By Matters India Reporter
Rome, July 10, 2026: Following illicit episcopal consecrations by an ultra-traditionalist group, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer moved quickly to reject online claims linking it to the so-called Transalpine Redemptorists, reaffirming its loyalty to Rome and the Second Vatican Council.
“In recent days, following the schismatic act of 1 July 2026 carried out by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), also known as the Lefebvrian movement, various false (fake news), inaccurate, and historically uninformed reports have circulated through social media,” Superior General Father Rogério Gomes said in a July 7 statement.
The Congregation, whose members are know as Redemptorists, explained that the term “Transalpine Redemptorists” originally referred to Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer’s expansion of the order beyond the Alps in the late 18th century.
“Saint Clement remained always faithful to the Congregation and to the Church,” the statement noted, distinguishing the historic usage from the modern group now known as the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (F.SS.R.).
The Superior General emphasized that this historical usage should not be confused with the modern group that adopted the name in 1988 after separating from the Congregation and aligning with the traditionalist movement associated with the SSPX.
Distinct juridical realities
The statement explained that the F.SS.R., reconciled with the Holy See in 2008 and formally recognized in 2012 as a diocesan institute in Aberdeen, Scotland, “has never been part of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, nor has it ever been juridically affiliated with the Redemptorist General Government.”
Father Gomes added that doctrinal tensions have recently emerged involving the F.SS.R., particularly criticisms of the Second Vatican Council and subsequent popes.
“Such positions do not represent the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and are monitored and evaluated by the competent ecclesiastical authorities,” he said.
He clarified that Redemptorists present in Scotland who belong to the Congregation remain in full communion with the Church.
“Their members profess the same faith as the Church, embrace the authentic Magisterium, recognize the authority of the Second Vatican Council, and carry out their mission in accordance with the Constitutions and Statutes of the Congregation,” the statement affirmed.
Fidelity to Vatican II
Founded in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the Congregation has consistently upheld its unity with the Apostolic See. Father Gomes recalled the renewal process initiated after Vatican II, which led to revised Constitutions approved in 1982 and updated again in 1986.
“Throughout nearly three centuries of history, the Congregation has offered the Church a fruitful witness of holiness and ecclesial fidelity,” he said, citing saints such as Alphonsus, Clement Hofbauer, Gerard Majella, and John Neumann.
The Superior General stressed the need to distinguish clearly between the Congregation and the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer.
“It is regrettable that a lack of historical and canonical knowledge, combined with the rapid spread of information through social media, has contributed to confusion among the faithful,” he warned.
Reaffirmation of communion
The Congregation reaffirmed its full communion with the Catholic Church, the Roman Pontiff, and the Magisterium.
“We likewise reaffirm our adherence to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which continue to illuminate and guide our religious life, spirituality, evangelising mission, and service to the poorest and most abandoned,” Father Gomes said.
“Faithful to the heritage of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and to the witness of so many Redemptorist saints, blesseds, martyrs, and missionaries throughout history, we remain committed to proclaiming the Abundant Redemption, promoting ecclesial communion, and generously serving the People of God,” he said.
Concluding with a prayer, he added: May Our Mother of Perpetual Help continue to accompany the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in its mission.”