Rome, Italy
Feast of St. Gerard, October 16, 2006

FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS FROM THE PROVINCES
Radio Maryja in Poland
Denver Province Provincial is named head of U.S. religious organization

SECRETARIAT NEWS
Secretariat for the Laity News
Secretariat for Spirituality News
Center for Spirituality News
Secretariat for Youth and Vocation News

ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Secretary General's office
From the Communication Director's office

PHOTO GALLERY (on-line only)
Photos from around the Redemptorist World

FEATURED WEBSITE
Formation Community of St. Clement's Province begins new website

FROM THE EDITOR

It was a busy summer. Let us help you catch up on what was happening.

Since our last issue of SCALA, there was a Redemptorist gathering going on in every corner of the world. There was a restructuring workshop for the Redemptorist units on the African Continent. There was the highly successful and well-received Moral theology congress in Bogotá. Colombia. There were the Regional Meetings of the Latin American Region in Aparecida, the Asia-Oceania Region in Perth, Australia, the Northern European Region in Vienna, and the Southern European Region in Cortona, Italy. There were enthusiastic youth gatherings in Limerick, Ireland and Hamilton, Canada. There were meetings of the various Secretariats of the General Government held in various international venues. You can read and see reports about these secretariat meetings in this issue of SCALA.

There were also many gatherings of Redemptorists around the world where the subject was our spirituality. These gatherings were conducted by the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality Office headquartered in Rome by Father  Félix Catalá and Father Ivel Mendanha. A series of short reports and photos of these gatherings appears in this issue of SCALA. They give ample evidence that confreres are seeking spiritual enrichment for themselves and for the mission. The Center for Spirituality wishes you to know that they are an available resource for you and your units. fcatala@cssr.com; imendahna@cssr.com.

Don't forget the recently released Communicanda 2 on Redemption. You should be in possession of a printed copy and it is also available on our website http://www.cssr.com/. Also, in this issue of SCALA, we include a letter written and distributed by the provincial of Warsaw in case you may not have seen it. It was written to interested confreres concerning the events and news coverage surrounding Radio Maryja in Poland this past year.

It was a busy summer.

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

Index

NEWS FROM THE PROVINCES

Radio Maryja
Province of Warsaw
Rev. Zdzislaw Klafka C.Ss.R.
Provincial of Warsaw

Confreres:

Before all else I send you my cordial greetings from Warsaw. Lately we have received from various (Vice-)Provinces of the Congregation numerous questions regarding the situation of our Polish Radio Maria. I would like to offer some basic information in this regard. I am well aware of the concerns and questions that have been raised because of newspaper articles and other programs which appeared in various media communications about Poland, about the Church in Poland, and especially about Radio Maria. Unfortunately I must point out that almost all of these articles and programs are without objectivity and journalistic accuracy in their treatment of the question.

Therefore, dear confreres, I am today sending you my own statement regarding the situation created in Poland with respect to Radio Maria. I will try to be as objective as possible so that you may more easily form an accurate opinion about it. If you deem it opportune to spread this information among the confreres of your (Vice-)Province I would be very grateful.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for accepting my letter and I express my deep desire that it will offer you and the other confreres a greater perspective of, and even more authentic information about, our radio programming in Poland.

With fraternal greetings in Christ our Redeemer.

Warsaw, June 30, 2006
The situation regarding Radio Maria, Torin, Poland
and recent discussions in the press.

The Polish Radio Maria, founded by Fr. Tadeusz Rydzyk, CSsR more than 14 years ago, is owned by the Warsaw Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Through a license granted it by government authorities and in accord with stipulations of the Polish Episcopal Conference, as well as several dioceses, Radio Maria is able now to transmit its programs of evangelization throughout Poland and also to other countries and continents, by using satellite connections. The Polish Bishops, in a message published on May 3, 2006, officially expressed their gratitude to the Redemptorists for the great pastoral work accomplished through this radio programming. Radio Maria is an important presence in the religious and social life of Poland. Many Polish people living in or out of this country are convinced of this. In fact, many of them say that Radio Maria is a special "grace" for them, since it is a very effective means that permits them to experience the presence of God in their everyday life.

During the last few months, unfortunately, there have been serious, hateful and calumnious attacks by various members of the media against Radio Maria. In all certainty, these attacks have been fueled by members of the old communist regime and by their ideological successors who see themselves threatened by the new government which is in no way communist-based. In fact, the new government has declared war against the vast corruption inherited from the past regime and is creating new structures to fight organized crime and the system of politico-economic intrigues and interests which had previously existed during the Soviet regime.

In this situation, Radio Maria has broadcasted, always with coherence and clarity, information relative to the real situation of this country, as well as the goals of the present non-communist government, without ever allowing itself to be influenced by the new government. This does not happen with other communications media, which being the property of people who support the old system and even financed by the powerful foreign media, are not concerned with publishing the truth, but rather with what brings them financial gain, and at the same time promotes among Catholic Poland a life style that is openly communistic. On the contrary, Radio Maria continues to be a means of social and ecclesiastical communication which in conformity to the teaching of the Church strives to furnish information and news to those who have no other way of getting it, and to give a voice to those who have none. (Cf. Aetatis novae).

To make the praiseworthy task of spreading the truth through our radio station even more difficult these other media continually attempt to discredit its operation especially before the public, whether in Poland or in other countries. The liberal mass media communications now present in this country, linked as they are with the mass media of other countries, continue to defame Radio Maria, accusing it of spying, incompetence, dilettantism, vagueness in its arguments, and even of plagiarism. Other accusations, also very grave, have been levied against it, such as conducting subversive actions against the Church, Lefebrevism, favoring anti-Semitism, and misusing Church power. These are truly grave accusations, since they point to Radio Maria as a political element capable of influencing or indicating to people in the government what line to follow, besides calling the station "Catholic only in name."

