A PUBLICATION OF THEREDEMPTORIST OFFICE FOR

MISSION ADVANCEMENT

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2, SUMMER 2009

The Redemptorist Office for Mission Advancement promotes the apostolic work of theRedemptorists of the Baltimore Province as they follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer so theymay more effectively preach the Gospel to the poor and abandoned.

The Office achieves this by presenting ways of partnering with people and invitingmutual stewardship of God’s gifts for our formation, retirement and ministry needs.

IN THIS EDITION:Provincial’s Preface Page 2Clement: Contemplative in Spirit Page 4Living Legacies Pages 6-7 Vocation Voice Page 9

Redemptorist Father Gerard Szymkowiak in the chapel ofthe St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs, NY.Photo taken by Rick Gargiulo.

Men of Prayer (page 8)

Theologian John Shea has a very

playful talk he gives on the gospel of

the abundant catch of fish. An

enthusiastic Jesus wants to go fishing

and Peter refuses him because he is

a carpenter and knows nothing

about fishing. Jesus gets disappointed

and is left standing on the shore.

Finally, after all the failed fishing,

Peter becomes frustrated. At first

he scorns the advice of the

land-loving Jesus, but he

finally listens and casts his

nets as Jesus directs. The

part of the story I love is

that Shea says fish start

leaping into the boat

from all directions. The

fish form an arc for the

boat to pass through-

there are fish

standing and

applauding

the Lord.

Peter stands in mute amazement.

Certainly, this is a story of

abundance: a catch so great that the

boat is almost sinking. Abundance

appears elsewhere in the gospels:

the miracle of the loaves and fishes

with twelve baskets leftover; the

fatted (read: “abundant”) calf used

to celebrate the return of the Lost

Son; the purse of the Widow’s

Mite; the promise of the

Good Samaritan to

return to the inn; the

abundance of the

Crib, the Cross,

the Eucharist and

the Blessed Mother.

Our God is a God

of abundance.

With Him is plentiful redemption.

Redemptorists know that

abundance in the joy of our lives and

in the gift of our call to serve the

Lord and his people in:

· the school children in our

parishes

· the confessions on our

missions

· the celebration or recovery

from addictions at our

retreat houses

· the beauty of the ocean at

San Alfonso in West End

· the fields of Mt. St. Alphonsus

in Esopus

· the towers of Mission

Church

· the icon of Our Lady of

Perpetual Help

· the love of our families,

friends and benefactors

· the commitment to the care

of our sick and infirm

confreres

How abundant is God’s love!

We are surrounded by plentiful

redemption!

Very Rev. Patrick Woods, C.Ss.R.

2

PROVINCIAL’SPREFACE

photo taken by Marion Lunt

We are happy to announce that the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was installed in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter andPaul on June 13 by Cardinal Justin Rigali. The Cardinal, who has a great devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, invited

us to place the icon from St. Boniface Church over one of the new altars in the cathedral. He has also commissioned a statueof Redemptorist St. John Neumann for the cathedral.

When the Redemptorists, in agreement with the archdiocese closed St. Boniface in Philadelphia, we were aware that thechurch possessed many beautiful liturgical items dating back to the 19th century. Father Alfred Bradley, vicar of the BaltimoreProvince and a native of Philadelphia, worked tirelessly to ensure that these sacramentals would find suitable places of worship.

Cardinal Rigali offered to use two of the side altars from St. Boniface in the cathedral, and the Redemptorists and St. Bonifaceparishioners agreed to donate them.

As noted, Cardinal Rigali has show great interest in St. John Neumann, and has visited the Shrine at St. Peter's Church numeroustimes. The Cardinal was most supportive in redressing the body of St. John Neumann in 19th-century vestments. Additionally,the Cardinal helped to install a window in honor of Blessed Francis Seelos and a marble statue of St. Alphonsus at the NationalShrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

The Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province are most grateful to Cardinal Rigali for his kindness to our community and hisdeep love of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sts. Alphonsus and Neumann, and Blessed Seelos.

3

100 years ago…

· 14% of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub and

8% owned a telephone.

