News Items

“St. Alphonsus M. de Liguori. A Missionary of Hope”...

The book by Bishop Antonio De Luca CSsR and Enzo Rispi was presented in Marina di Camerota (SA).

In the splendid setting of the Cilento Riviera of Marina di Camerota, between the blue of the sea and the rugged mountains, in the monumental neoclassical church (1874), seat of the parish dedicated to St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the recently published volume on the holy founder of the Redemptorists, by Antonio De Luca and Enzo Rispi, S. Alphonsus M. de Liguori. A missionary of hope (Edizione Diocesi Teggiano Policastro, Teggiano (SA) 2025, pp. 93), was presented on Monday 11 August.

The patron and impeccable organizer of the event was Don Gianni Citro, the parish priest of Marina di Camerota and Lentiscosa, already known for his many cultural initiatives and a passionate admirer of the Saint. For the presentation, he chose to highlight a unique work of art, placing it at the center of the stage, which dictated the theme of the event. We are talking about a previously unseen canvas of Saint Alphonsus, from the Campania region, recently acquired and placed in the church’s presbytery, already rich in valuable works of art. The portrait of the Saint, painted, as an inscription on the back attests, just nine years after his death (in 1796), offers us one of the first portraits of the then Servant of God , executed by the ingenious brush of some expert, anonymous local portraitist, who probably—we do not rule out the possibility—knew him personally. The Saint’s face, slightly reclining on his right shoulder, is characterized by a lively and penetrating gaze, in his calm serenity, a charming and witty smile, as he embraces a crucifix with his left hand and places his right hand over his heart, as if to indicate his great human and spiritual sensitivity. Taking part in the event and admiring the work brought Saint Alphonsus closer to those present, reconnecting, symbolically and visually, that uninterrupted empathy between him and the people.

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St Alphonsus for our Times - some reading...

Do you want to get to know our dear Saint and Doctor Alphonsus better?

Do you want to know him more as

an apostle of the love of God,

or as an Artist or Musician,

or as a friend to the poor,

or a Doctor of Prayer,

or Patron of Moral Theologians,

or as a prolific thinker or writer,

or as a Confessor,

or as a Bishop,

or as the most zealous doctor?

If yes read these great articles writen by our confreres from around the world!

st alphonsus for our times

Forward by Fr Edward Joseph CSsR - Provincial of Bangalore

One - Apostle of the Love of God - Fr Michael Brehl CSsR (Rome, Italy)

Two - Artist & Musician for the Good News - Fr Kevin O'Neil CSsR (Baltimore, USA)

Three - Friend of the Poor - Fr Larry Kaufmann CSsR (Cape Town, South Africa)

Four - Doctor of Prayer - Fr Dennis J Billy CSsR (Baltimore, USA)

Five - Patron of Moral Theologians - Fr Joaquim Parron CSsR (Campo Grande, Brasil)

Six - Prolific Writer and Thinker - Fr Sean Wales CSsR (Cpe Town, South Africa)

Seven - Patron of Confessors - Fr Raphael Gallagher CSsR (Dublin, Ireland)

Eight - Bishop for the Most Abandoned - Archbishop Gerrard Pettipas CSsR

(Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, Canada)

Nine - Most Zealous Doctor - Fr Juventius Andrade CSsR )Bangalore, India)

Thanks most sincere for Redemptorist Media Centre India

Sr Maria Slepchenko OSsR wins the IYMC Grand Prize...

August 4, 2025

The symphonic-choral oratorio “Song of Songs” by Sister Maria Slepchenko OSsR, a Greek Catholic Redemptorist nun and composer from Lviv, won the Grand Prix of the American International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) in July 2025.

sr maria slepchenko ossr

“It’s a great surprise, I still can’t believe it… Now I have the opportunity to represent Ukraine and our Church before representatives from various countries around the world. I strive to continue my studies and work for the glory of Jesus Christ and for the good of our people and the Church,” wrote the winner of the open category, over 27 years old.

As the artist herself explains, “The Song of Songs” is a spiritual story about her calling. The idea of transforming this biblical text into a musical work arose while still in the monastery, but for a long time, she was at a loss as to how to realize it. After many years, the project was completed.

Sister Maria’s compositions have won numerous awards at prestigious European competitions. Her symphonic poem “The Third Angel” won second place at the Vienna International Composition Competition, organized under the patronage of the Franz Schubert Conservatory of Vienna.

Sister Maria has lived in the convent for 26 years. Prayer and music have been inextricably linked to her since the beginning.

Sister Maria’s dream was also to study at the conservatory. She attended the Solomiya Krushelnytska School of Music in Lviv. At the same time, she felt a strong religious calling. Initially, she wanted to enter a monastery, pursue religious formation, and only then study. Her family convinced her to begin her studies first.

