Visitation of Lisbon Province

The Canonical Visitation of the General Government to the Lisbon Province was held in a fraternal and friendly environment from 5 to 23 November 2013. The Visitors were Fr Enrique López and Fr Alberto Eseverri.

The Confreres of Portugal always made them feel welcome. At present, the province has 39 brothers (1 bishop in Huambo – Angola, 35 fathers, 3 brothers and one father of the Warsaw Province). The challenge for the future is great, given the age of most of the brethren, as in many other European countries.

The visit took place in the traditional way, visiting each and every one of the communities. It began in Lisbon with a meeting with the Provincial Council, followed by visits to the Community houses in Lagos, San Alfonso in Lisbon and Damaia-Lisbon, Castelo Branco, Porto, Guimarães and the Seminary the Christ King in Villa Nova de Gaia. At the end of the visit was an Assembly with almost all of  the confreres of the Province and a meeting with the Provincial Council, both in the presence of Father General, Michael Brehl.

Pastorally speaking, it should be noted that despite the advanced age of many of the confreres, there is great loyalty, generosity and dedication in each of them. They are dedicated primarily to serving parishes, but there are many ways to serve others, with itinerant missions and a small publishing ministry, preaching retreats, lectures and conferences, all apostolic actions that are valid to announce the plentiful redemption.

During the visit, were very interesting meetings with the Redemptorists and lay people who work with the Redemptorists in the various ministries of the Province: social work, education, evangelism, etc.. Also a brief meeting was held with the Oblates of the Most Holy Redeemer working in Lisbon.

It was a coincidence of the general visit with various events such as the VIII Missionary Congress of the Province held in the parish of Damaia-Lisbon the weekend 8-10.11.2013 and conclude the visit with a meeting of Aesthetics and Fe, on Saturday 23, organised by the Center for Redemptorist Spirituality (CES). The visit culminated with the Vigil feast of Christ the King, rightly held at the Seminary of Christ the King in Villa Nova de Gaia.

Thanks to all religious and lay Redemptorist Missionaries for their hospitality and fraternity. We pray that St Alfonso and Our Mother of Perpetual Help will intercede before the Lord continue for each of you and for the Redemptorist mission in Portugal.

P. Alberto Eseverri

General Consultor, visitor