andree, Province of Denver, who continues his Doctoral dissertation work in Canon Law and will return to defend it in the future.

Alex Franklin Hernández Ochoa, Province of Central America, who defended his doctoral dissertation, L’apostolato parrochiale degli Istituti Religiiosi Clericali, in Canon Law at the Lateran University on June 25th.

Ronald Patricio Flores Soto, Province of Santiago, who defended his doctoral dissertation, Las dinámicas de participación y corresponsabilidad componentes de cualidad en la conversion misionera de la pastoral parroquial, in Missiology at the Urbaniana on June 27th.

A festive aperativo and pranzo took place by the community in honor of Doctors Alex and Ronaldo on Wednesday, June 27th, the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

Augustine Mugambi Kiruja, Mission of Kenya, who obtained his license in moral theology at the Alphonsianum.

James Kumar, Province of Bangalore, who obtained his license in moral theology at the Alphonsianum.

Héctor Javier Machado, Vice Province of Resistencia, who completed his license in Missiology at the Urbaniana.

Nöel Koutre Sottima, Vice Provincia of West Africa, who obtained his license in Sacred Scripture at the Biblicum.

Congratulations to all these hard-studying confreres who now return to their units to be of service in their specialties.

At this time we are aware of four new confreres who will be joining the Collegio Maggiore in September:

Gerard Gregory Anil Louis, Province of Ipoh (Singapore), who will be studying Dogmatic Theology.
Agostinho Lumbangue Leão, Vice Province of Luanda, who will be studying Philosophy.
Jesús María Ortiz Orozco, Province of Bogotá, who will be studying Biblical Theology.
João Paulo Santos Souza, Province of Goiás, who will be studying Sacred Scripture.

TRANSITIONS:

Recent noteworthy events in the Redemptorist Family. For a complete record of transitions visit the Officialia site

First Profession of Temporary Vows:
Jomil Baring, Province of Cebu, May 25, 2012
Niel John Capidos, Province of Cebu, May 25, 2012
Peter Do Duc Kien, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Le Thanh Huan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Peter Nguyen Bao Vinh, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Francis Xavier Nguyen Duc Huy, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Nguyen Huu Tuan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Nguyen Quang Phuc, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Peter Nguyen Quang Doan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
John Baptist Nguyen Thanh Huyen, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Thomas Nguyen The Chuong, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Quach Minh Duc, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Anthony Tran Van Huynh, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Mary Tran Van Tai, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Peter Trinh Cong Chi, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
John Baptist Voung Son Hoang, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012

Profession of Perpetual Vows:
Javier Alonso Ceballos Valencia, Province of Bogotá, June 17, 2012
Vincent Hoang Van Bao, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Augustin Le Quy Phi, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Ignace Le Tuan Hung, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Pierre Lu Van Tan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Pierre Nguyen Anh Kiet, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Pierre Nguyen Anh Xuyen, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Michel Nguyen Be, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
François d’Assise Nguyen Duc Hoan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Nguyen Quoc Khai, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Joseph Nguyen Van Toan, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Vincent Pham Van Hau, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Jean Phung Ba Trung, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Jean Baptiste Tran Duc Thong, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
Dominique Tran Thien Thanh Tra, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012
François Xavier Tran Van Bac, Province of Vietnam, June 27, 2012

Ordination to the Priesthood:
Gary Alvarado, Province of Cebu, May 26, 2012
Neil Bryan Lesaca, Province of Cebu, May 26, 2012
Julius Martin Malacas, Province of Cebu, May 26, 2012
Jean Paul Tabasa, Province of Cebu, May 26, 2012
Yohanes Berkhmans Boli, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Yansiku Bastian Dandy, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Samsonius Petrus Kono, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Fransiskus Asisi Labi Bataona, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Handrianus Mone, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Alfonsus Roynaldo Noeng, Province of Indonesia, May 29, 2012
Jeferson Santos Leite, Vice Province of Bahia, June 2, 2012
Manlio Cirimele, Province of Naples, June 16, 2012
Joseph Nguyen Cong Minh, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Pierre Nguyen Luong Bang, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Antoine Nguyen Tan Hung, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Dominique Nguyen Van Huyen, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Dominique Nguyen Van Phuong, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Michel Pham Gia Lam, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012
Vincent Vu Van Bang, Province of Vietnam, June 28, 2012

Jubilees – August-September:

75th Jubilee of Profession:
Edward Moriarty, Province of Campo Grande, August 2, 2012
Jacques Huberdeau, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 15, 2012
Zénon Lévesque, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 15, 2012
Victoriano García Manzanedo, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Gérard Karm, Province of Strasbourg, September 8, 2012
René Balluet, Vice Province of West Africa, September 8, 2012
Georges Van Wichelen, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012

70th Jubilee of Profession:
James Lundy, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Raymond Philip Patrick McCarthy, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Joseph Marion Greenwell, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
Marcel Blais, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 15, 2012
Jean-Marie Cöté, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 15, 2012
Carlos Favilanes Andrade, Province of Quito, August 15, 2012
José Calzada Martínez, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Esteban Martínez Marcos, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Gregorio Martínez Ruiz, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
William Power, Province of Dublin, September 8, 2012
Cornelis (Jaime) Snoek, Province of Rio de Janeiro, September 8, 2012
Petrus (Piet) Meinders, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 8, 2012
André Haeck, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
René Martin, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 24, 2012