Homily preached for the Inauguration of the CSsR Federation of NW Europe...

L-R Fr Gerry O’Connor CSsR (Dublin) Fr Piotr Chyla CSsR ( Conference of Europe Coordinatior), Fr Jürgen Langer CSsR (Representing Fr Jan Hafmans CSsR Provincial St Clements), Fr Richard Reid CSsR (London),

Fr Rogério Gomes CSsR ( Superior General)

Fr Brendan O’Rourke CSsR (Dublin), Fr Martin Leitgöb CSsR (Vienna-Munich), Fr Elias Gweme CSsR (London), Fr Ian Niron CSsR (St Clements) & Fr Anton Wölfl CSsR (Vienna-Munich) in absentia Fr Jan Hafmans CSsR ( St Clements)

The Federation of North‑West Europe was formally inaugurated on the 1st August 2025 in Limerick, Ireland, with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Most Rev. Fr. Rogério Gomes, CSsR., Superior General of the Redemptorists.

Homily Preached on the Occasion of the Inauguration of the Redemptorist Federation of North‑West Europe

Dear Fr. Brendan O’Rourke, Provincial Superior of the Province of Dublin,

Fr. Richard Reid, Provincial Superior of the Province of London,

Fr. Jürgen Langer, the official representative of the Provincial Superior of the Province of Sanctus Clemens (for Fr Jan Hafmans),

Fr. Martin Leitgöb, Provincial Superior of the Province of Vienna-Munich,

Fr. Piotr Chyla, Coordinator of the European Conference,

Fr. Ciaran O'Callaghan, Moderator of the Federation of North-West Europe

Through you, I extend my greetings to all the confreres, Sisters, Redemptorist youth, and faithful in participating in this celebration.

1. Today we celebrate St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, our founder and master of mercy. He was a man of remarkable courage who devoted all his talents to the service of the Gospel, bringing it to the most abandoned of his time. Alphonsus was a tireless and zealous missionary of Copious Redemption. His example challenges us to leave our comfort zones and reach out to the men and women of today who lack voice and status in society and, often, even in the Church.

2. The first reading, from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-3), serves as a true manifesto of the Redemptorist charism: to proclaim the Good News to the poor, comfort the afflicted, free the captives, and heal broken hearts. Is this not the reality of our own time? We encounter disoriented youth, fragile families, marginalised individuals, and a weary Europe that is increasingly sceptical and reluctant to commit to God.

In this context, what is our Redemptorist mission?

What opportunities does this challenging time present for us to evangelise?

How does this moment stir our faith and deepen our consecration to the Lord?

OLPS - Gift from Rome and Fr General CSsR...

This wooden block - attached to the bottom of this icon 13/20 -

was part of the retaining strip that held the icon from 1866 to 1994!

Gifted by Fr General, the Most Rev'd Rogerio Gomes CSsR

to the London Province

on the Solemnity of

St Alphonsus Liguori

on the

1st August 2025.

perpet succ gift roma

New CSsR Federation 2025...

With great joy and a spirit of hope, we announce the official formation of a new Federation of Redemptorist Provinces comprising:

Dublin, St Clemens, London, and Vienna-Munich.

This important step marks a deepening of our shared mission, charism, and fraternal collaboration in service of the Gospel across our regions. Together, we seek to respond more faithfully and creatively to the call of our Redeemer in today’s world.

In a gesture of deep faith and confidence, the Superior General has entrusted this new federation to the loving care of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. May she accompany us with her guidance, strengthen our unity, and inspire us with her unwavering trust in God’s plan.

We invite all confreres, lay partners, and friends of the Redemptorist family to keep this new federation in your prayers as we move forward in hope, courage, and solidarity.

Let us walk together as missionaries of hope in the footsteps of the Redeemer.

Fr Ryan Holovlasky CSsR

federation

Most Rev'd Fr General Superior, Rogerio Gomes CSsR signing the Decree

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The Provincial Superiors signing the Documents

Redemptorist Publications RP Diary 2026...

rp diary 2026 mcbride

12 Great Works of Religious Art

In his 2026 Diary, Fr Denis McBride reflects on twelve great works of religious art in a sweeping tour which spans six hundred and fifty years – from the early fourteenth to the middle of the twentieth century.

Along the way, we are taken on a fascinating journey through the history of art. We learn for example that the great surrealist, Salvador Dalí was so entranced by a small, intricate sketch that he worked it up into his own masterpiece, Christ of Saint John of the Cross. We see how two seventeenth-century artists – van Honthorst and Caravaggio – both used the technique of tenebrism to dramatic effect.

