Redemptorist Postulate Recounts His Summer in Guadalajara

by Andrew Tran-Chung

¡Hola! One of the greatest joys for me as a postulant in Redemptorist formation has been meeting Redemptorists from around the Denver Province, the North American Conference, and beyond. I had the great pleasure this summer of being sent to Guadalajara to study Spanish, immerse myself in the Mexican culture, and learn how Redemptorists in Mexico embrace the mission.

The day-to-day in Guadalajara was quite similar to the Bronx: a routine of prayer, class, Mass, etc. After morning prayer, I made the 20-minute hike to the University of Guadalajara’s language school, where I had class three days per week for close to three hours. My professor was kind enough to take me around the school and have me engage in conversation with other students, professors, and staff to practice what I had just learned that day.

In addition to the class, the school hosted a day in which the students were able to tour Downtown Guadalajara. We were blessed with the opportunity to see the rich history of the City of Guadalajara.

In the community of five, two members including myself were students. During the six weeks of classes, I spent two evenings each week singing at Mass and serving at the altar on Sundays. Additionally, I chipped in around the house wherever needed. Of course, summer ministry wouldn’t be complete without some form of ministry. Throughout my final two weeks in Guadalajara, I made myself available at all three liturgies serving in various capacities: lector, altar server, and musician. Each opportunity allowed me to practice my newly learned language skills in the Redemptorist community.

I’d like to express my thanks to my community in Guadalajara for guiding me along these two months and showing me a different perspective of Redemptorist life, as well as my school “PROULEX” for equipping me with a new language to spread Christ’s message of hope to the poor and most abandoned.