Redemptorists

The Redemptorists are a religious congregation of men founded in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. Their mission is to spread the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned. They began this work among the poor and forgotten shepherds living in the hill country surrounding Naples, in southern Italy.

The Congregation grew and expanded its ministry outside of Italy when in 1785 Clement Hofbauer and Thaddeus Hüebl returned to their homeland, Austria, to establish the Congregation there. Through many trials the Congregation grew and in 1830 was approached to send missionaries to America. In 1832, when the Congregation was 100 years old, six Redemptorists (three priests and three brothers) journeyed to America. At the present time there are over 5,500 Redemptorists working for people in nearly every part of the world and of that number, 30 are working along the Amazon River in the Vice-Province of Manaus Brazil.

The four letters, “C.Ss.R.,” behind the name of a Redemptorist stands for Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris. This is the official Latin title given to this religious Order. It can be translated into English as “Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.” Members of the Congregation are more commonly called “Redemptorists.” Like the first apostles, their task is to bring the message of salvation to all people. The Redemptorists work toward this goal either as priest or brother.

The Redemptorist Seal/Logo has been a symbol of who we are and what we do for over 250 years. The Latin Wording translates to: “With Him is plentiful redemption.” The Cross shows our lives center around Christ the Redeemer. The Crown proclaims: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. The eye below the crown represents the eye of God that looks upon us all with loving care. The laurel and acanthus leaves surround the seal in an embrace of living love and peace meant to be lived in community. The initials “JS” after the style of ancient icons stand for “Jesus” who is the head of the Redemptorist family. The initial “MA” after the style of ancient icons indicates our patroness:The Blessed Virgin Mary. The Spear and Sponge are two reminders that Christ fully accepted our Human nature and lived it to the end.