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Home , Redemptoristines, Redemptorists

Volume 5, number 3, Fall 2013

A Publication of the Redemptorist office for mission advancement REDEMPTION

To preach the Gospel ever anew Learn how are forming the next generation of priests and brothers. Stephen M. Kessinger/Courtesy Year for Redemptorist Vocations August 1, 2013-November 9, 2014 PROVINCIAL’S PREFACE

also essential that we love both our voca- to make the Good News a living part of tions and the people that we serve. their world. New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan was Let us pray for an increase of voca- once asked how to attract more vocations tions in the Church, especially for more to the priesthood. His reply was, “By hav- Redemptorist priests and brothers. ing joyful priests.” I agree 100 percent with Many thanks for your prayers and sup- that. We need priests and brothers who are port. May bless you now and always. joyful, kind, forgiving and loving in their Sincerely in Christ, vocations. Every day we meet people who live lov- ing lives. They bless and teach us by their example. We are made better by them and Very Rev. Kevin Moley, C.Ss.R. Redemptorists are called to go out and we are grateful to them. Every day we also preach the Good News of Christ. meet people who struggle with pain and There is no more wonderful task than this, suffering. To them we reach out and strive to share the Good News. Redemptorists receive a solid education — we graduate with a bachelor’s degree in and a master’s of divinity after Redemptorists announce Year for Vocations an additional four years studying . On August 1, the feast of our founder, date must be shaped and formed by the We are also taught how to live in communi- St. , Redemptorists vision of the Congregation. ty, and grow as healthy human beings and around the world opened a special year ‘He will know that he belongs to and dedicated men of God. By the time we take focused on promoting the Redemptorist willingly participates in the mission our final vows or are ordained priests, we missionary vocation. TheYear for Pro- of a world-wide Congregation that are expected to be well prepared to serve motion of the Redemptorist Missionary takes seriously the challenge of being the people of God. Vocation continues through November alert to the signs of the times, and We do this because we know that we need 9, 2014, the anniversary of the founding making vital apostolic decisions that good and professional men to complete the of the Congregation. respond ever anew to our call to mis- tasks that the Church has given to us. It is In announcing the year in May, sion’ (Decisions of the XXIV General Superior General Michael Brehl wrote, Chapter, 6.17).” “We know that ‘the vitality with which Father General encouraged all Plentiful Redemption © 2013 the Congregation pursues its apostolic Redemptorists and their missionary mission depends on the number partners throughout the world to work Plentiful Redemption is distributed and quality of the candidates who together during the year to promote the quarterly to friends and collaborators seek admission to the Redemptorist Redemptorist mission and vocations. of the Redemptorists. We aim to tell community’ (Const. 79). Such a candi- the story of God’s bountiful love and inspire our readers to partner with us to continue spreading the Good Archbishop Tobin receives pallium in ceremony News to all people, especially the Congratulations to poor and most spiritually abandoned. Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin who received the pallium from Redemptorist Office for Francis in June. The pallium is a Mission Advancement liturgical garment made of wool 107 Duke of Gloucester St. that is worn by bishops who lead Annapolis, MD 21401-2526 major metropolitan . The pallium is given to the bishop by Toll free: 877-876-7662 the pope, and is a symbol of col- redemptorists.net laboration and fellowship with the Holy Father. Archbishop Tobin is Editor: a Redemptorist and former two- Stephanie K. Tracy term Superior General of the [email protected] Order. He was appointed to lead the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Executive Director: in 2012. James C. Link John Shaughnessy/Courtesy The Criterion John Shaughnessy/Courtesy [email protected] 2 Vatican II priest: Going to the people Editor’s Note: During this Year of I began to resent the isolation that my seminary formation Faith, we present a series of reflections had demanded of me. I knew it was not right. As a 24-year-old from Redemptorists who began their re- young man, I gave my first catechism lesson and felt so discon- ligious and/or priestly lives in the years nected from those seventh-graders, so “out of it.” I cried, I wept during or immediately after the Second for shame and in anger. Vatican Council. I was glad when I was finally a Redemptorist priest who could go out and preach the Gospel of Jesus to real people in the real By Rev. Thomas Deely, C.Ss.R. world. The freedom was great. The new openness in our Church I was ordained in June 1965. The was wonderful. , begun in 1962, What weren’t so great were the selfish and worldly values that closed as I was ordained. assaulted our Church. The windows were open. The fresh air was One of the purposes of that Council was to “open the win- coming in. But in also came the poisoned winds of doubt, of a de- dows of the and allow the fresh air of renewal sire for pleasure and comfort. In came the tempting message that to enter into it.” A lot of fresh air did enter. We were no longer the Cross, that suffering and sacrifice, were a waste of time. So out “locked into the seminary.” We could now get out and meet the of those same windows, through which that fresh air had poured, people and be involved in apostolic work. jumped many who decided that following Christ as a religious, a Before the Vatican Council there seemed to be a belief within priest, a missionary might not bring them all that they personally the Church that if you locked up a seminarian, got him to pray desired. and be silent, and not care much about what was happening in In the 48 years I’ve lived as a priest since the Council, I have the world, that the supposed happy result would be a holy semi- now realized why our superiors were so worried about pro- narian who would go out into the world full of prayer, the Word tecting us from the world. They were, in many ways, correct. of God and holy devotions, and who would win the world for Fidelity as a Redemptorist priest has not been any easier than it is Christ. for any good individual Catholic or married couple. Fidelity takes I never really believed that. Neither, I think, did those who prayer, humility, and a generous acceptance of the Cross and of called for the Council to bring the Church to a new and fresh the crosses in our lives. encounter with the modern world. As the spirit of the Council Let me end quoting a young Passionist who gave the best gradually changed the attitudes and the rules of our seminary and shortest vocation talk I’ve ever heard. She said, “If I had it to formation, we gradually began to see what youth like ourselves do over again I’d still choose to be a nun!” The same goes for me were doing in the world. as a Redemptorist priest. It was the Sixties! They were fighting for civil and human Fr. Deely professed vows as a Redemptorist in 1960 and was rights. They were protesting a most unwise war in Vietnam. They ordained in 1965. He is currently ministering to migrant workers were struggling to undo poverty and injustice both in the U.S. and immigrant families in and around Esopus, NY. and throughout the world. Courtesy The author (above) celebrating the sacraments with some migrant farm workers in upstate New York.

Fr. Robert Wojtek (at left) with some parishioners

Stephanie Tracy/ROMA K. at an immigration rally in Washington, D.C. 4 NEWS & NOTES relocate, pioneer Plentiful Redemption wins three awards

Plentiful Redemption volume 4, numbeR 2, summeR 2012 new form of community living A PublicAtion of the RedemPtoRist office foR was honored for excel- mission AdvAncement The Redemptoristine moved to their new home lence in writing and REDEMPTION at the Carmel of the Incarnation in Beacon, NY in June. design by the Catholic Having established their community more than 50 years Press Association at ago in Esopus, NY, they had been living in temporary quar- their annual confer- ters for the last year. ence in June. In its first Six Redemptoristines year in the competi- Contact the will reside in this lovely tion, the newsletter Redemptoristines nestled in won three awards in its Redemptoristine Nuns woods at the foot of Mt. category in the national 89 Hiddenbrooke Dr. Beacon. Three nuns who competition. Beacon, NY 12508-2230 [email protected] require special care have Based on editions rednuns.org settled into Meadowview printed in 2012, Plenti- facebook.com/rednunsesopus Assisted Living at Wart- ful Redemption won Still Our Perpetual Help fr. Philip dabney blesses a woman with the of our lady of Perpetual help during the weekly novena at mission church, boston. Read more beginning on page 6. burg in Mt. Vernon, NY. first place for best fea- Elton Letang, C.Ss.R./Courtesy The Carmelite and ture story, “To let them Redemptoristine communities are breaking new ground know they’re not forgotten,” the spring 2012 cover story, writ- as two canonical entities sharing one monastery. Their ten by outgoing editor Stephanie K. Tracy. Fr. Richard Bennett, desire is “to create together an environment that fosters the province vocations director, was recognized with a second the growth and well-being of each sister’s contemplative place award for best essay for “Habits of the heart,” a reflection life as lived in the Carmelite and Redemptoristine that first appeared in the summer 2012 edition. And the newslet- traditions and that has the potential for creating together ter also was recognized with an honorable mention for general opportunities for effective outreach to the larger commu- excellence among religious order magazines. nity and Church.”

