Video Screengrab of Bishop Michael Gielen by the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch / YouTube (Left)
CV NEWS FEED // Bishop Michael Gielen of the diocese Christchurch, New Zealand, has expelled the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, also referred to as the Transalpine Redemptorists, from the diocese.
In a letter issued on July 14, Bishop Gielen stated that an investigation of the order had been conducted by Australian Bishop Robert McGuckin, who reported his findings to the Vatican.
Though the letter did not mention the reason for the investigation, The New Zealand Herald reported that the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer had been accused of conducting unauthorized exorcisms.
Following Bishop McGuckin’s investigation, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which is overseeing the investigation, advised the actions that Bishop Gielen is now implementing. According to the July 14 letter, Bishop Gielen has ordered the removal of “the faculties of the priests of the Sons of the Holy Redeemer to exercise sacred ministry in the diocese of Christchurch.”
Additionally, under Vatican recommendation, Bishop Gielen announced that “all professed members of The Sons of the Holy Redeemer have been asked to leave the Christchurch diocese.”
Because the Sons of the Holy Redeemer exclusively celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass, Bishop Gielen announced provisions for the pastoral care and celebration of the sacraments for the traditional Latin Mass community, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the liturgical life of all the faithful.
These provisions will include the weekly celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in Kaiapoi, New Zealand, starting July 21.
Bishop Gielen concluded his letter by asking for prayers for those facing challenges during this difficult time and for support from the broader Church for a decision made “for the good of the Church and the faithful in this Diocese.”