70th Jubilee of Ordination:
Charles Feuerstein, Province of Strasbourg, August 2, 2012
Georges Van Wichelen, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), August 10, 2012

60th Jubilee of Profession:
Russell Rosario Abata, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Robert Cheesman, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Robert John Lennon, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Thomas Loftus, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Józef Chudzik, Province of Warsaw, August 2, 2012
Stanisław Mróz, Province of Warsaw, August 2, 2012
Józef Witek, Province of Warsaw, August 2, 2012
Bernard Zieliński, Province of Warsaw, August 2, 2012
Igancio Agostini Bandeo, Province of Buenos Aires, August 2, 2012
José Anibal de Assís, Province of Rio de Janeiro, August 2, 2012
Kenneth Britto, Province of Bangalore, August 2, 2012
Raphael Mascarenhas, Province of Bangalore, August 2, 2012
James Richard Keena, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
Joseph Henry (Pascoal) Stenger, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
Francis Allinson, Province of London, August 15, 2012
Kevin Callaghan, Province of London, August 15, 2012
Michael Creech, Province of London, August 15, 2012
Paul-André Bouchard, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beupré, August 15, 2012
Jean-Paul Labonté, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 15, 2012
John Holz, Province of Canberra, August 15, 2012
Estanislao Lierena Barrero, Province of Quito, August 15, 2012
Pierre Hoang Minh Tuan, Province of Vietnam, August 15, 2012
Rafael Arcadio Bernal Supelano, Bishop Emeritus of Libano-Honda, Colombia; Province of Bogotá, August 22, 2012
Ignacio Antonio Galindo Moreno, Province of Bogotá, August 22, 2012
Victor Castrillo Vega, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Luis Fernández Rodríquez, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Bernardo García Castrillo, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Román Lázaro Lázaro, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Saturnino Martínez Freile, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Angel Plaza Martín, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Olegario Rodríquez Martínez, Province of Madrid, August 24, 2012
Felicísimo González Arnáiz, Vice Province of Caracas, August 24, 2012
José Ignacio Alemany Grau, Bishop Emeritus of Chachapoyas, Peru; Vice Province of Peru-North, August 24, 2012
Bruno Richter, Province of Munich, September 3, 2012
August Schmied, Province of Munich, September 3, 2012
Antonius (Paulo) Speekenbrink, Vice Province of Recife, September 8, 2012
Joseph Chevrot, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 8, 2012
François Gautier, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 8, 2012
Julien Girot, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 8, 2012
Franciscus (Frans) Boddeke, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 8, 2012
Adrianus (Ad) Bogers, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 8, 2012
Henricus (Harrie) Heijkers, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 8, 2012
Sebastian (Bas) Mulder, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 8, 2012
Jean-Marie Orban, Region of Belgium-South, September 11, 2012
André Perrin, Province of Strasbourg, September 12, 2012
José Herger, Province of Bolivia, September 12, 2012
Karel Vermeulen, Region of the Caribbean, September 15, 2012
Frans De Maeseneer, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Hugo Deboutte, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Jan Notenboom, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
John Purcell, Province of Cebu, September 24, 2012
William Skehan, Province of Cebu, September 24, 2012
Giuseppe Armogida, Province of Naples, September 29, 2012
Bruno Dominijanni, Province of Naples, September 29, 2012

60th Jubilee of Ordination:
Ramón Alejo Dailoff Walter, Province of Buenos Aires, August 10, 2012
Osvaldo Fernando Ulrich Bahl, Province of Buenos Aires, August 10, 2012
John Bennett, Province of Dublin, August 17, 2012
Patrick O’Sullivan, Province of Dublin, August 17, 2012
André Launay, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 13, 2012
Daniël Ampe, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
John Bergmans, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Maurits Bloemen, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Timon De Cock, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Lucein Simoens, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Frans Van den Abbeel, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), September 15, 2012
Pascalis (Pascal) Dekkers, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 17, 2012
Josephus (Jozef) Konings, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 17, 2012
Henricus (Henrique) ten Have, Province of St. Clement (Netherlands), September 17, 2012