· There were 8,000 cars in the entire country and

only 144 miles of paved roads.

· Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee each

were more populous than California, and the

town of Las Vegas boasted 30 citizens.

· The tallest structure in the entire world was the

Eiffel Tower.

· The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per

hour and sugar cost four cents a pound while

coffee set you back fifteen cents a pound.

· Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea

hadn't been invented yet.

· Only 6% of all Americans had graduated from high school.

And more than 95% of all births took place at home, including the late

Redemptorist Fr. Jack Doherty, who would have turned 100 this year. See page 6 for

more information.

Redemptorists first came to the United States in 1832 (exactly 100 years after

our founding in Naples) and since then we have preached tens of thousands of missions

and retreats, built and staffed hundreds of parishes, worked as military chaplains, served

the deaf community, ministered to wave after wave of immigrants, been on radio and

TV and published many books and articles.

100 years from now….

Our dream is that we will be even more numerous as we continue our

missionary work throughout the United States. We hope to be robust and

responsive to the needs of the Church and her people. We pray for the

resources to spread the Good News, especially to people who are

economically poor and those who are spiritually abandoned. With

your help, this will happen.

Thank you to the many people who have sent in

donations. Please use the envelope provided or go online

to www.redemptorists.net and consider automatic monthly

payments. Our future depends on you!

Rev. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Listen to Fr. Daniel every Sunday on the

radio from 7:30-8 a.m. on 1370 AM in the

Baltimore/Annapolislistening area.

Listen online at the same time by going to:

www.fox1370.com and then click on

“Listen Live.”Features: Weekly Reflection,

News and Comments,Meditation Music and

OLPH Novena

At the Easter Vigil in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish inBrooklyn, NY, 12 adult Chinese catechumens were baptized.

This is a community of some 250 Catholic Christianpeople. This is the day the Lord has made! Helping to

make it possible were Redemptorist FathersJoseph Tizio (pastor), Norman Bennett and

Peter Cao, and Sister Theresa Wong.

Advancing the Mission

4

Second in four-part series

Clement is known to us as

Redemptorists especially for his

intense missionary activity and

untiring efforts to establish the

Congregation on a solid footing in

Northern Europe. He is the

missionary par excellence. But lest

we think of him in terms of

“activism,” and thus perhaps as a

patron for our own tendency to

“busy-ness” and “activism,” it is good

to remember the description of him

as a “mystic in action.”

In fact, Clement becomes for us

the model of that balance and

integration, which is called for in us as

apostles: “to be contemplative in spirit

and apostolic in action.” This was the

secret of his holiness. He exemplifies

for us the description of those called

by Jesus in Mark’s Gospel: “Jesus

called those he wanted ... they were

to be with him and to be sent out

to proclaim the message”

(Mk 3:13-14). Certainly St. Clement

was missionary and an apostle in

every bone of his body. But his was an

evangelizing zeal, which sprang out of

a holiness of life nurtured by prayer

and by a deep love for the Eucharist.

One of Clement’s close associates,

Bartholemew Pajalich, writes of him:

“Fr. Hofbauer led a very active life in

Vienna. ... Since he did not have less

need for solitude than the disciples (in

the Gospel) ... he prepared a solitude,

a quiet cell, a small oratory in his own

heart. Into this solitude he withdrew

at pleasure at all times and wherever

he chanced to be; there he found a

safe refuge in every difficulty and in

every trial that he encountered either

in the exercise of his duties or in the

distractions which he met in society. ...

He did this precisely out of the

solitude of his heart, into which

through continued practice, he could

almost continually so easily enter.”

Clement has his own homey way

of speaking of the practice of the

presence of God: “In a Christian, who

does not live in the presence of God,

only confusion and a multitude of sins

can reign. It is like a house that is left

by its owner to its tenants, while she

wanders about the city, unconcerned

about her family.” Clement shared

with Alphonsus the conviction that

prayer is necessary to obtain every

other grace we need as Christians.

