Order must leave Christchurch after Vatican rejects appeal

In July 2024, Bishop Michael Gielen prohibited members of the order from exercising public ministry in the Diocese. Members of the order were also asked to leave the Diocese. This followed an apostolic visitation initiated by the Holy See. It investigated concerns brought forward through various channels, including public reports.

The order exercised its right of appeal to the Holy See. The outcome was detailed in a letter sent to the Christchurch Catholic community last weekend.

“After months of consideration, the appeal has been rejected in its entirety,” Bishop Gielen said in the letter.

“This means the directives and decrees issued in July 2024 are confirmed. Therefore, the removal of priestly faculties for the members of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer in the Diocese and the directive for their departure remain. This also applies to those priests who arrived after the decrees were announced. Any sacraments celebrated by a priest without faculties are illicit.”

The letter expressed disappointment that, while awaiting the outcome of the appeal, “members of the Order continued their ministry in the Diocese”, thereby challenging “unity and obedience within our Church”.

“I ask all the Catholic faithful to receive this decision with understanding and trust in the wisdom of the Church,” Bishop Gielen said in the letter. “My foremost concern remains the spiritual health and unity of our Diocese.

“I wish to reiterate again my support for those who find spiritual nourishment in the Traditional Latin Mass,” he added. “Please remember, you are warmly invited to participate in the celebration of the Latin Mass at Kaiapoi each Sunday at 11am.”

FULL STORY

Bishop Michael Issues Letter regarding Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)

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