Redemptorists Clarify Canonical Identity Amid Confusion Over 'Transalpine Redemptorists'

ROME, July 8, 2026: The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.) has issued an official clarification distinguishing itself from the community commonly known as the "Transalpine Redemptorists" or the "Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer" (F.SS.R.), following what it described as widespread misinformation after recent developments involving the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).

In a statement released on July 7, Superior General Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R., said the clarification was prompted by inaccurate reports circulating on social media and other communication platforms that had wrongly linked the worldwide Redemptorist congregation with groups outside its canonical structure. The statement followed the schismatic act attributed to the SSPX on July 1.

The Congregation explained that the historical term "Transalpine Redemptorists" originally referred to Redemptorist missionaries who carried the congregation's apostolate beyond the Alps under the leadership of St. Clement Mary Hofbauer in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. St. Clement remained fully faithful to the Congregation and the Catholic Church and was later canonised in recognition of his contribution to the Order's missionary expansion.

According to the statement, the present-day community known as the "Transalpine Redemptorists" originated in 1988 after separating from the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and initially aligned itself with the traditionalist movement associated with the SSPX. The group later adopted the name "Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer" (F.SS.R.).

The Congregation noted that the F.SS.R. was reconciled with the Holy See in 2008 and was erected as a clerical religious institute of diocesan right in the Diocese of Aberdeen, Scotland, on August 15, 2012. However, it stressed that the institute has never been part of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer nor juridically affiliated with its General Government.

The statement added that fresh doctrinal and ecclesial tensions have emerged in recent years concerning the F.SS.R., particularly over public criticism of the Second Vatican Council, the post-conciliar Popes and aspects of the contemporary Church. It emphasised that these positions do not reflect the teaching or mission of the Redemptorist Congregation and are matters being addressed by the competent ecclesiastical authorities.

The Congregation also sought to dispel any misunderstanding regarding its presence in Scotland, affirming that Redemptorist communities there belong to the London Province and remain in full communion with the Holy See, the Roman Pontiff and the General Government of the Congregation. Their members, the statement said, profess the faith of the Catholic Church, accept the authority of the Second Vatican Council and carry out their ministry in accordance with the Congregation's Constitutions and the law of the Church.

Reaffirming its heritage, the Congregation recalled that it was founded by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori in 1732 and has remained steadfastly united to the Apostolic See throughout its nearly three centuries of history. It also highlighted the post-conciliar revision of its Constitutions and Statutes, approved by the Holy See in 1982 and further updated in 1986 in harmony with the revised Code of Canon Law and the Second Vatican Council's decree Perfectae Caritatis.

The statement pointed to the Congregation's rich spiritual legacy, which includes saints such as St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, St. Gerard Majella and St. John Neumann, along with numerous blesseds, martyrs, venerables and servants of God who have enriched the life of the Church.

Reiterating its position, the Congregation stressed that the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, whose missionaries serve in more than 80 countries, is a distinct ecclesial body and should not be confused with the F.SS.R. It expressed regret that historical inaccuracies and the rapid spread of unverified information on social media had contributed to confusion among the faithful.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Congregation's full communion with the Catholic Church, the Roman Pontiff and the Church's Magisterium, together with its unwavering commitment to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Entrusting its mission to the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, the Congregation pledged to continue proclaiming the mystery of the Abundant Redemption in fidelity to the charism of its founder, St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.

Courtesy: Redemptorist International