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The Redemptorist
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From the Rule of Life of Redemptorists
(Constitution 21):
Strong in faith, rejoicing in hope,
burning with charity, on fire with zeal, in humility of
heart and persevering in prayer, Redemptorists as apostolic
men and genuine disciples of Saint Alphonsus follow Christ
the Redeemer with hearts full of joy; denying themselves and
always ready to undertake what is demanding, they share in
the mystery of Christ and proclaim it in Gospel simplicity
of life and language, that they may bring to people
plentiful redemption.
The Redemptorist has a profound sense of being
sent, like Jesus Christ Himself, by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit
that sent Jesus to proclaim the Good News sends the Redemptorist to
do the same today. The Redemptorists proclaim the living presence of
a Redeeming God, so merciful and loving, that He cannot but fall in
love with each person. It is Love that best describes the type of
relationship that God wishes to have with each person.
The Redemptorist proclaims a God who is
Communion: the Trinity as the best of all communities. In creating
us to His image and likeness God calls us to be community - to
transform, with the redeeming power of the Redemption brought about
by Jesus Christ, our social, political, economic and cultural
realities into an ever growing communion of love and solidarity.
The Redemptorist experiences the significance of
the Incarnation in the life and history of humanity: God is
among us to give us life, abundant life. In remembering Bethlehem,
the Redemptorist understands that all are called to enter a
relationship of love with God; that, in the mystery of God's love,
the poorest, the most abandoned and sinners all find welcoming arms
of solidarity, mercy and forgiveness.
The Redemptorist knows that his relationship with
God transforms all of his relationships - with himself, with others,
with creation. In living his relationship with God, the Redemptorist
understands prayer not just as moments or exercises but as a life
style carefully cultivated and nurtured.
The Redemptorist seeks to understand the
significance of Redemption for humanity today. St. Alphonsus
continually meditated on the meaning of salvation. In his prayer and
preaching he centered on the meaning of the passion and death of
Christ for the salvation of humanity. The Redemptorist continues in
his footsteps, studying, meditating and proclaiming the meaning of
the salvific presence of Jesus Christ.
The Redemptorist knows that the Eucharist
reveals, makes real and effective the love and faithful commitment
of God in Christ. In the Eucharist the living Jesus of Nazareth, the
resurrected Christ, is present here and now among us. The Eucharist
offers the dynamic grace that permeates the whole of his personal
and missionary life style.
The Redemptorist discovers in Mary, the
mother of Jesus of Nazareth, not only his own mother, a companion in
the pilgrimage of life and a faithful intercessor. She is also a
missionary who inspires and strengthens his own vocation, as well as
a source of love, forgiveness and mercy.
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