He often repeated words he ascribed

to Christ: “Without me you can do

nothing,” and the words of Paul: “I can

do all things through him who

strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Clement leaves us as Redemptorists

a kind of summary of his own

missionary spirituality: “We unite

contemplative and active life. We

strive to breath Fire and Spirit into

our active life. Without the anointing

of the Holy Spirit the wagon wheels

of the apostolic worker grind to a

halt.”

Rev. Raymond Corriveau, C.Ss.R. ispresently Associate Novice Director at theRedemptorists’ North American Novitiate,Villa Redeemer, Glenview, IL. He is aformer Provincial Superior of theEdmonton-Toronto Province (Canada).

Stained glass window of St. Clement in thechapel at Saratoga Springs

Clement: Contemplative in Spirit Rev. Ray Corriveau, C.Ss.R.

Redemptorist Pastors of St. CeciliaVery Rev. John Hosey, C.Ss.R. … 1940 – 1945

Very Rev. Jeremiah Scannell, C.Ss.R. … 1945 – 1950

Very Rev. Philip Bardeck, C.Ss.R. … 1950 – 1956

Very Rev. John Driscoll, C.Ss.R. … 1956 – 1959

Very Rev. Raymond Whelan, C.Ss.R. … 1959 – 1964

Very Rev. Joseph Berton, C.Ss.R. … 1964 – 1969

Very Rev. James Ferris, C.Ss.R. … 1969 – 1972

Very Rev. Edward Whelan, C.Ss.R. … 1972 – 1975

Very Rev. John A. Murphy, C.Ss.R … 1975 – 1978

Very Rev. James Freeman, C.Ss.R. … 1978 – 1981

Very Rev. John Lavin, C.Ss.R. … 1981 – 1987

Very Rev. Norman Simmons, C.Ss.R. … 1987 – 1993

Very Rev. James Brennan, C.Ss.R. … 1993 – 1999

Very Rev. Francis Skelly, C.Ss.R. … 1999 – 2005

Very Rev. James Gilmour, C.Ss.R…. 2005 – 2009

Living Redemptorist Priests and Brothers who have served in St. CeciliaThomas Hickey, C.Ss.R. – Chaplain in Mt. Sinai Hospital

Charles Brinkmann, C.Ss.R. – Chaplain in Mt. Sinai Hospital

John Gauci, C.Ss.R.

Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R.

John Hamrogue, C.Ss.R.

Thomas Maceda, C.Ss.R.

James Brennan, C.Ss.R.

John Lavin, C.Ss.R.

Francis Browne, C.Ss.R.

Christopher Colarossi, C.Ss.R.

Thomas Rochacewicz, C.Ss.R.

James Gilmour, C.Ss.R.

Final Mass in celebration of 69 years of Redemptorist ministryat St. Cecilia Parish in East Harlem, NY. On June 21, Redemptorists will celebrate the last Mass as we return the parish of St. Cecilia back to the Archdiocese of New York.

5

Very Rev. James Gilmour,last Redemptorist pastor ofSt. Cecilia’s, 2005-2009

Francis Skelly, C.Ss.R.

Joseph Tizio, C.Ss.R.

Patrick Woods, C.Ss.R.

Alexander Ortiz, C.Ss.R.

Henry Sattler, C.Ss.R.

Leonard Samuel, C.Ss.R.

Philip Dabney, C.Ss.R.

Richard Welch, C.Ss.R.

Blas Cáceres, C.Ss.R.

James McDonald, C.Ss.R.

Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R.

CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY

OF THEIR FIRST PROFESSION OF

VOWS

75th Anniversary

Rev. Albert J. Lamote, C.Ss.R.

70th Anniversary

Rev. J. Virgil Caskey, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Leo F. Dunn, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Charles R. Mallen, C.Ss.R.

Rev. James E. McGonagle, C.Ss.R.

65th Anniversary

Rev. John J. Creaven, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Vincent P. Crotty, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Lawrence J. Murphy, C.Ss.R.

60th Anniversary

Rev. Herman J. Brinkmann, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Thomas A. Forrest, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Thomas F. Hickey, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Joseph T. Hurley, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Gerard H. Schreiber, C.Ss.R.

Rev. James T. Small, C.Ss.R.