Those who accuse Radio Maria of being too political claim that it ought to limit its programming exclusively to religious activities, such as the recitation of the rosary, Mass and teaching the catechism, and not going beyond this. Its faithful listeners, however, not only pray and conform to Church doctrine, but they also are able to freely critique the political system of their country, especially when some member of the government displays immoral and dishonest attitudes. Contrary to what other mass media members would have people believe, Radio Maria does not try to create political parties, nor does it have favorites. The priests involved in program production do not aspire to positions in the national or state government. If they support some stands they are not supporting any particular party, but are promoting values proclaimed by the Church and placing themselves alongside those who are involved in this effort. This action of our Redemptorists offers nothing but support given to those faithful lay people who are working directly for the defense of the fundamental rights of humankind and the building of a social order founded on gospel principles.

Whoever listens to Radio Maria will be able to judge clearly that its radio audiences are allowed to direct their actions according to gospel values, and it does not matter what party they belong to, or what movement or association or government structure they favor. In the present situation where Christian values are being progressively eliminated from social life, or seen as vestiges of the past, Radio Maria is becoming an important means to restore these values effectively by forming the consciences of those people who are disposed to take up the tedious work of promoting the common good of Polish society.

The attacks against Radio Maria come not only from declared enemies of the Church, but also from so-called open-minded Catholics for whom often the greatest value no longer seems to be the Gospel truth, but liberty, or more properly"libertinism", and acceptance on the part of the general public. This manner of thinking claims, for example, that democracy is of a higher value than fidelity to Christian ethical values, and that in order that democracy not be endangered it is permissible to diffuse or extend areas of discussion which are morally disputable or unacceptable. Those who listen to Radio Maria know that the station is strongly opposed to all forms of doctrinal or behavioral aberrations. The station defends the rights of the Catholic religion and all human rights, especially the right to a life to be lived with dignity throughout its total duration, from conception until natural death.

Furthermore, the station promotes the rights of the Polish nation, for which so many of us have fought, defending it even to the extent of often shedding our blood for it. The programs aired by Radio Maria teach Catholic doctrine in a systemic and complete manner, thus attempting to help the faithful and other persons of good will to know the source of divine truth, which gives reason to our human existence and actions. Responding to the spiritual needs of its listeners Radio Maria every day invites them to participate in Holy Mass, catechism, the liturgy of the hours and the praying of the rosary. Radio Maria along with the TV station "Trwam" both of which belong to the Polish Redemptorists, also air the notable and important events happening on the ecclesiastical and social scene, as for example the recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Poland. These broadcasts have contributed throughout the country to the spread of the Pope's messages, as well as to the enthusiasm which accompanied his apostolic visit. Especially grateful were the sick and those who live alone, to whom our radio offers support and solidarity.

Radio Maria has built its reputation and credibility on the presence in its programs of authorized and skilled people who enjoy world-wide fame in the area of the social teachings of the Church, people who are indubitably honest, and who do not act in their own interests but are totally at the service of the Church and their homeland.

The Polish Bishops also play an important role in all this insofar as they, in accord with the practice of Radio Maria, submit to the attention of the listeners important religious and social questions. One of the special characteristics of Radio Maria is its interaction with listeners. These people, besides supporting it financially (thus permitting it to stay on the air), also offer their interventions during the broadcasts, presenting questions to the speakers in the studio, and freely expressing their own opinion about living in today's world. It must be said also that Radio Maria does not always identify itself with these voices; the station works diligently to maintain an equal balance to these interventions and at the same time respecting the freedom of opinion of its listeners.

As with any human endeavor, Radio Maria is not error-free. But its activity is constantly analyzed and watched over by the Council of the Warsaw Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, with the support of both lay and ecclesial persons, as well as the Pastoral Commission for Radio Maria, which was established by the Polish Episcopal Conference. The reports of the collaboration between the Redemptorists and this commission are published regularly.

Through this letter we hope to have furnished the most detailed explanations possible to whomever may desire them, details which will offer a clearer idea and a more objective opinion about Polish Radio Maria. Index

USA
Denver Province
Redemptorist named head of Major Superiors Conference in USA

DENVER, Co., August 16, 2006...The Very Reverend Thomas D. Picton, C.Ss.R., provincial superior of the Redemptorists of the Denver Province, was named president-elect of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) at its Jubilee Assembly held in Burlington, Vermont, August 2-5.

The CMSM (http://www.cmsm.org/), based in Silver Spring, Maryland, is an association of the leadership of men in religious and apostolic institutes in the United States. It represents more than 20,000 vowed religious priests and brothers from 275 different religious communities. More than 140 leaders attended the assembly.

The CMSM represents these religious communities before a number of national and international bodies, including the Congregation of Religious and Secular Institutes of the Holy See. Rome officially recognizes CMSM as the national representative body for men in religious and apostolic communities in the United States.

Fr. Picton will begin his two-year term as president in August 2007. In his position as president, Fr. Picton will act as the liaison between the religious communities, the bishops in their respective dioceses, and the Holy See in Rome.

