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December 20, 2024The Baltimore Province marked a historic milestone with the inaugural gathering of Partners in Mission/Misión Compartida, held at the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey, from November 15-17, 2024. This momentous event brought together representatives from seven parishes and eight groups across the Province, spanning from Boston, Massachusetts, in the north to Newton Grove, North Carolina, in the south. Rooted in the vision of restructuring, reconfiguration, inclusion, and unification, this event embraced intercultural and bilingual dynamics, reflecting the intercultural and inclusive spirit of the Redemptorist mission. True to our charism, we are “One Missionary Body”.
Despite the inherent challenges of language and cultural diversity, the organizers approached the gathering with remarkable creativity, dedication, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections. This gathering of 56 registered participants was hosted by the Partnership in Mission/Misión Compartida Province Commission, with the invaluable contributions of various facilitators. To ensure a rich and engaging experience for all, our encounter featured insightful presentations by Fr. Francis Gargani, C.Ss.R., Fr. Fabio Marin, C.Ss.R., Lucy Burich McNamara, Fr. Anthony Michalik, C.Ss.R., P. Edmundo Molina, C.Ss.R., Fr. Manuel Rodríguez Delgado, C.Ss.R., Fr. Joseph Tizio, C.Ss.R., and Anne Walsh, who joined virtually. Fr. John Collins, C.Ss.R., our Provincial, also delivered an address to everyone gathered at the event. This collaborative effort demonstrated not only unique areas of expertise, but also the profound belief in and passion for the transformative power of our shared mission.
Our encounter offered an engaging and multifaceted program designed to deepen spiritual connection and foster collaborative growth among our professed Redemptorists and lay partners. Key elements included:
Presentations and Reflections: Thought-provoking presentations and opportunities for personal reflection set the tone for meaningful dialogue. Together, we explored and celebrated the beauty and power of Redemptorist Spirituality and our vocational call to the Redemptorist Charism.
Small and Large Group Sharing: Participants engaged in intimate language-based group discussions, as well as broader bi-lingual sessions to share insights and build a sense of community.
Creative Liturgies and Rituals: Vibrant and inclusive liturgical celebrations and rituals underscored the spiritual foundation of the event. Through thoughtfully chosen symbols and actions, the rituals allowed participants an experiential way to stretch their intellectual understanding of the topics presented. Song and music also played a vital role, elevating the entire experience. By engaging both the heart and the mind, the liturgies and rituals created spaces where complex ideas were made tangible, fostering deeper reflection and a more profound connection to the spiritual themes of the gathering.
Sacramental Moments: The Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament provided moments of profound grace.
Outdoor Rosary Procession: The participants united for a moving, bi-lingual outdoor procession, praying the rosary together as a community of faith, taking full advantage of the breathtaking oceanfront setting where the beauty of God’s creation served as both backdrop and invitation to deeper reflection.
Beyond anything we could orchestrate, the natural beauty of the retreat house’s awe-inspiring location elevated the spiritual experience for all. Our Creator’s magnificent handiwork—seen in the breathtaking sunrises and the full moon rises over the ocean horizon, and felt in the soothing rhythm of the waves—wove seamlessly with our structured moments of prayer and reflection. Many took time during early mornings and free moments to informally come together, savoring the opportunity to connect with God’s creation in a deeply personal way. This harmonious blend of nature’s grandeur and intentional spiritual practice evoked a deep sense of wonder and connection.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable in every moment of our gathering, infusing it with grace, inspiration, and meaning beyond words. The human dynamic of belonging, a cherished grace of our charism, grew even stronger during this encounter. Our combined experiences became our “Holy Communion,” a holy community of partners—diverse in culture, language, and geography across the United States—yet united as one missionary body, gathered in the presence of our Redeemer.
The generous support of donors to the Redemptorist Catholic Foundation helped to make this gathering possible, providing partial scholarships that enabled many attendees to participate. This generous support ensured the encounter’s reach extended to individuals who might not have been able to attend otherwise, allowing for a more inclusive and impactful experience.
This encounter stands as a testament to the Redemptorist Congregation’s commitment to shared mission and the transformative power of inclusion and unity. Participants left the gathering renewed in their faith and mission, ready to further embody the values of the Redemptorist charism within their parishes and beyond.
As the Baltimore Province continues its journey towards restructuring and unification, the success of this gathering offers a hopeful glimpse of the collaborative spirit that will guide the future endeavors of our new, reconfigured Province. †