50th Anniversary

Rev. James P. Brennan, C.Ss.R.

Bishop Eustaqio Cuquejo Verga, C.Ss.R.

Bishop Edward Joseph Gilbert, C.SS.R,

Very Rev. Joseph F. Krastel, C.Ss.R.

Bro. Manuel Martinez, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Francis P. Nelson, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Louis A. Olive, C.Ss.R.

Bro. Martin De Porres Smith, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. John L. Smyth, C.Ss.R.

40th Anniversary

Rev. Ramon Candia, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. Enrique A. Lopez, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Alexander F. Ortiz, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Pedro Sanabria Galeano, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Henry E. Sattler, C.Ss.R.

Bro. David Skarda, C.Ss.R.

30th Anniversary

Rev. James R. Cascione, C.Ss.R.

Rev. John Collins, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. Glenn D. Parker, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. John G. Tizio, C.Ss.R.

6

Jubilarians 2009

REDEMPTORISTLEGACIES

Father Doherty was born Aug. 14, 1909, in Boston, the son of Patrick and

Catherine Quigley Doherty. He belonged to Immaculate Conception Parish

and was educated locally, graduating from Everett High School. He then

studied at St. Mary’s Seminary in North East, PA; made his novitiate in Ilchester,

MD; and completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Alphonsus in

Esopus, NY. He made his first profession of vows as a Redemptorist in 1933

and his final profession in 1936. He was ordained to the priesthood on June

19, 1938. Father Doherty’s first three assignments were to Puerto Rico, serving

in Caguas (1940-41), Miramar (1941-45), and Fajardo (1945-46). He returned

to the mainland to take up a new assignment in Bradford, VT (1946-68), and

then was assigned to Our Lady of Fatima Church in Baltimore. In 1970, Father

Doherty served briefly as rector in Bradford, and later that year was sent to

the Mission Church community in Boston. Responding to a need in the Vice-

Province of Richmond in 1977, he served in Orangeburg, SC, ministering to the

out missions of Barnwell and Allendale. During the year he was there, he also

researched and wrote a book about the Catholic Church in the area. In 1978,

Father Doherty returned to Mission Church, where he was active in ministry

throughout the first half of his nineties, continuing to serve as a hospital

chaplain even after he gave up driving. At the age of 99, he was transferred to

St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs, NY.

“Let us not lose the beautiful crown which I see prepared for everyone who lives

in observance and dies in the Congregation. I am certain that Jesus has prepared

a beautiful place in Paradise for those who die in the Congregation.”

-St. Alphonsus Liguori

Fr. John Doherty: 1909-2009

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary

of the canonization of St. Clement Hofbauer,

the Redemptorists of Baltimore mourn

the passing of Fr. John Doherty, C.Ss.R.

who died May 28, months short of 100!

7

25th Anniversary

Very Rev. Callistus V. Auguiste, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. James R. McDonald, C.Ss.R.

CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY

OF THEIR ORDINATION

65th Anniversary

Rev. J. Virgil Caskey, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Leo F. Dunn, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Charles R. Mallen, C.Ss.R.

Rev. James E. McGonagle, C.Ss.R.

60th Anniversary

Rev. John J. Creaven, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Vincent P. Crotty, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Lawrence J. Murphy, C.Ss.R.

50th Anniversary

Rev. Paul V. Bryan, C.Ss.R.

Rev. John J. Gauci, C.Ss.R.

Rev. George F. Kelly, C.Ss.R.

Rev. John P. Kennington, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Francis E. Sullivan, C.Ss.R.

Rev. John J. Travers, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Arthur G. Wendel, C.Ss.R.

40th Anniversary

Rev. Gordon Cannoles, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Patrick M. Flynn, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Pierce J. Kenny, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. E. Patrick Lynch, C.Ss.R.

30th Anniversary

Rev. Gerard H. Chylko, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. Michael D. Sergi, C.Ss.R.

25th Anniversary

Very Rev. Jerome L. Chavarria, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. Franklyn A. Cuffy, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Glanville I. Joseph, C.Ss.R.

Do you know someone who might be called to be a Redemptorist Brother or priest?

