The Redemporists
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, founded by Saint Alphonsus in 1732, is a clerical missionary religious institute approved by the Holy See. Its purpose is to “follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, by preaching the word of God to the poor, as He declared Himself: ‘He sent me to preach the Good News to the poor.’” Luke 4:18
The mission of the Redemptorists finds unique expression in reaching out to the marginalized, whoever and wherever they may be: young adults, alienated Catholics, poor people, immigrants, in parishes and on the streets.
In the third millennium, as in the previous centuries, extraordinary preaching is our keystone. We Redemptorists define and describe “extraordinary” in a multitude of ways but it is always seen as a tool to reach the “poor and most abandoned.” First, extraordinary means to go beyond the norm. Second, it means to aspire and to achieve a depth and breadth of quality that creates opportunities for others to experience the intimate touch of the Redeemer. Third, it means that we challenge ourselves and those we serve to truly live the Gospel in our day-to-day actions in the world. Living in community helps us always to keep “others” at the forefront of our vision. This way of life, two millennia old and modeled after Jesus who was also an itinerant preacher, is as relevant and as radical today as it was in Jesus’ time. Redemptorists, by our vision, lifestyle choices, practical approach, and profound faith show that a different way of life is possible. “To set us free” – That message, an extraordinary one, preaches silently but eloquently, not only to our primary hearers, but to everyone who experiences our charism.
The tradition of living in community also continues as something fundamental to Redemptorist life. This is our tradition and it continues even today – to live together in community in a common life of prayer, fraternity, and a striving to help one another. Our roots are practical. We continue our devotion to our Blessed Mother, based on St. Alphonsus’ The Glories of Mary. We live a Gospel life. We live it prayerfully.
