Redemptorist Friendship Circle

Ready to buy a domestic ticket and get an international travel adventure free? The heart of this episode explores a landmark restructuring: on 9 November, the Vice Province of Malaysia and Singapore will merge with Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, China) and Sri Lanka, forming one expanded international province known as the Province of Oceania. Fathers Terence Wee, Gerard Louis, and John H...

In this new season 2026 podcast episode, Fr. Terence sits with the Superior General of the Redemptorists, Fr. Rogerio. From his humble beginnings in a rural farming family to his unexpected encounters with Pope Francis in Rome, Fr. Rogerio shares his authentic journey of faith. Discover: * The three key life events that shaped his vocation * What a "day in the life" of the Superior Gener...

Have you ever wondered what it means to live as a missionary of hope in our world today? In this podcast, we sit with Fr Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss. R. - born in Goa, India, a lifelong Redemptorist, theologian, preacher, and General Consultor serving at the heart of the Congregation in Rome. Fr. Ivel's life and ministry takes us beyond borders - inviting us to reflect on community, leadership, and th...

Have you ever caught a glimpse of Brothers Gene, Nicholas, or Handrie at Novena Church during the recent Missiological & Theological Symposium, Reds Concert, or the Annual Novena Procession? In this podcast, we invite you to discover who they are, what led them to discern the call to join the Redemptorist vocation, the challenges, inspirations, and milestones they encountered along the way to...

Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, C.Ss. R. embodies a dynamic mission of spiritual renewal and community across Southeast Asia and beyond. In Sumba, Indonesia, his hands on approach fostered deep community engagement and ownership of faith especially with the youth. Transitioning to Dalat, Sarawak (Malaysia), he formed an energetic partnership with Fr. Patrick Massang to co-lead Novena and devotional events...

In this special episode, we have Fr David Hore, C.Ss. R., an Australian Redemptorist priest, who shares his transformative journey of how by immersing himself in a new culture and language deepened his understanding of faith and service. Just as Jesus' disciples did through mission, Fr David stepped out from his familiar comfort zone and dedicated over eleven years to missions in Sri Lanka. With F...

They travelled two months by boat, rode horses through remote villages, and built missions that still changes lives today! From the first Redemptorist missionaries to the incredible Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya, their dedication continues to inspire. Explore their mission and its lasting impact in this episode with Fr. Terence Wee and Fr. Jittapol Plangklang. Show notes: Father Ray Foundation...

This isn't just a "Catholic problem". Many people, regardless of faith or background, face these challenges. The term "addiction" is often used casually. Medically, addiction usually refers to substance dependency, but behavioral patterns like compulsive pornography and masturbation can share similar cycles of rewards and shame. Getting out of the addictive cycle is possible, but it requires a hol...

Are all religions paths to God? This question is more complex than it first appears. At its core lies a deeper issue: the relationship between Christianity and other religions. The answer isn’t straightforward, as it touches on theological principles and the practical dynamics of interreligious dialogue. How can we hold meaningful conversations about interfaith topics without falling into the trap...

In a world dominated by smartphones, tech, and the rise of AI, answering a call to religious life can feel harder than ever. Fr. Alvinrex, who now runs the St. Alphonsus Institute of Theology in Bangalore, understands this struggle firsthand. "Religious life is going through a period of profound change," he said. Citing the parable, he added that "maybe we need to change the old wineskin to new wi...

From life as a human rights advocate in the advent of a martial law in the Philippines to being imprisoned three times, Brother Karl Gaspar shares his journey to becoming a Redemptorist brother. "If you have two years in prison, it does make you think very deeply where you would like to bring your life after you get released," he said. "I was haunted by my desire to become a religious." He chose t...

In this podcast, Fr Terence shared how special it was to witness the culmination of months of planning and preparation amidst argument and tension. The process started around March with teams organizing various aspects such as flowers, liturgy, candles, and other activities, leading up to Triduum and Annual Procession. In addition, a nine-week novena devotion with each novena focusing on a differen...

This episode is a deep dive into the realities of religious life today, offering insights into faith and resilience. We had the pleasure of interviewing Fr. Ives de May, C.Ss. R. and Fr Andreas Krahnen, C.Ss. R. who are currently the only 2 active Redemptorists in Belgium. Both Fathers spoke about their early calling to the Redemptorist way of life, emphasizing the importance of community. Fr Ives...

Welcome to our exciting second part episode on the Redemptorists' mission in Burkina Faso and West Africa! Today, we dive into the rich history and vibrant present of these dedicated missionaries in a predominantly Muslim country with deeply rooted Islamic culture. Despite the challenges, the Redemptorists are committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between Christians an...

In this part 1 of 2-part episodes, we are going beyond Southeast Asia to West Africa for an insightful interview with Fr Justin Wedraogo, C.Ss. R. Join Frs Gerard, Terence, and Justin as they converse in Bahasa Indonesia and French in addition to English. Learn why Fr. Justin is currently studying agronomy in Indonesia. Discover why he chose to become a Redemptorist. Explore the nuances of mission...

We welcome Fr Rico John Bilangel, C.Ss. R. from Baclaran Church, Vice Province of Manila, Philippines for this episode. Discover the 'sister' connection between the Vice Province of Manila and the Vice Province of Malaysia and Singapore. Be inspired by the collaborative efforts and the shared mission of Redemptorist communities across these regions. Learn about Baclaran Church, the social...

Join us on the podcast as we chat with a talented ‘diva’ who found his calling with the Redemptorists in the 80s after initially being rejected. Based in the Ipoh community within the Vice Province of Singapore and Malaysia, he shares fascinating stories about the Redemptorists' presence in Malaysia, fundraising efforts through cassette recordings, and the unique Church by the River in Dalat S...

Our special guest, Br Antony Charles, C.Ss. R., is the newly professed member of the Redemptorist community in Singapore and Malaysia! Join us as we dive into the fascinating topics of Redemptorist commitments, differences between professed and ordained, and more. Be inspired! Be informed! Subscribe now and be part of the conversation. Share your questions and comments with us! For further informa...

Our special guest today, Fr. Glenn de Cruz, C.Ss. R., is passionate about the environment and how it intertwines with our Christian faith. Reflect as we debunk the myths and facts surrounding the environment, the faith, the church, the encyclical letter Laudato Si', and the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum. Is it too late or is there still time to get our act together? Can we still do our pa...

Join us in conversation. Comment or Ask us any burning theological topics you may have. The Redemptorist Friendship Circle is a podcast series where we aim to share insights about the Redemptorists, our Charism, History, Mission as well as questions you may have. Subscribe and tune in to our first episode, coming March, in conversation with a Redemptorist who once took care of animals.

Catch us soon on this podcast known as The Redemptorist Friendship Circle. Watch out for the logo! Join us in a discussion on Redemptorist spirituality and mission, theology, current affairs, and topics of interest.