For more information, go to:

www.redemptorists.net/walk/vocations.html, call 1-718-321-1394, or

e-mail Vocations@redemptorists.net

8

Prayer, the way we communicate

with and listen to God, is an

important element in the life of

anyone who wants to deepen a

relationship with the Lord. For a

Redemptorist, prayer is part of his life

blood. From the time a man enters

formation, he experiences the

charism of St. Alphonsus, who was a

man of prayer. The chapel becomes

an integral focal point. It is a place

where they come together to pray as

a community, as well as a place where

they spend time alone in reflection

and meditation.

“I am so impressed by the prayer

life of these men,” states Fr. Gerard

Szymkowiak, rector for the Saratoga

Springs, NY, community of retired

Redemptorists. “There is rarely a

time I do not pass by the chapel and

see at least one or more of the men

spending time with the Lord before

the Blessed Sacrament or praying the

rosary.” The balance between prayer

alone and in community continues

throughout a Redemptorist’s life.

Here is a sample of the weekday

community prayer schedule:

9 a.m. – morning prayer

10:45 a.m. Rosary

11:30 a.m. Mass

5 p.m. – evening prayer

This schedule is

punctuated with a

weekly Wednesday

Novena to Our

Mother of

Perpetual

Help, a Friday

Holy Hour for

vocations, and

seasonal devotions,

like Stations of the

Cross. In addition,

each month a

speaker presents

a retreat. The

retreat consists of

three talks given

over the course of

the day. It provides

the men with a

variety of

perspectives that

reinvigorates their

prayer life and

intellectual life.

As the men

prepare to move

to Stella Maris in

Timonium, MD, or

the retirement

community at

Ephrata, PA,

elements from the magnificent

chapel in Saratoga, featured on the

cover page, will come with them.

The stained glass of St. Alphonsus

shown on this page is one of the

pieces that will be installed at Stella

Maris in Timonium, MD. These

familiar images will be a welcome

addition to their new residences.

“Prayer is so much a part of

our life,” declares

Fr. Szymkowiak.

“The chapel is a

place where

we reconnect with the Lord and

with each other. As Jesus says in the

Gospel of Matthew, ‘Where two or

three are gathered in my name,

there I am in their midst,’ you really

feel that living presence there.”

SELECTED NEEDS FOR THECHAPELS:

Removal, refinishing, repair,installation of six large stained glass

murals -- $65,000

Hydraulic altars for both chapels --$7,000 each

Hydraulic pulpits -- $5,000 each

Statues -- $4,000

Sacristy furnishings -- $10,000

If you would like to support this effort,please use the enclosed envelope, or todonate online, go to www.redemptorists.net.

Men of Prayer “If we pray, we are rich in all things.”

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Stained glass of St. Alphonsus in Saratoga Springs

“What are you doing this summer?” This question is asked

countless times in schools and workplaces, and among family and friends.

For men in formation, the summer presents opportunities to grow in

pastoral and ministerial skills. Summer gives them the chance to

experience life in a community setting, and to learn from their own work

and the examples and support of the Redemptorists in that community.

Plentiful Redemption posed this question to our men in formation and in

seminary, and some of their answers are highlighted below.

Calvin Auguiste is 20 years old and is a second year undergraduate

philosophy student from Dominica. He will apply for novitiate when he turns 21. Calvin’s summer assignment will take

place at Our Lady of Fatima in Dominica where he will visit parishioners in their homes, bringing communion and the Word

of God to life. He will also work with youth and young adults, including training altar servers. Calvin says, “Redemptorists

always have a closeness with the people. The priests and brothers are part of the extended family of the people they

serve.” The Redemptorists in Dominica motivated his vocation as he would see them, in T-shirts and shorts, working side-

by-side with the people, doing things like painting and repairing the church. He notes that something like this is a whole

community effort. “The women make food for the workers to eat, and locals would donate their time, provisions and

materials,” Calvin smiles. “This pastoral closeness to the people is what inspires me in my vocation to be a Redemptorist.”

