REDEMPTORIST BROTHERS’ GATHERING IN BACLARAN

For the year 2004, the Redemptorist brothers of Cebu and Manila gathered in Baclaran for their yearly get-together. The Baclaran community was the host for this gathering.

            Except for Bro. Dominic who decided to remain in Cebu, all the brothers were present including Bros. Joel de Guzman (Manila, Epy Bama (Lipa), Jun Santiago (Legazpi), Patrick Salas (Cebu), John Letigio (Iloilo), James Villahermosa (Davao), Plakie Pajar and Karl Gaspar (RIMT).

            The meeting began on Monday, October 18 with an opening prayer in honor of St. Gerard Majella, C.Ss.R. In fact, the gathering was held in Baclaran in time for the start of St. Gerard year.

            On December 11, we are celebrating the centenary of the 100^th year of canonization of St. Gerard. Last October 16 was the 250^th anniversary of his death.

            The rest of Monday, the gathering focused on the sharing of reflections on the spirituality of St. Gerard, based on their reading of current publications dealing with the life and spirituality of St. Gerard. The richness of the shared reflections manifested the richness of the current pastoral experiences of the brothers in their respective ministries.

            On Tuesday, October 19, they had their business meeting. The agenda included how to promote the devotion of St. Gerard in the different communities, how to improve the present formation program of the brothers, and future regional and international assemblies and continuing formation of brothers.

            On the third day of this gathering, October 20, the brothers were assigned to give the homilies during the Masses and novenas since this day was Wednesday. All homilies touched on St. Gerard to help popularize the devotion to one of the Redemptorist saints.

            Since the brothers’ gathering is always a good occasion for the bonding of the brothers of Cebu and Manila, there is time to paint the town red and to see the local sites. Since Baclaran is where it is, we went on a night out to the Baywalk along the Roxas Boulevard. Another evening, we went out for dinner at the Harbor view Restaurant in the company of Fr. Joey Echano, C.Ss.R., vice-provincial of Manila. After dinner we went to see the WOW exhibit at Intramuros. Fortunately the weather cooperated on both evenings.

— Karl M. Gaspar, C.Ss.R.

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