The First Encuentro of the Redemptorist Brothers
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May 9, 2024Redemptorist Brothers from across the Conference of North America met via zoom for our first Encuentro of Brothers for the sexennium on March 12.
The virtual gathering was organized by the North American Conference Commission for Brothers, chaired by Br. Eumir Bautista with the members: Br. Augustus Rivière, Br. Kenneth Stigner and Br. Roberto Avalos Hernandez. Participants included Br. Larry Lujan, General Consultor of North America, Fr. Jerome Chavarria, North American Conference Coordinator, as well two Provincial Superiors, Fr. John Collins of the Baltimore Province and Fr. Joaquín Frausto Nájera of the Province of Mexico.
The Encuentro of Brothers commenced with a prayer led by Br. Eumir, followed by welcoming remarks, a message from the Conference Coordinator, and an introduction of the membership of the Conference Commission for Brothers. Everyone was assigned into breakout groups, where the Redemptorist confreres shared about themselves, their ministries, their vocation stories, and their lived experiences as religious. In the plenary session, there was an opportunity for confreres to share some of the highlights from their breakout groups.
Afterwards, Br. Larry gave a message from the General Government and the vision of the General Commission for Brothers for all Redemptorist Brothers throughout the Congregation. Br. Eumir also shared future activities and events specific to Religious Brothers, like the International Religious Brothers Day on May 1, an invitation of the Superior General for a worldwide virtual gathering of Redemptorist Brothers on October 15, and discussion sessions on the “Document of the General Commission for Redemptorist Brothers” published on May 1, 2020.
The virtual gathering brought together 17 Brothers from Canada, Mexico and the USA. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, to meet new confreres, and to familiarized ourselves with the lives of Brothers from across the North American Conference. It was a time to pray and reflect on the Brothers’ unique identity and spirituality within the Congregation. We were also grateful for the support and participation of the Provincial Superiors and others in leadership. As a Commission, we are excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead.