Specific Redemptorist Formation

Many of the Redemptorist formandi – including clerical students and brothers – receive their academic and intellectual formation in Institutes or Theological Unions which are no longer Redemptorist institutions. This poses a challenge for the Congregation in general, and for formators in particular. Conscious and deliberate attention must be paid to specific Redemptorist formation for both clerical and brother candidates.

This specific Redemptorist formation must permeate the entire formation process. It begins with an introduction to the Congregation, St. Alphonsus, and prayer during the period of postulancy. It deepens during the novitiate. It takes root and is integrated into the spiritual and pastoral life of the young Redemptorist during the period of temporary profession – not only through his daily prayer and practices of spirituality, but also through his study of moral theology, preaching, and pastoral theology. It begins to bear fruit during the period of transition to ministry.

The Apostolic Life of Redemptorists is shaped by the call of the most abandoned, and the option for the poor. It is distinguished more by its missionary dynamism than by any particular structures and works. In other words, it is marked by evangelization in the true sense, and by service of persons and groups who are poor and more neglected within the Church and society (cf. C. 14).

The nine elements outlined below are not developed in great detail. However, they provide some indications of areas which must be integrated over the whole process of formation by the formators in collaboration with the (V) Provincial Formation Secretariat. Redemptorist spirituality, lifestyle and history should be part of each stage of formation – and not only the Novitiate. Moral Theology, Preaching, Reconciliation, and Spiritual Direction should be integrated throughout the period of theological study for all formandi. Resources and course outlines will also be developed and presented by the General Secretariat for Formation. Mutual sharing of these resources will benefit the formation of our new members throughout the Congregation.

1.    Redemptorist Spirituality

Redemptorist Spirituality includes but is broader than Alphonsian Spirituality. The 1997 General Chapter spoke of spirituality as that particular Redemptorist Spirit which animates and forms our way of life. It becomes the contemplative lens through which we perceive the world and respond to the cry of the abandoned. Redemptorist spirituality is both the fruit and source of mission.

The spirituality of St. Alphonsus, including his sense of the Vita devota, his approach to prayer and especially mental prayer, the ‘mysteries of redemption’ (crib, cross, Eucharist and Mary), and the Word of God have shaped Redemptorist spirituality from the beginning. Redemptorist spirituality is a missionary spirituality as Redemptorists continue the Mission of Jesus to preach Good News to the poor.

This spirituality also took shape in the lives of the early Redemptorists, and was formed by them as well (Sarnelli, Gerard, and Clement). It is a lived spirituality, expressed in the Constitutions and Statutes, the documents from General Chapters, and Communicanda from Superiors General.

1.1       Formation in Redemptorist Spirituality must include formation in the spiritual and ascetical works of St. Alphonsus. All Redemptorist should develop a familiarity with certain of his works: Practice of the love of Jesus Christ, The Way to Converse with God as a Friend, Incarnation, Meditations on the Passion, The Holy Eucharist, and The Glories of Mary. The recent edition from the Classics of Western Spirituality series, Alphonsus Liguori: Selected Writings from Paulist Press is easily accessible to English-speaking Redemptorists. Redemptorist students ought to read St. Alphonsus’ works directly. It is important not only to receive instruction in the spirituality of our founder, but also to read Alphonsus’ own words.

1.2       This formation will be assisted by the reflective study of the lives of Redemptorists, especially the Saints and Beati.

1.3       It must also include reflection on the spirit of the Congregation as lived in the Community. This will be assisted by:

-  Study, reflection, and discussion of the Constitutions and Statutes;

-  Study, reflection, and discussion of the documents of the General Chapters (especially 1991, 1997, 2003) and the Communicanda of the General Government (especially Spirituality, our Most Important Challenge);

-  the Charism 2000 series;

-  Readings in Redemptorist Spirituality is a helpful resource, which is being expanded in English to reflect the greater development in Spanish and French.

2.    Redemptorist Spirituality in Practice: Lifestyle

The spirituality of Redemptorists is a particular way of life which becomes a ‘lifestyle’ for Redemptorists (cf. Message of the 1997 General Chapter). It is not enough to know the writings of St. Alphonsus, the spirituality and lives of the early Redemptorists, and the Constitutions and Statutes. This way of life is integrated through the faithful practice of mental prayer, the distinct form of community life lived by Redemptorists in the (V) Provinces, the understanding of the vows in light of our charism, and the option for the abandoned and the poor.

Gradually, the Redemptorist formandi must be introduced to the practice of daily prayer as envisioned by our Constitutions. This involves the practice of community prayer as it is actually lived in the local communities of the (V)Province. Mental prayer in common offers a powerful assistance to developing the habit of mental prayer so important to Alphonsus and to the life of the Redemptorist. Developing this practice and habit of prayer requires a gradual process of instruction, practice and spiritual direction. Regular workshops and retreats can be helpful aids.

As well, the traditional Redemptorist practices of devotion fostered in the formation community, especially the Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, the Way of the Cross, the Rosary and devotion to Mary (especially to Our Mother of Perpetual Help) begin to forge a Redemptorist identity which supports and integrates what the new Redemptorist is learning in conferences, reading, workshops and courses on Redemptorist spirituality.

The formandi are also introduced to the vows as a lived reality in the formation community. Presenting the vows as an expression of our missionary identity involves integrating them into the way in which the community lives poverty, chastity and obedience (cf. Constitutions, chapter III). This integration is helped by community discussion and conversation about the actual ways in which these vows are practiced – and their implications in the culture in which the new Redemptorists are living. Preparation for the vow and oath of perseverance must also take into account the challenges experienced today with permanent commitment.

As a community of confreres, it is important to reflect on the ways in which our Apostolic Life is enriched in many units by the presence and ministry of Brothers. Although the Constitutions refer to us as a clerical Congregation in the Church, Brothers have been and continue to be an important dimension of the Redemptorist Apostolic Life.

Sent to the most abandoned, and especially the poor, (cf. Constitutions 3 – 5), the formandi must be gradually and progressively introduced to a lifestyle which is close to the ordinary men and women they are called to serve. This introduction must be integrated into the prayer, community life and pastoral dimensions of the formation community. It will also be reflected in the choices they make about the use of material goods. Simplicity of life will be expressed in choices concerning clothing, transportation, food and drink, houses and furnishings, and regular contact with ordinary men and women.

3.    History of the Congregation

The history of the Congregation not only tells the story of our foundation and expansion. It also situates the Congregation within an historical context which helps us better understand our Mission and reason for being. The Historical Institute has published the first volume of a series on the Congregation’s history. The Historical Institute has also produced other volumes which supplement this history.

The lives of our founder, in particular the works by Telleria, Rey-Mermet and Jones, also tell the story of our foundation. The lives of our Saints continue that story. It is helpful to study and present the context of the particular period when reading the life of Gerard or Clement or John Neumann or the Ukrainian martyrs – or any of these men.

Many units have studied and published works on their history. Others have the possibility of presenting the oral history of their foundation – especially among the more recent foundations.

It is often possible to offer a course on the history of the Congregation which is accredited by theological faculties, even where our students study in a theological union. The resources for such a course have become more readily available in recent years, and sometimes a Confrere can receive the necessary accreditation to offer such a course to our students.

4.    Moral Theology in the Redemptorist Tradition

Moral Theology has always been an area of particular concern for Redemptorists. St. Alphonsus was a giant in this field in his own day. More recently, Redemptorists such as Haring, Capone, Vidal, and many others have made enormous contributions. The Accademia Alfonsiana continues to make this discipline a special concern of the Congregation.

If possible, this should be an area of particular research and study for each Redemptorist. This will involve exploration of the following areas:

-  the moral theology of St. Alphonsus;

-  the historical context of Jansenism, rigorism, probabilism, etc.;

-  the theology of conscience;

-  contemporary moral theology and bioethics as required for pastoral ministry.