Prior to being elected provincial superior of the Denver Province, Fr. Picton was Vice provincial of the New Orleans Vice-Province from 1999 to 2005. From 1994 to 1999, Fr. Picton served as pastoral psychotherapist at the Catholic Consultation Center in San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Picton professed his religious vows in August 1968 and was ordained a Redemptorist priest in June of 1971.

SECRETARIAT NEWS

The third meeting for this sexennium of the General Secretariat for Partnership in Mission had been planned to take place in South Africa. However, the meeting was actually held in Rome July 3rd to 6th, 2006.

At the top of the agenda was ongoing work on a "foundational document" which the Secretariat hopes to present to the Congregation and its partners in mission. There was excellent discussion of the two key principles underlying Redemptorist Lay Co-operation: Mission and Communion. The Secretariat also agreed on the general structure of the document and expanded the scope to include a more practical dimension by describing some experiences of partnership in mission from around the world, making suggestions about the elements of formation for partnership in mission, and naming some challenges as we try to move forward.

Each member of the Secretariat has a task in the weeks and months ahead which will contribute to the completion of a draft of this foundational document by the spring of 2007.

The members of the Secretariat were impressed and inspired by the reports from each region of the Congregation, indicating how much progress is being made in our efforts to share the Redemptorist charism, spirituality and mission with others. The experiences are many and varied, but the Secretariat was especially happy to note the number and variety of young adult service programs in co-operation with Redemptorists.

Since members of the Secretariat will be participating in the mid-sexennial meetings in their regions, they agreed on a common approach, which will include a PowerPoint presentation about partnership in mission in the Congregation and the work of the General Secretariat.

A recurring theme was the need for formation of both Redemptorists and Lay People if we are to effectively work together in proclaiming the Good News to the most abandoned. There was also time on the agenda to view and talk about the Secretariat's website (http://www.cssrpim.com/ )and there was a lively discussion about the idea of a "feast day" for Redemptorist partners in mission.

If all goes well, next year's meeting will be held in South Africa in September. Index

General Secretariat for Redemptorist Spirituality
Chicago, USA
September 1, 2006

Juventius Andrade C.Ss.R. (Rome), Raymond Corriveau C.Ss.R. (Edmonton-Toronto), Alberto DeMingo C.Ss.R. (Madrid), Sr. Anneliese Herzig M.Ss.R (Munich), Joseph Apisit Kritsaralam C.Ss.R. (Bangkok), Laurence Kearns C.Ss.R. (Campo Grande) and Sean Wales C.Ss.R. (South Africa) met as members of the General Secretariat for Redemptorist Spirituality in Glenview, Illinois, USA from Monday, August 28 to Thursday, August 31. Brian Johnstone (Canberra/Washington) was unable to be present as he was beginning his teaching at Catholic University of America in Washington. Felix Catalá (Puerto Rico/Rome) was absent, but submitted a report on the activities of the Center for Spirituality in Rome. We also reviewed some of the projects which the Secretariat began in previous meetings.

Projects in Progress

Over the past year we have been working on the website of the General Secretariat for Redemptorist Spirituality which will be able to be accessed through a link on the http://www.cssr.com/ site. You will be notified in SCALA when it becomes available. This site already includes articles dealing with Redemptorist spirituality and most of the Readings on Redemption which will be published shortly. We finalized the book of Readings on Redemption which will be published shortly in Spanish, Portuguese, French and English. We are coordinating a translation into German, Polish and Italian. The English language edition will be published by the Redemptorist Press in Bangkok. The book incorporates the recent Communicanda on Redemption together with articles solicited from confreres on the subject. It also includes articles previously published by Redemptorists but not always readily available. We thank those who contributed the various essays for the book. It is our sincere hope that these materials will be helpful for both personal and community reflection.

We also are ready with a new English language Redemptorist Sacramentary and Lectionary containing the Propers for our Feast days, Saints and Blesseds, which updates the previous 1977 edition. It is modeled on the Italian, Spanish and French language Sacramentary/Lectionaries already published.

Fr. Robert Fenili's translation in English from Italian of Fr. Santino Raponi's book: The Charism of the Redemptorists in the Church. A Commentary on the Constitutions is to be published shortly, again by the Redemptorist Press in Bangkok. The Spanish, Portuguese and French versions of this book already exist as part of the series of Readings in Redemptorist Spirituality.

Customs and Practices

From our last meeting, we had addressed a questionnaire to the superiors of the various units regarding the spiritual traditions and practices (past and present) which have expressed and been vehicles of our Redemptorist spirituality at the level of the (v) province/region, of the local communities and the formation houses. We wanted to know how these practices were effective and relevant in terms of the mission of the congregation. We asked for suggestions as to how we as a General Secretariat might be of help to further and deepen our Redemptorist Spirituality in the various units at the various levels. We are very gratified by the serious attention given to our request and the responses that we received from many units from all six regions of the Congregation.

Common to these responses is a desire to grow in our Redemptorist spirituality. There is also a desire for more materials and instruments to aid the units, communities and individuals to deepen the members' spiritual lives as Redemptorists. (Materials on our feast days, saints, blesseds; on Alphonsian themes such as crib, cross, sacrament and Mary; also for reviews of life; monthly retreats, etc). Among some of the concerns commonly expressed:

Provide courses on spirituality for formators and our younger confreres and suggest available courses.
Provide the names of confreres and associated persons for retreats and workshops in the units.
Structured meditation time in many units has become minimal. How aid and support one another in community to make meditation an essential part of our day? Ministry notgrounded in prayer will eventually weaken and die.
The translation into prayer and reflection exercises of the essential themes of our Redemptorist charism. The charism booklets were used in a good number of the units.
Provide reflection questions to use at a local level with the communicandas.