50th Jubilee of Profession:
Thomas Jeremiah Barrett, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Arthur Philip Gildea, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
John Barron Harrison, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Kevin John Milton, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Donald Conrad Miniscalco, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Gerard John Szymkowiak, Province of Baltimore, August 2, 2012
Santiago Savarimuthu, Province of Bangalore, August 2, 2012
Antonio Hernández Almenas, Province of San Juan, August 2, 2012
Charles Beierwaltes, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
Andrew William Meiners, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
William Agnew Peterson, Province of Denver, August 2, 2012
Nicanor Brasa Prieto, Province of Madrid, August 15, 2012
Pedro Guembe Elizalde, Province of Madrid, August 15, 2012
Jesús Hidalgo López, Province of Madrid, August 15, 2012
Argimiro Gago Vicente, Vice Province of Peru-North, August 15, 2012
Józef Gęza, Province of Warsaw, August 15, 2012
Jean-Raymond Girard, Vice Province of Tôkyô, August 15, 2012
Silvério da Silva Rato, Province of Lisbon, August 15, 2012
Ramiro Ferriera dos Santos, Province of Lisbon, August 15, 2012
Petrus Stasiuk, Bishop of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, Australia (Ukrainian), Province of Yorkton, August 28, 20121
Eddy Bijloos, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), August 29, 2012
Paul Hauman, Province of St. Clement (Flanders), August 29, 2012
Bernhard Bossert, Province of Munich, September 4, 2012
Günter Kupka, Province of Munich, September 4, 2012
Günther Pittner, Province of Munich, September 4, 2012
Josef Schrott, Province of Munich, September 4, 2012
Hermann Zeller, Province of Munich, September 4, 2012
Joseph Doherty, Province of London, September 5, 2012
Joseph Jager, Province of Strasbourg, September 8, 2012
Michel Joseph, Province of Lyon-Paris, September 8, 2012
Sean McManus, Province of London, September 9, 2012
James Alfred Smale, Province of London, September 9, 2012
Antonio Caboni, Province of Rome, September 15, 2012
Peter Burns, Province of Dublin, September 15, 2012
Leszek Gajda, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Eugeniusz Karpiel, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Tadeusz Majszyk, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Jan Mikrut, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Ignacy Proszek, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Tadeusz Rydzyk, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Boleław Słota, Province of Warsaw, September 24, 2012
Józef Baraniak, Vice Province of Resistencia, September 24, 2012

50th Jubilee of Ordination:
Bernd Kremer, Province of St. Clement (Cologne), August 15, 2012
Josef Schliemann, Province of St. Clement (Cologne), August 15, 2012
Gerhard Stürmer, Province of St. Clement (Cologne), August 15, 2012
Manuel García Fernández, Province of Madrid, September 9, 2012
Luis Gil Pascual, Province of Madrid, September 9, 2012
Marciano Vidal García, Province of Madrid, September 9, 2012
Rufino Tedejo Martínez, Province of Central America, September 9, 2012
Pablo Vega Cavero, Vice Province of Peru-North, September 9, 2012
José Pablo Patiño Castillo, Province of Bogotá, September 9, 2012
José Sanches Pires, Province of Lisbon, September 9, 2012

25th Jubilee of Profession:
Pierre minh Bach Tran, Province of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, August 4, 2012
Edmund James Faliskie, Province of Baltimore, September 12, 2012
Kevin Michael MacDonald, Region of the Caribbean, September 12, 2012
Desmond Richard Keegan, Province of London, September 12, 2012
José Martin Medina Japon, Province of Quito, September 12, 2012
Juan Carlos Arias González, Province of Madrid, September 13, 2012
Alberto de Mingo Kaminouchi, Province of Madrid, September 13, 2012
Bila Mathias doamba, Vice Province of West Africa, September 20, 2012
Hans Jörg Recktenwalk, Province of St. Clement (Cologne), September 27, 2012

25th Jubilee of Ordination:
Carlos Domínguez Domínguez, Province of Central America, August 1, 2012
José Atanasio Hernández Franco, Province of Bogotá, August 1, 2012
Luis Carlos Jaime Murillo, Province of Bogotá, August 1, 2012
João Batista de Almeida, Province of São Paulo, August 2, 2012
José Antonio Gómez Pedraza, Province of Bogotá, August 15, 2012
Pedro Ignacio Jaimes Hernández, Province of Bogotá, August 15, 2012
Martin Joseph Paul McKeever, Province of Dublin, September 20, 2012
Brendan John Kelly, Province of Dublin, September 20, 2012

Deaths:
Rev. Finbar Connolly, 87, Province of Dublin, May 7, 2012
Deacon Emmanuel Nguyen Van Phuoc, 58, Province of Vietnam, June 2, 2012
Rev. Gildo Primo Librelotto, 92, Province of Goiás, June 3, 2012
Br. Brígido Fernandes de Oliveira, 94, Vice Province of Recife, June 4, 2012
Rev. Flávio Santos, 62, Province of Campo Grande, June 6, 2012
Rev. Jan Zemánek, 87, Province of Prague, June 9, 2012
Deacon Kevin Bellot, 29, Region of the Caribbean, June 10, 2012
Rev. Benedito Justiniano de Andrade, 79, Province of São Paulo, June 18, 2012
Rev. Pierce John Kenny, 68, Province of Baltimore, June 25, 2012

Renunciation & Confirmation:
Renunciation from the office of Vice Provincial Superior by Father Juan Ciro Villafuerte Chamana of the Vice Province of Peru-South. Accepted June 8, 2012.

Vicar Vice Provincial, Father Luis Javier Zárate Sicha, of the Vice Province of Peru-South confirmed as Vice Provincial Superior, June 8, 2012.

Erection of House:
House of Formation for Brothers with the Church dedicated to Saint Gerard, Province of Sãn Paulo, in the city of Sorocaba, Brasilia, in the Archdiocese of Sorocaba. Erected June 18, 2012.

Index