5.    Preaching in the Redemptorist Tradition

Redemptorist preaching must be marked as a proclamation of the Word of God. It is a hallmark of our ministry. As such, it requires more than the minimal requirements of most theological faculties.

Areas for Redemptorist focus in preaching include:

-  the teaching of St. Alphonsus on ‘Apostolic Preaching’;

-  effective communication: oratorical skills, story-telling, adult learning;

-  extraordinary preaching and the ‘parish mission’: its purpose, its method, its history, its evaluation as a tool for our mission;

-  preaching and the ministry of retreats;

-  ‘ordinary’ preaching and pastoral ministry: the liturgical year, the lectionary, the message of Redemption.

6.    Sacrament of Reconciliation
             in the Redemptorist Tradition

The Sacrament of Reconciliation has also been a hallmark of Redemptorist pastoral ministry – at home, on parish missions, at our Shrines. This Sacrament is in great need of renewal in the Church today. What is the specific Redemptorist contribution we can make to this renewal?

Formation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take into account the theological and practical training required by any faculty of theology for those who will exercise this ministry. This training can be enriched by study in areas with the following Redemptorist concerns:

-  the teaching of St. Alphonsus on the Sacrament and the role of the confessor, especially as found in the Praxis Confessarii;

-  Reflection and study on fundamental conversion, from both a spiritual and psychological perspective;

-  The effective preparation for and practice of the Sacrament on parish missions and at Shrine Churches;

-  Participation in Communal Celebrations of the Sacrament in the context of extraordinary preaching;

-  Case studies and discussions.

7.    Spiritual Direction and Discernment
             in the Redemptorist Tradition

Spiritual Direction and Discernment have played a large role in the story of our Congregation. St. Alphonsus was one of the great spiritual directors of his age. His expertise in this area is evident in his correspondence with scores of directees. It is also evident in his writing and thinking – for example, in the Praxis Confessarii, and his works on mental prayer. This has also been the subject of some recent study and publications.

St. Alphonsus was introduced to the devout life and made the ‘spiritual exercises’ with the Vincentians, the Oratorians, and the Jesuits. However, he makes a significant shift in his own understanding of the spiritual life from discursive to affective mental prayer and meditation. This shift is reflected in the spiritual direction he offers to others, as is evident from his correspondence and writings.

There is a difference between pastoral counseling and spiritual direction. Professional skills in both are available from any number of institutions and programs, workshops and courses. Familiarity with the writings, spirituality, and prayer of Alphonsus will help the student to integrate these professional skills with the Redemptorist charism and identity.

8.    Partnership in Mission and Lay Collaboration

Collaboration with lay men and women has always played a highly significant role in the Apostolic Life of Redemptorists. From the beginning, Alphonsus collaborated with others in the development of the Evening Chapels in Naples, the preaching of missions, and the publication of his spiritual works. Clement developed and formed a group of Oblates to assist with the work of evangelization, particularly though not exclusively through publishing, media, and the universities.

At the XXI General Chapter (1991 – Itaici), the Congregation approved the official designation of Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer. During the subsequent Sexennium, the General Government promulgated Communicanda 4, which developed guidelines and norms for lay collaboration with Redemptorists.

The Secretariat for Partnership in Mission has reminded us that just as Lay Missionaries and other partners need formation in ministry, Redemptorist spirituality and evangelization, so do Redemptorists need formation for partnership in mission.

The Initial Formation of our candidates must address this question in the context of the guidelines, norms and practice of the particular (V) Province, and the whole Congregation.

9.    Formation for Apostolic Work in Community

The specific Redemptorist Formation program for each (V) Province must prepare our candidates for formation as part of an apostolic community. This will involve developing the skills for collaboration, community-building, and co-responsibility.

The pastoral priorities and plan for each unit must be reflected in the formation program and especially in experiences in ministry during the course of initial formation.