A Journey of Faith, Unity, and Service

We speak with Father Richard Reid, the Provincial of the Redemptorists in Great Britain and an important figure for the St. Clemens Province of the Redemptorists. Richard’s story is one of dedication, faith, and a profound sense of mission. His journey with the Redemptorist community has taken him from Great Britain to Zimbabwe, and his experiences reflect the essence of the Redemptorist mission: love, mercy, and unity.

Richard’s path with the Redemptorists began in October 1990, inspired by their values and sense of community. Since July 1998, he has served as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, dedicating over 26 years to his vocation. His leadership extends beyond local duties; from February 2008 to August 2009, he served as the Formation Director and Vocations Director in Zimbabwe, facing unique challenges and deepening his commitment to the Redemptorist mission. Although Richard initially served as Rector of Bishop Eton in Liverpool starting May 2011, he only held this position until 2015. Subsequently, he moved to St Mary’s Clapham as the Rector and Parish Priest. In June 2020, Richard was appointed Provincial, marking another significant milestone in his service to the Church.

 

One memorable week in Richard’s journey occurred from July 29 to August 6, 2023, when he facilitated a two-day convocation for the Redemptorist region of Zimbabwe. As the Provincial of the London Province, Richard’s presence and guidance were instrumental. The convocation, attended by all the brothers in the region, was a time for reflection and planning. Following this, the brothers embarked on a retreat led by Fr. James O’Kane from the Diocese of Motherwell in Scotland, providing a time for deep spiritual renewal.

On August 3, the region celebrated a joyous milestone with the first profession of six brothers—two from Zimbabwe and four from the Kenya mission. This significant event was marked by warm welcomes and heartfelt celebrations, highlighting the growing community’s spirit.

The next day saw the initiation of four new candidates into the formation program in Tafara and one novice joining the novitiate program in Kubease, Ghana. Richard’s support and encouragement were crucial during this time, as these young men began their journey toward religious life.

The week concluded on Sunday, August 6, with a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first professions of Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa C.Ss.R. and Br. Benjamin Posvo C.Ss.R. This event, celebrated with the local Church, underscored the region’s deep gratitude for the service and dedication of these men.

 

Richard’s time in Zimbabwe was marked by socio-political challenges and the need to address both the spiritual and material needs of the community. Despite these difficulties, he found the work immensely rewarding, and the strong sense of community in Zimbabwe left a lasting impact on him.

In addition to his work in Zimbabwe, Richard has been actively involved in engaging with immigrant communities in places like London and Germany. His approach emphasizes understanding and respecting cultural differences while finding common ground through faith. This ability to connect with diverse backgrounds has been instrumental in spreading the Catholic faith and building strong, supportive communities.

Richard has also focused on engaging younger generations, recognizing the importance of using modern tools and platforms, such as social media, to make the message of faith relevant and accessible. His efforts aim to foster a sense of belonging among younger members of the community.

Central to Richard’s journey is the Redemptorist mission, which emphasizes love, mercy, and non-judgment. These values resonate deeply with him and are crucial in today’s world, where many seek solace and understanding. The Redemptorist commitment to unity and shared purpose is evident in Richard’s work and interactions with communities worldwide.

Looking ahead, Richard aspires to see the Redemptorist faith flourish in countries like Italy and Congo. He envisions future collaborations that will further the mission of the Redemptorist order and create new opportunities for service and engagement. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the impact of dedicated service.

Richard’s story reflects the broader mission of the Redemptorist community: to spread love, unity, and faith across the globe. His experiences and insights highlight the importance of dedication, compassion, and the willingness to embrace challenges for the greater good. His journey serves as an inspiration for others to follow a path of service and faith.

 

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