5 The making of a Redemptorist 1) It begins here 5) Theology studies

The journey toward becoming a Redemptorist begins with discernment – a process of prayer and 4) First vows 7) Diaconate exploring the possibility of a call to the religious life and/or the priesthood. The Redemptorists offer ends when A Redemptorist who discerns a Come and See live-in weekends throughout the the novice makes his call to the priesthood is ordained year. Additionally there are two pilgrimage-retreats first public profes- a transitional , usually at Redemptorist Shrines in Philadelphia and New sion of the vows toward the end of his theology Orleans, and a retreat in Arizona. of poverty, chastity studies and after professing final and obedience. He vows. As a deacon he assists the promises to live priest at Mass, performs baptisms, those vows for a weddings and funerals, visits the period of one year. sick and carries out other duties He’ll renew them After first profession, the individual begins his of a deacon. 2) Philosophy studies annually for at least theology studies. He lives, prays, and studies with three years. other Redemptorist students. His free time is often filled with ministry – leading prayer services, visiting hospitals, teaching religious education classes, etc. Summer assignments offer more opportunity for this kind of hands-on learning.

6) Final vows

Upon acceptance, the new postulant begins academic studies in philosophy. He quits any job he may have held and moves into the formation house with other postulants with whom he lives, prays and studies. Completing a philosophy degree can take two to four years. During the summer, the 8) Priesthood postulant spends several weeks serving alongside Redemptorists.

After at least three years living temporary vows, the individual makes a final, permanent commitment to live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Redemptor- 3) Novitiate ists also profess a fourth vow of perseverance in the Congregation. At the end of philosophy studies, the postulant takes a break from the classroom for a one-year Brotherhood novitiate. During this year, the novice focuses Not every Redemptorist is ordained intensely on his prayer life, and studies in-depth a priest. Some Redemptorists choose the Redemptorist rule of life. to become Brothers. They profess the same vows, and are equal members of Though ordination marks the the community. A fills a lot of end of the primary formation roles – everything from electrician to process, growing into one’s carpenter to bookkeeper to you name it. Redemptorist vocation takes a A Brother’s most important job is to live lifetime! his commitment to the Redemptorists and to the Church to the best of his ability through a life of service and prayer. Year for Redemptorist Vocations August 1, 2013-November 9, 2014

6 7 $23,000 average annual tuition $2,400 average annual cost for books $3,600 average annual Stephen Kessinger/Courtesy transportation cost

Investing in our future As you’re reading this newsletter, students around the world the course of his life. And yet, he was able to share that learning have returned to their classrooms and books. Maybe you know in a way that everyone could understand, no matter how much some, or maybe you are one. or how little education they had. Our Redemptorist students have returned to their studies at Today, you can help these men serve Christ and his people. St. John’s University in New York City and at Boston College. Your prayers are always appreciated. And your generous finan- We had four new men join us this fall at our initial formation cial support can help offset the costs of their education.You residence in the Bronx. can help form a new generation of Redemptorist priests and The returning students come back after a summer filled with brothers to serve the Lord and his people. practical experiences, working at parishes and mission sites Please prayerfully consider a gift to support our men in for- across the United States and the . They lived and mation. The Redemptorists cannot continue our mission to worked among the poor, the elderly, the forgotten. They went to preach the Good News of plentiful redemption throughout the their summer assignments carrying God’s great love. They have world without more young men to join us as . Your returned blessed by encounters with God’s people, which have prayers and your gift bless us and all the people of God. challenged and inspired them. During the academic year, they continue to assist in a wide va- riety of ministries in the local parishes and communities where How you can help they study. Please use the enclosed envelope, and check the seminary/ Formal education is an important companion to these practi- education fund, or you can donate safely and securely online cal experiences for all Redemptorist missionaries. St. Alphonsus at redemptorists.net/donate. Liguori, our founder, was a very learned man. He became a law- Thank you for your support and your prayers for vocations yer at the young age of 16, and went on to write 111 books over to the Redemptorists. 8 VOCATION VOICE My biggest inspiration was… Some reflections about the people who’ve most influenced a vocation