The issues which pertain directly to the Secretariat will be given attention. Others will be forwarded to the Center for Spirituality and to the Formation Secretariat.

Religious Life and the Vows

After a presentation of 'Redemption and the Evangelical Counsels' by one of our members, Sr. Anneliese Herzig M.Ss.R, we spent considerable time on our living of consecrated life expressed in our vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and perseverance. The question that arises for our units and local communities:

What apostolic community structures can best support us in cultivating 'the spirit of contemplation which deepens and strengthens our faith.'? (C. 24). Constitution 30 speaks of 'the right and duty to devote at least one hour every day to prayer' in addition to the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. There is evidence of concern for this aspect in the responses to the questionnaire. The cultivation of a contemplative spirit underlies all aspects our mission, life in community and dedication to Christ the Redeemer. It is our hope that each unit can facilitate, on a local and provincial level, ways of making this a lived experience in our Redemptorist life. Might this become the object of the Community Project at the beginning of the year? And might the communities make it the subject of a regular review of life on monthly retreat days or other community meeting? At the same time, along with the life of prayer, the degree of reconciliation, a social concern and the quality of our relationships in community are also strongly indicative of its spiritual health.

The XXIII General Chapter drew our attention to our living of Consecrated Life and the living of the vows. This has been the thrust of our reflection too, in the Secretariat. Charism 3, which has been a joint project of the North American Commission for Spirituality, the General Secretariat and the Center for Spirituality, deals with Chapter III of our Constitutions and Statutes. This should also aid community reflection on this vital aspect of our lives. Already issued in English, it will shortly be translated and issued in other languages too. It is also the hope of the Secretariat to extend this reflection through a Book of Readings on our religious life as Redemptorists.

A final item had to do with maintaining links with other religious congregations in the Alphonsian and Redemptorist tradition.

Our theme for next year's meeting is the consolidation of the theme of our Redemptorist living of the consecrated life, as well as looking ahead to the Centenary of St. Clement's canonization in 2009.

On the final day we had a fruitful meeting of the General Secretariat with the North American Commission for Spirituality. A prayer-reflection exercise prepared by the North American Commission provided the context for a productive discussion on the vow of obedience. The meeting also provided the opportunity for the members to meet and get to know one another as well as share on their respective projects.

In concluding, it was asked that regional and provincial commissions, having to do with spirituality, keep the General Secretariat for Spirituality informed of their activities.(c/o Juventius Andrade in Rome – jandrade@cssr.com ).

Index

Center for Redemptorist Spirituality, Rome
Province of London
Annual Assembly and Retreat

Every year the London Province meets for an assembly to reflect on some aspect of our Mission. In past years we have met in Hawkstone in January but, this year, Hawkstone is undergoing building improvements and we met in Kinnoull, Perth at the end of April. It was truly beautiful in Scotland in the springtime.

Fr Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., from the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality in Rome led us in a series of lectures and prayer sessions, guiding our reflections on Redemptorist spirituality on the theme of"Giving our lives for plentiful redemption". It was attended by nearly forty confreres who greatly enjoyed the insights of Ivel and deeply appreciated his re-emphasis on the personal invitation of Jesus to enter into our lives. The experience together has given new impetus to our striving to fulfil the Mission entrusted to us.

Province of Lisbon
Retreat

The Center for Redemptorist Spirituality responded to the Lisbon Province's request to give its annual retreat held at the end of April. The theme for this year was Religious Life. Fr. Félix Catalá centered the retreat on the key elements of Redemptorist Religious Life. The specific themes were drawn from the Constitutions and Statutes and from a consideration of St. Alphonsus' intention in founding the Congregation. Most of the province members were present for the Retreat and participated with enthusiasm.

Redemptorist Spirituality Seminar
Vice Province of Bratislava
Jirka Ondovcak, C.SS.R.

On Friday, May 5th, 2006 we had an all-day seminar for the students of philosophy and theology in the Redemptorist Student House in Bratislava. It was led by Fr. Ivel Mendanha CSsR. The theme was"The Life and Spirituality of St. Alphonsus." The student community consists of the members of the Province of Prague and the Viceprovince of Bratislava. The seminar began with the celebration of the Eucharist in the morning. There were 3 lectures in the morning. Fr. Mendanha spoke about"The Key Aspects of Alphonsus´ life and his Mission." After lunch Fr. Mendanha talked about"The Purpose of our Congregation's Founding" and"The Form and Structure of the first Missions." At the conclusion of the lectures we had the opportunity to raise questions and there was a very active and lively discussion. The students were interested in a variety of issues regarding the origin of Redemptorist traditions as well as the international situation of the Congregation and its challenges today.

Viceprovince of Bratislava
An encounter in Motycky
Vaclav Hypius, C.Ss.R.

From May 8th to May 11th, confreres from the Vice Province of Bratislava met in our house in Motycky. The place is situated near our house in Stare Hory and we use it for holidays or retreats. We had agreed previously that we would meet as a viceprovince at least once a year to spend some time together and do some continuing education.This encounter was special, because we had invited Fr. Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R. from the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality in Rome. He spoke about the theme of this sexenium – To give our life for plentiful redemption. He pointed out the connection between this theme and the theme of the previous sexenium – Spirituality. The topics he spoke about were interesting – we listened to him for three days and found them so interesting that we decided to invite Fr. Ivel again next year in May. And he has accepted.

