Redemptorist Missionaries around the world are joyfully engaged in a celebration of three years (2015-2017), marking a hundred-and-fifty-year event.

In 1866, Pope Pius IX solemnly handed the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief to the Religious Family, also known as the Congregation of SS. Redeemer. In Latin countries, the preparation and animation of activities related to the celebration of the Jubilee are well under way

Consequently, the Redemptorist Confreres of South America and the Caribbean areas met in the city of Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 18 and 21 August. The purpose of this encounter was to strengthen and expand this devotion among the people of God in the region. Curitiba was chosen for this assembly because there is a well-known popular sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. This sacred place of prayer receives about 40,000 devotees each Wednesday when 17 novena are scheduled for the whole day.

The 41 Redemptorists attending including the Superior General of the Congregation, Father Michael Brehl; the Vicar General, Father Enrique Lopez; the Co-ordinator of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean, Father Manuel Rodriguez; the Provincial of Sao Paulo and the President of the Redemptorist Union of Brazil (URB), Father Rogerio Gomes; and the Provincial of Campo Grande, Father Henrique Lima, who warmly welcomed all the confreres.

The Missionaries have concluded their congress, strengthened and safer than their general objective regarding the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. Redemptorists will respond with renewed rigor for our time to Pope Pius IX’s 150th anniversary, to “make it known to the whole world”. This effort will be an integral part of apostolic redemptorist life. Through this beloved icon, they will proclaim to all men and suits women, especially those who are on the margins of traditional society the Good News of Christ the Redeemer.

In particular, the Redemptorists intend to put into practice the plan of action outlined during the meeting in Curitiba, with the emphasis on how to conduct novels, retreats and parish missions.

Missionaries work for:

• Always keep the centrality of Jesus in devotional celebrations in honor of Our Mother, but always emphasizing its importance in the history of salvation;
• Renew deep spirituality and theology of redemption with emphasis on mercy, hope and joy, always emphasizing the message of the Icon;
• Evangelize from personal devotion and profound conviction, so that the redemptorist becomes a disciple-missionary;
• Giving a continuous evangelization in the three years following the commemoration of 150 years, on the basis of the Jubilee event;
• To deepen the theology and spirituality of Icon to animate the Redemptorist Mission of Evangelization in all regions of Latin America;
• Strengthen and expand the social dimension of the Icon so devotion gives way to Christian action.

The assembly was greatly appreciated by the redemptorist missionaries who took part in it. The Superior General, Father Brehl, thanked the Province of Campo Grande and the Redemptorist Union of Brazil l (URB) for their welcome and for their efforts in successfully planning this encounter. In addition to having contributed to the Jubilee celebrations, he said that the meeting will encourage everyone to strengthen the spread of this devotion.

In conclusion, the participants have been strengthened in the devotion and deep spiritual message that emanates the Sacred Icon.