Jacky Merilan, C.Ss.R. Ako Walker Stephanie K. Tracy Second year theology, Boston, MA Novice, , Postulant, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, The first is Redemptorist Brother Five years ago, I knew nothing about Immaculata, PA Leonard Samuel (Brother Sam). the Redemptorists. In 2008, I met the Plentiful Redemption editor Brother Sam was the vocation director then-newly ordained Redemptorist when I began discerning my vocation Father Peter Hill while he was serv- The thought of a vocation has to become a Redemptorist. He was the ing his first assignment in Trinidad. haunted me since I was very young. first Redemptorist voice who guided We began a friendship, and it was not Every time it popped up, I found rea- me, and he did so with kindness and priest vs. discerner. It was two young son to ignore it. In my work for the Re- a genuine interest. Through the years men both trying to serve Jesus. demptorists, I saw firsthand the beauty he has taught me many lessons, Father Peter was my example. We of community life and the powerful especially the value of prayer and never talked shop, and I appreciated impact these priests and brothers had in the importance of community. Most that. There was no “do this, not that.” I people’s lives. importantly he taught me the heart learned by his way of life. I wanted something they had. That of the charism of our founder, St. Al- Even after two Masses on Sunday “something” was community, that im- phonsus — his love for the poor and and a third one pending, he never pact, that life of service to others. I knew abandoned. short-changed the people. He gave it was time to seriously consider a voca- Another influential person is the them his all and his best. Father tion. But it terrified me! retired Archbishop of Trinidad, Peter showed me that he was not The courage to face it came from a Edward Gilbert, who is also a afraid to learn, and when he did not Redemptorist who asked me whether Redemptorist. I met him before I know something he would find out. He I’d ever considered a vocation. He entered, and he was very helpful. Even nourished the people by his preach- named a few communities he thought after beginning formation he con- ing and his drive to do new things might fit me. He wasn’t the first person tinued to take time check up on me. in the parish. He was able to do so to ask, but his question, and the ongoing His perseverance and dedication in thanks to his contemplation of the inspiration of his fellow Redempt-orists, his own life as a Redemptorist greatly Scriptures. It is through the Holy Spirit gave me the push I needed. I will be encouraged me. His taking an inter- working and blessing Father Peter that forever grateful to the Redemptorists est in me has made me grateful and I decided to join the Redemptorists, for their joyful witness, and for caring reminded me to always look out for and am beginning my novitiate this enough to ask the question. others who are in need. fall.

9 “The harvest Summertime is ordination and profession season for the Redemptorists, and this year we celebrated with six men as they took is abundant but the next steps in their vocations. Two men from the Caribbean — Fr. Alistair Elias and Fr. Elton Letang — were ordained to the priest- the laborers hood in June. Four Vietnamese Redemptorists currently studying in the U.S. returned to their home country to be ordained transitional are few… — Hung Tran, Linh Nguyen, Thang Nguyen, and Quang Van Tran will finish their studies this fall and expect to be ordained priests next spring. Photos Courtesy of Fr. Peter Hill, C.Ss.R. and Quang Van Tran, C.Ss.R. Tran, Van and Quang C.Ss.R. Hill, Peter Photos Courtesy of Fr. Fr. Elton receives the chalice and paten from the bishop during the ordination Mass.

Fr. Alistair Elias, C.Ss.R.

Fr. Denis Sweeney, director of theology Deacon Quang Van Tran, C.Ss.R. (third from right), with family and friends after his studies, lays hands on Alistair. diaconate ordination. 10 The class of Vietnamese Redemptorists who were ordained to the priesthood or the diaconate this year.

Alistair Elias is blessed by the bishop during his ordination in “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over June. them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘benefactors;’ but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” (Lk 22: 25-26)

Fr. Elton Letang, C.Ss.R.

The Vietnamese students with family and friends who gathered for their diaconate ordinations in July. ... ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers...” (Mt. 9:37-38) Fr. Mark Owen, the superior of the Redemptorists in the Caribbean, lays hands on Elton during his ordination. 11 NON-PROFIT ORG The Redemptorists US POSTAGE Redemptorist Office for Mission Advancement PAID 107 Duke of Gloucester St. MERRIFIELD VA Annapolis, MD 21401-2526 PERMIT 6203 redemptorists.net

MINI MEDITATION Being real The lesson one Redemptorist learned from those who most inspired his vocation When I consider the many people who ness. He was a very real person and have been an inspiration to my vocation, he loved to laugh. Really, Liguori had I feel the need to thank God for all of a wicked sense of humor! Above and them — for the great gift of their presence beyond all, however, he loved God. in my life. They were all inspirational in My other great inspiration was the many ordinary and quiet moments of Bernardine Sister M. Melita who taught their lives, without ever knowing it. But I in our parish school. Once again I saw would single out two people. that rare combination of one who has One was Redemptorist Brother Liguori both feet on the ground, yet one who Englert. When I first met Liguori, he was “walks humbly with God.” Her gracious the cook (a wonderful cook!) for the care of all those around her (espe- Redemptorists at our rectory in my cially her little first grade “angels”), her hometown of Ephrata, PA. I grew to love enthusiasm and love for life, her him, not only because of his dedication wonderful smile, and her lovely gentle- and desire to offer the very best of who ness will always remain with me. he was, but because Liguori showed me that being a religious did not mean you Anthony Michalik, C.Ss.R. would lose touch with your own huma- Third year theology, Boston, MA

Read about more people who've inspired vocations on page 9.