Fr. Ivel talked about the meaning and challenge of giving our lives for redemption. He also took up the situation of religious life in our time, the role of religious life in our world, discipleship in the Gospels and finally the spirituality of St. Alphonsus and it relevance for today.

During our meeting we prayed together, celebrated the Eucharist together and made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Lady in Stare Hory. On Wednesday afternoon we had a recreation day. We visited the nearby town called Banska Bystrica and some villages which were mining towns of German origin. The last day of the meeting was dedicated to issues of community life, the appointments for the newly ordained presbyters and some other changes in the viceprovince. We also talked about restructuring in our Congregation and in the viceprovince.

Province of Mexico
Course for Young Redemptorists
Félix Catalá, C.Ss.R.

Every two years the Northern Region of Latin America offers a continuing education course for young Redemptorists. Fr. Félix collaborated from Rome with this project, offering them a series of printed talks for their reflection. The theme of these talks was a consideration of the origins of the Congregation and its significance for the challenges we face today.

Rome
Spirituality Workshop and Pilgrimage June 2006
Felix Catala, C.Ss.R. & Ivel Mendahna, C.Ss.R.

The annual English speaking Spirituality Workshop and Pilgrimage was held from June 4th to 25th. This year there were 32 participants. The participants were from Manila, Cebu, Indonesia, Bangkok, Vietnam, Bangalore, Alwaye, Dublin, Vienna, Munich, Denver, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Fortaleza, Baltimore and the Caribbean. The group consisted of newly appointed superiors, formators, vocation directors, two students preparing for final vows, two confreres celebrating significant jubilees as Redemptorists, the vice Economo General and the director of Redemptorist Communications. The workshop was directed by Felix Català and Ivel Mendanha.

The first two weeks were spent at a guesthouse run by a religious order of sisters at Santa Severa which is a small beach town on the Tyrennean Sea about 55 kms from Rome.

The first week was spent in the study of the Origins of the Congregation, the development of the Rule, the life and spirituality of the early founders and Saints, and the challenge of understanding and interpreting the present Constitutions and Statutes. The first week ended with a day's pilgrimage of Alphonsian sites in Rome and lunch at Casa San Alfonso, a prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Eucharist in the community oratory. One of the highlights of the first week was the visit of Fr. General to the workshop. He presided and preached at the Eucharist and spent the evening with the group.

The Second week was devoted to a reflection on Moral theology and Spirituality, Religious life today, the issues of formation, leadership in the congregation, and a theological study on the theme of Redemption. It was an interesting experience for most of the participants to be reading and reflecting for the first time on the Ratio Formationis and the Pastoral Guide for Superiors. One of the highlights of this week was the Eucharist celebrated on the seashore recalling the gospel scene of Jesus meeting the disciples on the shore of Tiberius after the Resurrection.

There were many interesting moments in the two weeks of study and sharing. It was the camaraderie, fellowship, the exchange of ideas and the sharing of confreres coming together for the first time from different units, however, that was just as meaningful. Many evenings were spent together enjoying the World Cup football on a large projection screen the sisters provided for us.

The third week of pilgrimage would stand out for all as the most significant moment of the three weeks. It was the culmination of all that was reflected upon. The group stayed the whole week at Materdomini and from there visited some of the more important places in our history and spirituality. The first visit was to Scala with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Grotto of St. Alphonsus, lunch at the place where the congregation was founded, a visit to the Redemptoristines and finally a prayer before the statue of S. Maria dei Monti in the chapel of the Redemptorist community in Scala. The second day the group went to Pagani were they celebrated the Eucharist at the tomb of St. Alphonsus, took in the wonders of the birthplace/museum to St. Alphonsus, and then headed for Ciorani where an appetizing lunch was prepared by the community. The visit took in a tour of the house, the new novitiate wing, the church and evening prayer at the Chapel of Sarnelli. The third day was a visit to Naples beginning with Marianella the house where Alponsus was born and then a walking tour of the inner city of Naples beginning for the church where he was baptised, to the hospital of the incurables, the Cathedral, the Oratorians, the church of Our Lady of Ransom, the square of the Immaculate Conception and the Jesuit church of Gesù Nuova, the walk along the Via Tribunali, the Court house and finally an appetizing Neopolitan specialty, pizza Margherita, in a local pizzeria. A bus tour around the port and the Royal Palace and Opera House brought an end to a tiring but delightful day.

The Fourth day was a visit to Deliceto. The group was amazed at the welcome from the lay people of the town. The Redemptorist house is now a monastery belonging to a newly founded group of religious priests and sisters. The Eucharist was celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation and was followed by a visit to the Redemptorist crypt, and through the house where many a saintly Redemptorist lived including Gerard. The lay people then treated the group to a stupendous lunch in a marvellous hilltop overlooking the town and the monastery.

The fifth day was devoted to St. Gerard. There was a reflection on his life and spirituality in Materdomini and then a tour of the shrine and community and after lunch a visit to Gerard's birthplace, Muro Lucano.

The final day, was spent in recollection and assimilation to bring together all that had happened in the three weeks. The day ended with the community celebration of the sacrament of Penance and a festive meal. The workshop ended with a farewell mass the following day in the garden in Materdomini at the statue of Our Blessed Mother.

The group was overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality that the Redemptorist confreres showed them at all the places of pilgrimage. For all in the group this was a moment of rediscovery of their vocation and the reason for being a Redemptorist today and they returned to their respective units more committed and eager to live the charism of the Congregation.

Province of Madrid
Province Retreat
Fr. Félix Catalá, C.Ss.R.