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY, will be the summer assignment for Jim McCabe, C.Ss.R. Jim is 52 and

in his third year of theology studies at Washington Theological Union. He will be ordained in 2011. This summer, Jim will

work with the youth group, teach religious education to adults, visit the sick, and have opportunities to hone his preaching

skills at Marian devotions, and other opportunities for preaching outside of Mass. Jim is most looking forward to working

in a multi-ethnic parish population. “Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a mix of Hispanic, Chinese, Vietnamese and European

populations,” he says. “There are challenges in encountering other cultures, and that’s something that is part of every

Redemptorists’ life. I want to be open to the Spirit leading me and guiding me to how best to respond to their pastoral

needs, while at the same time, being open to let them minister to me.”

At 52, Jim is one of the more “seasoned” men in formation. He’s found a welcoming home with the

men in formation and the other Redemptorists and has found his studies challenging and helpful as he

continues to grow in his faith and prayer life.

Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jacky Merilan, 27, is in his third year of undergraduate

study in philosophy. Like Calvin, he will be assigned to Our Lady of Fatima in Dominica. He will be

working on retreat programs and working with youth and young adults. “I hope I can encourage

young adults to enthusiastically embrace their faith and to explore where God is calling them to

service in the local parish community.” Like Jim, he is looking forward to the opportunity to minister

in a culture that is different from his own and to learn from the people how to be a true servant

leader. “I am looking forward to being challenged to grow in my pastoral identity and skills, as I live

with my brothers in community.” Jacky begins his novitiate in August and plans to profess his

temporary vows at the end of this year.

Anthony Michalik, a third year philosophy student at St. John’s, is 55 years old and will be assigned to Our Lady of

Perpetual Help in Boston. He is looking forward to the experience of working with parishioners who come from multiple

lands and languages. “The parish includes people who come from cultures like Haiti,

Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Columbia, Ethiopia and European countries,” notes

Anthony. He previously studied with the Redemptorists from 1968-1972. He is

delighted that he was so warmly welcomed by the student community, where some of

the men are in their 20s. “I felt right at home and have experienced a profound sense

of peace in my life since arriving at this community.” Anthony looks forward to

developing his pastoral skills within the context of the Redemptorist charism and way

of life in a full-time ministry setting.

All of the men in formation are grateful for the prayers and support of family, friends,

and benefactors.

Rev. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R., Province Vocation Director

9

VOCATIONVOICE

Anthony Michalik

Calvin Auguiste

Jacky Merilan

Rev. Jesús Ariel Jiménez Soto, C.Ss.R. Born: Feb. 23, 1963 Professed C.Ss.R.: Jan. 5, 1986 Ordained: Nov. 9, 1991 RIP: March 16, 2009

Rev. Gabriel Fernando Montoya Tamayo, C.Ss.R.Born: Aug. 29, 1967Professed C.Ss.R.: Jan. 5, 1999Ordained: Feb. 1, 2003RIP: March 16, 2009

"Let us not lose the beautiful crown which I see prepared for everyone who lives in observance and dies in the Congregation. I am certain that Jesus has prepared a beautiful place in Paradise

for those who die in the Congregation." -St. Alphonsus Liguori

10

THE BEAUTIFUL CROWN

Colombian Redemptorists Murdered On Monday, March 16 two Redemptorist priests were murdered in Colombia, South America. Fathers Gabriel Fernando MontoyaTamayo, 40, and Jesús Ariel Jiménez, 45, were killed by an unknown individual in the municipality of La Primavera, in the region ofVichada. The attacker took money which would have gone to sustaining an indigenous boarding school of more than 200 childrenin the deep savannas and forests of Vichada.

The Redemptorist community worldwide was shocked and saddened by this crime of violence and in this province, Fr. Provincialwrote:

“As you know, our two provinces, Colombia and Baltimore, have been moving toward a strong sense of solidarity. Twooutstanding confreres from Colombia are ministering in our Province: Father Fabio Marin in St. Mary's Annapolis andFather Gustavo Arias in St. Michael, Baltimore. Fathers John Hamrogue and Tom McCluskey have recently ministered inColombia. I would ask each community to say a Mass for these two men who have died, and the consolation of theirfamilies and confreres of Bogata.”

