Preparations for the establishment in Albania
The three confreres who will start the Redemptorist presence in Albania will arrive in the country on Saturday 13th September. Thier preparation has led them to three different nations.
The first, not surprisingly, has been Albania. Accompanied by the coordinator of Europe, Fathers Andrzej Michon, Dominic O’Toole and Laureano Del Otero visited Albania for the first time the weekend 13rd -15th June 2014. The four Redemptorists were welcomed by the Bishops of Tirana, Archbishop Rokk Mirdita and Auxiliary Bishop George Frendo OP. On Sunday, June 14th, they visited the parish church of St. John Mary Vianney, the place chosen for the foundation, and its affiliated chapels. They also had opportunity to meet some priests and lay people in the place.
The second stage of preparation led them to Dublin, Ireland. Between 1st – 14th August, the confreres had the opportunity to hear something of the social and religious reality of Albania, assisted by Sr. Clare O’Mahony RGS, who lived for several years in the south of Albania. Also, they met with Coordinator of Europe to design the Project of Community Life. But perhaps the most important experience was the sharing of the three confreres, from Warsaw, London and Madrid Provinces, in order to meet and share dreams for the future of this joint project.
The third stage was Rome, Italy, from 31st August to 13th September. The Community of San Gioacchino welcomed them with great hospitality. Every morning, the confreres had an intensive course of Albanian language in the house. They have also been able to talk with the Council of the Conference of Europe, meeting in San Gioacchino between 9th and 11st.
It should be noted that September 10th was an important date in this process, because that day, at 7pm, Superior General, in the chapel of the General Curia, celebrated a mass of commissioning of the three confreres. Present were all members of the General Council, and the Council of Europe Conference (Coordinator, Secretary and Provincials of St Clemens & Madrid).
The gospel for the celebration was the missionary mandate of Jesus to the Eleven, on the Day of Ascension. Fr Michael Brehl, in his homily, said that members of the new mission must be mindful of Christ’s promise: “I am with you until the end of the world.” The same Christ that sends our three confreres ensures the success whenever our confreres remain united to him.
Fr General said it was also an historical celebration in the Congregation, and reminded us, that, In July 1758, St. Alphonsus appealed for volunteers from the Congregation to begin a new mission in Asia. Receiving a large number of volunteers, he wrote to them with great joy and hope, and Father General recalled his words as appropriate to the moment: “My brothers, what a consolation it was to receive your applications. You must believe me! My greatest desire is to see a number of young people go to the non-believer to give their lives for Jesus Christ… Above all, be united with Christ. Anyone who wishes to bring the Gospel to non-believers must have a great love of Jesus Christ, and long to suffer”. After that, the first Redemptorist community beyond the sea was founded, but it was not as far as Asia: they went to Sicily.
With the missionary spirit of Alphonsus and enlightened by his words, Fr Michael invited to the three pioneers in Albania to not be afraid of difficulties and trust in the Redeemer. Then, the new Superior of the community of Albania made a profession of faith and recited the oath of fidelity to the service in the Church and the Congregation. Finally, the three confreres were sent by Fr General, who prayed for the power of the Spirit and gave a simple crosses to the missionaries, as a symbol of their dedication to the mission. The celebration continued with a sign of peace and the celebration of the Eucharist, the sign of communion of all in the one mission of the Church, as partners, collaborators and servers of Redemption.
We commend to the prayers of the whole congregation, but especially in the communities of Europe, the success of this new foundation, especially marked by the presence of the new community in the apostolic visit by Pope Francisco to Albania on September 21st.
Laureano, Dominic, Andrzej
