Fr Michael Brehl, CSsR Superior General of the Redemptorists, has led the tributes to Mark McManus on the occasion of his First Profession of Consecration to the vowed life in the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland, on 6th September this year. Mark first met the Redemptorists in the parish of St Patrick’s, Edinburgh and was actively involved in the life of the parish and its mission in the diocese; He was a member of the parish when it operated as a Redemptorist Mission Development Community (from 2000 until 2012), exploring new ways of spreading the Gospel according to the charism of St Alphonsus. Mark has been both attracted to this mission and actively engaged in supporting it, running the parish bookshop, catechising in the parish, closely involved in the Redemptorist Youth Vocations Ministry and acting as a constant welcoming presence for visitors in the church during the week. Fr General warmly congratulated Mark and his desire to live the Redemptorist charism, saying,

 

'Greetings from Rome and heartfelt congratulations on your profession to live a

Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, as inspired by

St. Alphonsus and the Charism of the Most Holy Redeemer…'

 

The ceremony of Consecration was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Leo Cushley, archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. with a grand gathering of priests and Religious present. It was with great joy that the Redemptorists of the London Province, the parishioners, and the young people with whom Mark has shared so much over the years in RYVM celebrated this day with him.

 

Mark has always been a man of strong faith, of prayer, and of perseverance — with a great sense of humour. His presence has enriched so many Redemptorist and RYVM gatherings and retreats. Brother Mark, many congratulations! In JMJA (the traditional Redemptorist greeting, ‘In Jesus, Mary, Joseph and Alphonsus’). And adding ‘Ad multos annos’ (the traditional jubilee greeting meaning ‘Many more years’).