The priests who were murdered were ministering at an indigenous boarding school. We pray for these deceased Redemptorists,their families and those who perpetrate such daily violence throughout the world.

St. Mary’s The Coin Exhibitphoto on left

On Maryland Day over 300 people came by to seethe exhibit. It will be available again for viewing this

summer during the normal weekend Carroll House hours. (June-October; Sat/Sun; 12 noon - 4 p.m.)

It will also be open by request for interested groups.

The local archdiocesan newspaper conducted an interview onthe opening day of the exhibit and the link to this follows.

www.catholicreview.org/staffvideo/video.aspx

San Alfonso | Long Branch, NJ

Redemptorist Associates' RetreatAugust 28-30

call 732-222-2731 for details

Biblical Coin Collection Exhibit in Annapolis, Maryland

Rev. John Olenick, C.Ss.R.

June 14 St.Francis de Sales

Abingdon, MD Rev. Alex Ortiz

18 Our Lady of Perpetual HelpGeradel, Dominica Rev. Kevin MacDonald

RetreatsSan Alfonso Retreat HouseLong Branch, NJwww.sanalfonsoretreats.orgMon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.732-222-2731 Ext. 140Men’s RetreatsSeptember 11 - 13 September 18 - 20 September 25 - 27 Women’s RetreatsJune 26 - 28August 25 - 27 (Mid-Week)Married CouplesAugust 21 - 23Day of PrayerSeptember 14

Mount St. Alphonsus, Esopus, NY www.visitthemount.com845-384-8000 Day of PrayerJune 17Religious Sisters’ Retreat June 21-26Strengthening our Faith: Praying with St. Alphonsus June 26-28

Church Music Lovers’ RetreatAugust 28-30

Notre Dame Retreat HouseCanandaigua, NY585-394-5700www.ndretreat.orgDay of PrayerSeptember 15Guided Retreat Finding Hope in God’s WordAugust 2-9Marriage EncounterAugust 21-23

Holy Name Retreat HouseHampton, VA757-722-3997www.holyfamilyretreat.com

To schedule a Redemptorist mission in your parish, please have your pastor contact: Rev. John Murray, C.Ss.R., atmurraycssr@aol.com, 917-364-9244.

We invite you toexperience God’s love

and Redemptoristpreaching firsthand!

Mission Preaching

11

“IN THE FOOTSTEPS” OF ALPHONSUS

I was standing atop the hill of the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty

Hawk, NC, last June when I received the call telling me that I was being

transferred to a new assignment. It seems wholly appropriate that, on top

of that wind-swept dune where two brothers from Ohio changed forever

the course of human history, I was about to begin a new mission as a

Redemptorist priest. My life took a new turn in the bright sunlight of that

morning surrounded by bronzed tourists from all over the United States.

What was familiar to me would soon become a happy memory.

Changes are not easy for any of us. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new

neighborhood, a new school or a new job. The sense of loss can be

debilitating and frightening. The anxiety about whether one will “fit in” or

even like their new place, not to mention the packing up, the throwing out

and the difficult goodbyes. Leaving home, wherever that is, is never simple

but our Lord tells us, “if anyone comes to me without turning his back on

his father and mother, his wife and his children, his brothers and sisters,

indeed his very self, he cannot be my follower.” (Lk 14:26) To be a Christian

is to be open to new experiences and to surrender one’s will to God.

However, that doesn’t make the uprooting any less stressful or difficult.

I was ordained in May 2003 and my first assignment was Immaculate

Conception Church in the Bronx, NY. It was a wonderful place where I

learned to be a priest, with many trials and errors. I lived in a community

of caring, supportive men and was nourished spiritually by the many faith-

filled parishioners with and to whom I ministered. They say that a priest

holds a special place in his heart for his first assignment, the place where he

learned the ropes so to speak, and I know that is true for me.

