November, 2019

A Thanksgiving Thankyou

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

It was just a few men coming together with a dream of something new. Their home was sparse and rough; the landscape was beautiful. The people were poor, working long hours tending the olive groves, sheep and vineyards hoping to feed their families. Knowledge of Jesus and his love were unknown to them; being poor shepherds, they were of low esteem, isolated from society and Church. Alphonsus saw this as the greatest need.

It was 1732 and a young Alphonsus Liguori began a mission, with a few priest friends, to these poor shepherds of Scala. This mission began on November 9 with little fanfare except Mass and the Te Deum, the Church’s hymn of praise.

The early work was rough and the cohesion of the group in question. Within a year they began to drift. It looked like failure and soon only Alphonsus remained, along with one brother, Vitus Curzio. Thankfully a few new friends joined, and the mission again grew, though slowly. The Pope recognized the mission in 1749 and thereby approved the mission and life of the Redemptorists.

Redemptorists have grown over the past 287 years. We are on all continents and in most countries. We have inherited a message of mercy and share this joyfully with a new generation of God’s people. Our seminarians reflect diversity and show a zeal for the Gospel. We are grateful for God’s blessings.

We gather to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day, and I ask you to say a prayer of thanks for the Redemptorists. Your prayers and donations have made this mission possible in our lifetime; you can help us continue, for a new generation, to be the voice of Plentiful Redemption to a wounded world.

Thank you for your past support, and as you plan your almsgiving for the end of 2019, please include the Co-Redemptorist Association in your plans.

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? Jim Ruybal, the Director of Redemptorist Mission Advancement, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 303-726-0839.