Just as the university semester came to completion for all the philosophy and theology students from the Redemptorist Formation Communities across Canada and United States, all the students and the formators gathered for the annual student gathering at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona from May 20-24th. There were 51 attendees from the Redemptorist Provinces of Canada, Baltimore, Denver, and the Vice-Province of Vietnamese Ex-Patriam, as well as the General Consultors from Rome, Br. Larry Lujan and Fr. Paul Vinh. The lively group included formators, provincials, vocation directors, and, of course, the students from both the philosophy and theology levels of formation. For most of us who've never been to Tucson, Arizona, the picturesque view of the mountain and the unique landscape greeted us, accompanied by its dry heat. How can we ignore the many giant cacti (cactus in plural) that stood along the way? If you haven't seen one, it's incredible that these cacti in Arizona can grow taller than a human being. Besides the friendly reminder to watch out for rattlesnakes, scorpions, lizards, spiders, and even a mountain lion inhabiting the land surrounding the Redemptorist Renewal Center, we were told to drink plenty of water even before we felt thirsty because if we waited until we were thirsty, it's already a sign of dehydration!

Joining the student gathering this year was moral theologian, Fr. Kevin O’Neill C.Ss.R., who is currently serving on the Baltimore Provincial Council in Washington DC.

Each day, following breakfast, the group gathered for morning prayer that was animated by the different formation communities. Fr. Kevin gave the morning presentation on a variety of topics focused around St. Alphonsus and Moral Theology. Our afternoons provided an opportunity for all the students to meet and share in common recreation together. Some chose to hike the hills and local trails to see the petroglyphs and desert, some drove to museums and other tourist attractions, while others took a much-needed nap after a long semester with studies! While the students had the afternoon off, the group of provincial leaders, formators and vocations directors gathered to discuss a variety of topics.

Fr. Kevin presented on a variety of topics during the week, including, "Why did St. Alphonsus Write His Moral Theology?", "Be Merciful as Your Heavenly Father Is Merciful", "What Am I Free For? Moral Theology in the Catholic Tradition.", "Forming and Exercising Conscience in the Alphonsian Tradition in Today's World.", "Wisdom from St. Alphonsus regarding the study and practice of Moral Theology."

Nearing the end of the week, the presentations gave way for the opportunity for students to be divided into four groups and they discussed and wrestled with a case study to apply the moral principles we had just learned from the previous sessions. We shared our collective thoughts and responses on handling the scenario while Fr. Kevin summarized and pointed out the guiding moral principles and pastoral care needed to address the case study he gave us. It was clear from the input and response of the students that they engaged the scenario well, and incorporated the points and principles well.

In the last afternoon, the Mass was presided and preached by Fr. Jerome Chavarria C.Ss.R., the Conference Coordinator for North America, and the 12 theology students from the Provinces of Canada, Baltimore, Denver and the Vice Province of Vietnamese Ex-Patriam renewed their Profession for the coming year. The students from the Province of Canada included Mark Suezo C.Ss.R., Noel Oco C.Ss.R., Andrew Phillips C.Ss.R., and Benedict Nicholas C.Ss.R.. Canadian student, Gabriel Cyril Ciang C.Ss.R. will be renewing his vows in Toronto on June 4th.

On Friday, the majority departed to their summer ministries except for a select few who stayed in the Renewal Center to continue their personal retreat. Overall, the Student Gathering reminded us of the importance of developing lifelong friendships and camaraderie from different (vice) provinces as we journey supporting each other as "Missionaries of Hope in the Footsteps of the Redeemer" inspired by the many examples of all the Redemptorist saints, blessed and martyrs, and in particularly the impact and inspiration of St. Alphonsus on the area of Moral Theology for us Redemptorists, and for the entire Church. We look forward to the next Student Gathering as an opportunity to connect and renew our friendships between all the formation houses from across the Conference.. Until then, let's keep each other in our prayers. Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us!