Today, I am in Visitation B.V.M. Parish located in Philadelphia, PA. It is a

new assignment not just for me but for the Redemptorists as well as we

took over the church from the archdiocese only three years ago. The parish

community is trilingual; English, Spanish and Vietnamese, with the vast

majority of the people being Spanish speakers. Most of our people are

immigrants who are struggling to make a better life for themselves and their

families. The neighborhood I live in could be considered challenging. There

is much drug dealing/using, prostitution and other criminal activity happening

within sight of the steps of our rectory. Our part of north Philly is

commonly referred to by the locals as “the Badlands” but I have been

blessed to have met so many wonderful people - loving, caring, committed

parishioners who sacrifice much to send their children to our magnificent

school full of 500 students and attend one of our 33 weekly family

assemblies to share God’s word and to draw strength and inspiration from

one another.

The transition was not easy for me, but thankfully I live with

wonderful men who welcomed me as a brother and sustain

my spirit in prayer and fraternal support. The parishioners

at Visitation are generous and willing to do anything for

their church. I am glad that the Redemptorists are here

serving the poor and preaching words of peace, joy and

hope in the Lord in what can seem to be only a place of

violence, sadness and despair. The change in address last

summer was initially challenging but this is where I belong now.

I am home.

MINI MEDITATION

Plentiful REDEMPTIONRedemptorist Office for Mission Advancement

7401 German Hill Road #2

Baltimore, Maryland 21222-1347

www.redemptorists.net

Epsom SaltsEvery evening – Monday to Friday – after supper – like clockwork – at 7 o’clock – his dad

would sit down in the cellar in a beach chair – read the papers – with his feet in a metal turkey

basting oval pan – filled with hot water and Epsom Salts.

“That feels good!”

Those were the only 3 words he would say. He never would make a comment about

something in the sports pages or comics – which he looked at in that order.

Off to the side his only son would be playing with his toys: building blocks, cars and toy

soldiers – whichever was the joy of the moment.

His son’s only sounds would be, “Urrr” or “Ooom zoom” or “Bang bang!” with his toy

soldiers.

Time moves forward. It’s now 50 years later. Mom is long gone. Dad agreed reluctantly to

move in with his only son and his daughter-in-law. Their 3 kids are now on their own.

His only son was on his feet all day. This day he came home with a big plastic rectangular

bucket – nice dark blue – and a box of Epsom Salts.

After supper, exactly at 7 o’clock he said, “Dad, let’s go down to the basement. I have a

surprise for you.”

He had his dad sit in the old beach chair – he had saved it. The blue bucket was filled with

hot water mixed with Epsom Salts. “Okay dad, take off your shoes and socks and roll up your

pants’ legs and put your feet in the water.”

That he did.

“That feels good.”

Then, with a rich smile on his face, dad asked his son, “What made you think of this now?”

“Dad, memories. I was at Mass this past Holy Thursday and the priest picked 12 people out

of the congregation at random saying, ‘No one has been preselected. Who wants their feet

washed?’ I reluctantly raised my hand. Then as he washed my feet, I started to cry with memories

of you.”

And as the priest washed our feet and dried them in memory of Jesus I said, “That feels good.”

Rev. Andy Costello, C.Ss.R. To read more of Fr. Andy’s work and some homilies, go to his blog: http://reflectbay.blogspot.com/

Plentiful Redemption © 2009

Volume 1, Number 2

Redemptorist Office forMission Advancement7401 German Hill Road #2Baltimore, MD 21222-1347

donate@redemptorists.net

410-288-8755 fax: 410-288-8757

Editorial Board:

Rev. Matthew Allman, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Andrew Costello, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Elizabeth Góral-Makowski

Rev. Robert Pagliari, C.Ss.R.

Stephanie Tracy

Kathy Wagner

Contributing Writers:

Rev. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R.

Mary Conway

Rev. Raymond Corriveau,C.Ss.R.

Rev. Andrew Costello, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Elizabeth Góral-Makowski

Rev. John Olenick, C.Ss.R.

Very Rev. Patrick Woods,C.Ss.R.

Photo Credits:

Cover: Rick Gargiuolo

Pages 2,5: Marion Cochran Lunt

Page 6: Rose Cotrone

Pages 4, 5, 7, 8: Dan Beigel for"The Wide View."