The Center organized the retreat for the Madrid Province. It was given in two sessions, giving the opportunity to participate in either of the two. Both sessions were held in the beautiful retreat house in Espino, a 15th century monastery in northern Spain, a stop in the well known Camino de Santiago. The first session, July 3 to July 9, was attended by over 40 members. Fr. Catalá gave the retreat, concentrating on the challenge to conversion that comes from our present world reality. The conferences drew from our origins and history in order to search for what Redemptorists can contribute to the new world situation in the spirit of St. Alphonsus.

The second session of the retreat for the Madrid Province was held once again in Espino from September 4th to the 9th. Fr. Félix also gave this session of the retreat, taking up the same themes of the first session. Over 35 members of the Province participated.

Province of Warsaw
One Month Renewal Course
Fr. Paolo Drobot, C.Ss.R.

The Secretariat for Formation of the Warsaw Province organized a Month's Spiritual Renewal Course for the confreres from July 14 to August14, 2006. Courses of this type have been organised for the past 20 years. They are part of the initial and ongoing formation program that includes those ten years professed as well as those preparing for perpetual profession. For older confreres these days provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on the vocation and mission of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. For the young people they are days of preparation for their forthcoming perpetual profession. This is an excellent occasion for two generations of Redemptorists to meet and share their apostolic experiences. For several years this month of renewal has demonstrated the universality of the Congregation as well as its solidarity in formation. This year in addition to the confreres of the Province of Warsaw, members of the Vice-Provinces of Bratislava (Slovakia), Prague (Czech Republic) and Resistencia (Argentina) took part.

In the formation course 34 Redemptorists took part – 19 priests, 1 brother and 14 seminarians preparing for perpetual profession.

The first two weeks were devoted to lectures and group meetings for discussion on spirituality, formation for the religious life and current pastoral problems. All this took place in the Kasper Stangassinger House of Spirituality at Lubaszowa. The following subjects were treated: Human maturity as the foundation of Christian maturity (Fr. Wojciech Boloz, C.Ss.R); The poor - the object of the Redemptorist mission. The role of the laity and collaboration with the laity in the evangelisation of the poor (Fr. Antonio Niemiec, Brazil); The emotions and interpersonal relations, conflict, reconciliation and pardon (Professor Wieslawa Stefan); Redemptorist spirituality at the beginning of the Congregation, The characteristics of the spirituality of Saint Alphonsus, Current challenges in the spiritual and community life of Redemptorists (Fr. Ivel Mendahna, Italy); Being a Redemptorist missionary today (Fr. Michael Zamkovsky, Slovackia).

The second part of the formation course was different for the perpetually professed and those not perpetually professed. The seminarians remained in the Lubaszowa center where there was a program arranged on the subject of religious profession and a retreat of eight days. At the conclusion of the month there was a solemn celebration in Tuchów on August 15 during which the confreres of the Warsaw province made their perpetual profession.

The group of perpetually professed members on the other hand went on pilgrimage to the sites of origin of the Congregation. Scala, Pagani, Ciorani, Materdomini and Vienna. On the way we stopped off at Rome to celebrate the Eucharist in the grotto where lies the tomb of the Venerable Servant of God, John Paul II, and we entrusted our vocation to Our Mother of Perpetual Help at San Alfonso. In every place of our pilgrimage we received a warm welcome from the confreres and we wish to express our gratitude for this hospitality. The visit to the sites connected with Saint Alphonsus, Saint Gerard, Saint Clement Hofbauer, Blessed Gennaro Sarnelli and so many other Redemptorists who figured in the foundation of the Congregation has been an inspiration for us to continue service in the work of Copiosa Redemptio.

Province of Saigon
Spirituality Workshop, August 2006
Fr. Jean Baptiste Le Dinh Phoung, C.Ss.R.

The gathering of 160 confreres, including the students of theology of the province of Vietnam in Saigon, from August 14th to the 19th. was an historic occasion. This was the first time in the province's history that it came together for continuing formation. The gathering was made obligatory by the Provincial Council and almost all the confreres attended apart from the infirm and aged.

The workshop was conducted by Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R. from the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality in Rome. Fr. Ivel spoke in English and had a team of translators who did simultaneous translation into Vietnamese. The themes covered were: The Context in which we live today and the call to give our lives for plentiful redemption; the life and mission of St. Alphonsus; the spirituality of the congregation at the origins; a summary of Alphonsian spirituality; the life and spirituality of Blessed Genarro Sarnelli; and the life and spirituality of St. Clement Hofbauer.

There was time for questions and for reflection. There were questions given by Fr. Ivel daily for personal reflection and group reflection. The workshop ended with a reporting from the groups on the challenge and impact of Redemptorist Spirituality for the life of the province of Vietnam today. One of the major themes reflected on was: how to live in a committed manner the spirituality of mission that characterizes our congregation in the context of present day Vietnam

The workshop was a moment of immense motivation to the confreres, both on the personal level, community level and the province at large. This was the first time the province was able to see the difference between a missionary spirituality and a monastic spirituality. Concrete and practical steps were suggested in order to move to a more missionary spirituality for the life of the province. The provincial council has recommended that every community follow up on the workshop, reflect on the talks (which have been published in Vietnamese in the form of a book and have been made available on CD) and to come to practical decisions with regard to community life. Each community will present its practical decisions to the provincial council by November when the province meets for its annual retreat.

It has been decided that the province will continue this reflection process that has begun and has once again invited Fr. Ivel to give another week of workshop next year, in 2007. The province thanks Fr. General for providing this opportunity for growth and learning through the efforts of the Center for Spirituality in Rome.

