November, 2024

May the Holy Spirit bless you and your families at Thanksgiving

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

Redemptorists celebrate their founding on November 9. St. Alphonsus and his companions began a missionary initiative with little understanding of its potential. It suffered setbacks yet through perseverance it grew and spread across the world.

In November we remember and give thanks for the holy ones who inspired us. Redemptorists have saints—people who inspire and pray for us. The Martyrs of Cuenca are celebrated on November 6; they showed a dedication to Christ’s people in uncertain times of persecution. Blessed José Javier Gorosterrratzu Jauanarena, Father Julian Pogo Ruiz de Samaniego, Father Miguel Goñi Áriz, Brother Victoriano Calvo Lozano, Fr. Pedro Romero Espejo and Father Ciriaco Olarte Pérez de Mendiguren allowed the Holy Spirit to shape their resolve to follow Christ’s faithful lead through their suffering and death in Spain during its Civil War. Our constitutions state “when the opportune time comes, and the Lord opens the door to them for the preaching of the Word, the members are always ready to give witness to the hope that is in them.” (CS10) In all times the Holy Spirit has charge of every moment and leads us to be bold in our proclamation of Christ. The holy martyrs allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them. We allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Today we face great changes in the Congregation: our numbers are shrinking, we have fewer vocations, and Redemptorists are needing to consolidate to continue the mission. There is great change and anxiety, but we are reminded that God is with us in this moment. One confrere used the words: “missionaries of hope” to describe us. We talk about the love of God and the redemption of Jesus. We bring the gospel and welcome people to know and follow him. We welcome the stranger and the newly arrived as Christ teaches. We train our seminarians in hope, and we trust they will share this hope in their ministry.

Thank you for joining the Redemptorists in fostering vocations. Your prayers and financial gifts allow us to raise up new missionaries of hope.

I pray that the Holy Spirit may bless you and your families at Thanksgiving time and remind you of the good you continue to accomplish with the Redemptorists.

In Christ, the Redeemer,

Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Joseph Dorcey, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.