More importantly, Fr Denis’ insights lead us to think more deeply about Christ and his impact upon the world. In Rouault’s Christ in the Suburbs, we find Jesus walking through the working-class streets of Paris, while Georges de la Tour’s The Penitent Magdalen leads us to reflect on the life of and legacy of Mary Magdalene.

Above all, in leading our meditation upon these great artworks, Fr Denis provides us with a means for deepening and enriching or own faith lives throughout the year.

The Diary itself includes the key events, commemorations and celebrations from the coming church year, provide helpful focal points for our faith journey.

Your perfect faith companion through 2026.

What to expect:

Hardback
Ribbon Marker
12 Paintings & reflections
Week to view
Year planners for 2026 & 2027

Only £10.95

Pre-Order

CSsR London Retreat 21 - 25th July 2025...

fr a wodka cssr

Our retreat was led this year by our dear confrere Fr Andrzej (Andrew) Wokda CSsR.

His CV is below!

The Redemptorists of the London Province are on retreat here in their

St Mary's Kinnoull Monastery & Retreat, Perth Scotland.

It is our privilege to have

Prof Fr Andrzej Wodka CSsR

Born in Poland

In 1978 joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer aka The Redemptorists.

Made First Profession February 1 1980

Ordained Priest June 6 1985

Graduated with a Canonical Licenciate from the

Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome 1988.

Worked in Formation in our own CSsR seminary in Tuchów, Poland.

After obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University Rome, he started his service at the Alphonsian Academy in Rome 1997.

He was President of the Academy 2013 - 2018.

On June 6 2018 he was nominated by Pope Francis as President of AVEPRO,

the Holy See’s Agency for the

Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties. (2018-2023)

He has returned to the Pontifical Institute of the Alphonsian Academy

and oversees the work of many Doctoral students and those for the Licentiate.

Sr Anusha Antony of Our Mother of Perpetual Help OSsR...

Our Sisters of the Monastery of St Alphonsus Dublin write,

Join us a we continue to pray for our Sister Anusha in these last days before her

First Profession in our Order next Saturday, Aug 2nd.

May she be filled with strength, courage and love.

Join us on the webcam for the ceremony: www.rednuns.com/webcam

sr anusha ossr

St Gerard Majella and Br Krzysztof CSsR...

st gerard and polish brother

Br. Krzysztof Makowski, CSsR pens his vocation story of being a Redemptorist Brother on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard.

Who do we associate with the word “saint”? Most often, we think of great mystics who had the grace to see God during their lives and speak with Him. People who spent entire days in prayer, practicing corporal mortification, or fasting intensely.

You too, dear reader, probably have a patron saint in your life to whom you dedicate special devotion in your daily life. Perhaps it is the saint whose name you bear, or the saint through whose intercession you received a special grace.

For me, this special saint, whom I have chosen as a guide for my religious journey, is a religious brother just under thirty years old, Saint Gerard Majella, a Redemptorist, protector of pregnant mothers and patron of good confession.

Currently, we are celebrating the Jubilee Year marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard in the Redemptorist Congregation. He was born in 1926 in a small village, Muro Lucano, in southern Italy. His mother instilled in him a belief of God’s infinite love. His father died when Gerard was 12. Despite poverty and various hardships, he was happy because he felt God’s closeness and his guiding hand, as well as the maternal protection of Mary. In Saint Gerard’s biography, we find no mention of a sudden change or conversion. He simply grew steadily in God’s love.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer 3rd Sunday July..

cssr ossr icon

OSsR Our Most Holy Redeemer CSsR

On this day Redemptorists the world over celebrate the

Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer.

This Solemnity has been celebrated by the Redemptorists

on the third Sunday of July since 1749.

“Yes, my gentle Redeemer, let me say it,
You are crazy with love!
Is it not foolish for you
to have wanted to die for me?
But if You, my God,
have become crazy with love for me,
how can I not become crazy with love for You?”

alphonsus stone cssr

— St. Alphonsus Liguori from “The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ”

Today we use our Sunday Name!

We are the

Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer

(Redemptorists CSsR)

As we celebrate this great Solemnity of Our Most Holy Redeemer,

we would like to take this opportunity

to wish all our: -

Confreres CSsR

Nuns OSsR

Sisters MSsR

Lay Missionaries

Associates

co-workers

Family

Friend

Benefactors

and those who

support us with their generosity and prayers

A Happy and Joy Filled Solemnity be yours!

God bless you all!

You are in our prayers.

From the CSsR Constitution 23.

Since the members are called to continue the presence of Christ and his mission of redemption in the world, they choose the person of Christ as the centre of their life, and strive day by day to enter ever more intimately into personal union with him. Thus, at the heart of the community, to form it and sustain it, is the Redeemer himself and his Spirit of love. And the closer their union with Christ, the stronger will become their union with each other.