Meeting of Brothers from Northern Europe
Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland
The meeting of the Brothers from Northern Europe was held in Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland. Fr. Félix participated in part of the meeting, giving a day of conferences on key points of Redemptorist Spirituality and the Brothers at the origins of the Congregation. Over 60 Brothers participated in the meeting. The gathering was led by a representation from the General Secretariat of the Brothers. Brothers from other regions of the Congregation, including Africa, also participated.

Ipoh-Singapore Vice Province
Seminar on Redemption

The confreres of the vice province of Ipoh-Singapore met in Singapore from the 5th to the 7th September for a three day seminar on the meaning and challenge of Redemption today. Joining the confreres was the youth mission team which has three young lay collaborators. The seminar was conducted by Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R, from the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality.

The Center for Redemptorist Spirituality in Rome has put together a workshop on the theology of Redemption that takes into account an analysis of the predominant metaphors used in theology with regard to Redemption, especially the atonement metaphor and its use and consequences in spirituality. The workshop takes into account the understanding of Redemption in the scriptures, in the fathers of the church, in medieval theology, in Alphonsus, in 20th century theology, and in the C.Ss.R. Constitutions and Statutes.

The participants are invited to a reflection on fundamental questions that emerge from the Communicanda 2,"Redemption". What has a theology of redemption to say concerning my relationship with the Redeemer, to my religious commitment, and to the mission of proclaiming good news as Redemptorists today in the socio-cultural world in which we find ourselves? What have we to be redeemed from today? What is God's role in our experience of redemption and what is our role in the same experience? What ought to be the predominant metaphor of redemption that has meaning for the people we proclaim good news to as Redemptorists today?

New Zealand
Region of Aotearoa
Retreat

The confreres of the Region of Aotearoa (New Zealand) gathered in Auckland at Glendowie for the retreat from the 11th to the 15th of September. All the confreres of the Region attended. The retreat was directed by Fr. Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R. from the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality in Rome on the theme of the sexennium,"Giving one's life for Plentiful Redemption". The first half of the retreat focused on the meaning of 'Giving one's life' in the context of the drop in vocations, the growing superficiality in the living of religious life and the emergence of individualism as a threat to the community life. The second half of the retreat was a reflection on the meaning of Redemption, the challenge of moving from an atonement based metaphor of Redemption to a love centered understanding of Redemption. The Biblical background, the rich tradition of the Eastern Fathers of the Church, and Alphonsus' understanding of Redemption were explained with a view to searching for means to bring this vibrant and powerful metaphor of love to our people today.

North American Redemptorist Youth Dialogue
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Branché sur le Christ! ~ Plug into Christ! ~ ¡Conéctate a Cristo!
Sarah Villiger and Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss.R.

(editor's note: Sarah Villiger is a parishioner of St. Mary's Parish in Beaverlodge, AB, Canada and has been a participant on the Redemptorist program S.E.R.V.E. in 2004 in Edmonton, and worked on the Young Adult Team for Dialogue 2006. Fr. Santo Arrigo, C.Ss.R. is the Coordinator of Redemptorist Vocation Ministry based in Toronto, ON, and served as the Chair of the Dialogue 2006 Planning Team.)

Only a few weeks ago I arrived at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre in Ancaster (Hamilton), a stunningly beautiful retreat center, on a sunny afternoon, not completely sure of what I was to experience over the following week. But I knew that when you combine 90 enthusiastic young adults, Redemptorists, and some"dialogue" between them, things would bound to happen that would have trumped my expectations.

North American Redemptorist Dialogues are opportunities for young adults and Redemptorist priests and Brothers to come together to celebrate, share, reflect, pray about different themes in our world and Church. It is an opportunity as well to vision about how the Redemptorist Charism,"to preach good news to the poor", is a call and charism that young people in the Church today can make their own, in collaboration with Redemptorists through their ministries of preaching, parishes, youth and young adult ministry, and inner-city ministries.

Being held every 3-4 years, Dialogue 2006 was the fourth North American gathering for Young Adults and Redemptorists. Other Regional Dialogues held throughout Canada and in the United States are held on a more frequent basis to address particular needs and situations in different regions of the continent.

The theme for Dialogue 2006 was,"Plug into Christ","Branché sur le Chri"Conéctate " Cristo”. The atmosphere throughout Dialogue was incredibly welcoming and accepting. Through small group discussions, activities that brought much laughter and loud conversations at mealtimes, a strong sense of community was built, and new friendships quickly formed. We had the opportunity of hearing inspiring words from several of the Redemptorists who shared not only their knowledge and love of God with us, but also their very selves, the personal experiences that have brought them closer to God and deeper into mission and service. Fr. Serafino Fiore C.Ss.R., the Vicar General of the Redemptorist Congregation world wide, was present for the gathering and represented Superior General Joseph Tobin C.Ss.R.. Fr. Serafino shared these words with the assembly as we neared the end of our week together:

'The whole message of Alphonsus revolves around this crazy love of God for the world, this love that induced God to become a child, to die for us on the Cross and to become bread for us. The Incarnation, passion and the Eucharist are the three pillars of Redemptorist spirituality and the conditions for our way of looking at life. For example, for St. Alphonsus it is not important to ask oneself 'what must I do? What are my obligations to be a good Christian?' The decisive question is rather: 'If God has loved me so much how can I respond to so much love?' For Alphonsus the key to happiness is to know Jesus Christ and make our relation with him the motive of our love. If the heart allows itself to be touched by this love the person will learn how to direct his or her conscience and freedom in a more profound way.”

In addition to several talks and presentations by Redemptorists and Young Adults, we gathered together in prayer. Prayer and Eucharist were planned by different Redemptorist Provinces, each sharing with us their culture, songs, and ways of worshiping God, including French, Spanish, English, and Ukrainian (Byzantine-Catholic tradition). We celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the peace of a quiet evening, the sun setting and casting long shadows until darkness surrounded us, yet Christ's light burning deep within our purified hearts.

A day was spent in downtown Toronto, bringing that light to the poor and abandoned by meeting and interacting with the poor of the streets and providing them with lunch bags and some friendly conversation. And of course, we celebrated! From bonfires to dancing to a Hawaiian Luau to dynamic liturgies, we rejoiced in Jesus, our power-source and Redeemer.

Dialogue 2006 Participant Andrij Harasymowycz from Toronto, Ontario reflects on the challenge of living the theme in his life,"When we struggle, even just a bit, Christ is willing to give us whatever support we need. In this He becomes our power source. Consequently, when Christ struggles in the world we are expected to be His power source.”

For many of the participants who came to Dialogue 2006, this was the first opportunity they have had to encounter other men and women who share their experience of faith and desire to be servants of the Gospel. As the young adult participants and the Redemptorists returned home, they went with this challenge: To integrate, nurture and call forth the gifts they have received in this experience; and to allow those gifts and grace to bear fruit in their particular parish and community through the ministry and charism of the Redemptorists as it is lived out in its outreach to youth and young adults across North America.

For more information about Dialogue 2006, you can log on to: http://www.dialogue2006.org/!

Ireland
Redemptorist European Youth Congress
Crazy for Love

The Dublin Province invites you to the 8th European Redemptorist Youth Congress, to be held in Limerick, Ireland in August 2007. Every three years young people who are connected to the Redemptorists across Europe meet to celebrate their life and faith with other young people. Limerick will be the 20th anniversary of the congress. It started in Pagani (Italy) in 1987, followed by meetings in El Espino (Spain, 1988), Eggenburg (Austria, 1991), Durham (England, 1994), Belgium (Essen. 1998), Torun (Poland, 2001) and finally in Bonn (Germany, 2004).

We are currently in the planning stages of the meeting, but will have more news soon regarding the theme and how you can get involved in the planning.

We will be meeting in the  University of Limerick, with some of the finest Sporting Facilities in Ireland.

For more information check back frequently to our website: http://www.limerick2007.info/

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From the Secretary General
Copies of Inscriptiones, Analecta and Commuicanda Available

This past June, Analecta C.Ss.R 2006 and Inscriptiones C.Ss.R. 2006 were sent from the publishing house in Materdomini (Valsele Tipografica). At least one copy for every community has been sent to all Units of the Congregation (Provinces, Vice-Provinces, Regions and Missions).

Copies of Inscriptiones C.Ss.R. 2006 have also been sent to our 45 Redemptorist Bishops, the 46 communities of Redemptoristines and 16 other related religious Institutes.

In July, copies of Communicanda 2 - Redemption for every confrere were also sent to every Unit.

Hopefully by the time you receive this edition of SCALA you will have already received these new publications. If you did not receive these publications or if you want more copies, either printed or digital, please write to the Secretary General (seg.gen@cssr.com). He will send you more printed copies from the stock in the General Curia, for as long as they last, on a "first come, first serve" basis. Digital copies will be sent as e-mail attachments.

Attention!
Important SCALA e-mail information:

Guarantee your SCALA newsletter is delivered to your inbox. Add
scala.pt@scalanews.com (Português)
scala.pl@scalanews.com (Polski)
scala.it@scalanews.com (Italiano)
scala.fr@scalanews.com (Français)
scala.es@scalanews.com (Español)
scala.english@scalanews.com (English)
scala.dt@scalanews.com (Deutsch)
to your address book and spam filter "whitelist" today. Or tell your company's IT department to allow this address to pass through any spam filtering software they may be using.

Never reply to this scalanews.com e-mail nor use your "reply to" function for SCALA related correspondence. This address is for delivery purposes only. Contact or reply directly to the editor at: GaryZ@cssr.com or GaryZ@cssrim.com

Now available: Sign up for a cssrim.com e-mail and have your SCALA newsletter sent to a cssrim.com address, which offers you notification and forwarding options. You can obtain a cssrim.com address at: http://cssrim.com/phpmail2

1.  Participants of the London province retreat.
2.  Participants of the Bratislava Spirituality Seminar
3.  Participants of the Motycky, Bratislava encounter
4.  Participants of the Rome spirituality course visiting Deliceto, Italy
5.  Participants of the first Madrid Province Retreat
6.  Participants of the Warsaw Province Spiritual Renewal Course
7.  Members of the Province of Saigon gathered for Spirituality Course
8.  Students of the Province of Saigon; 40 theologians, 30 professed second year philosophy, 30 non professed first year philosophy.
9.  Participants of the Ipoh-Singapore seminar.
10.Participants of the Aotearoa (New Zealand) retreat in Auckland.
11.Participants of the North American Youth Dialogue in Canada.
12. Redemptorist participants in the Asia-Oceania Regional Meeting.

FEATURED WEBSITE

Province of St. Clement
Fr. Paulus Sati

Dear confrere,

We look forward to each new Scala edition again and again that informs us about the Congregation. Our formation community at Wurzburg has a new website: http://www.abk-redemptoristen.de/ and we hope that you can feature it in the next Scala.