(ZENIT News / Christchurch, 08.06.2024).- The leaders of the religious order Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer have initiated legal actions after being expelled from the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. This measure was adopted by Bishop Michael Gielen, following recommendations from a Vatican investigation that examined allegations of abuse and unauthorized exorcisms.
Last month, a Vatican investigation, known as an «apostolic visitation,» concluded with the recommendation to prohibit the Order from performing masses in the diocese and to order their removal from the territory. Despite the confidentiality of the findings, the repercussions for the Order have been significant, creating a conflict with Bishop Gielen, who has followed the Vatican’s directives.
The leaders of the Order deny any wrongdoing and accuse Gielen of violating canon law by ordering the expulsion of their professed members, arguing that not all of them were involved in the allegations. Their canonical lawyer has formally requested that the bishop revoke his decision. If this request is denied, they plan to take the case to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and eventually, to the Supreme Tribunal of the Catholic Church, the Apostolic Signatura.
A spokesman for Gielen explained that while the bishop could have ignored the Vatican’s recommendations, he chose to follow them. Gielen is expected to respond to the Order’s request in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the Order remains in the diocese, reportedly holding private masses that attract uninvited members of the public. Gielen has given them a 90-day deadline, until early October, to leave the diocese. However, moving to another diocese would require the permission of the local bishop, something the Order will not consider until the legal actions are resolved.
Leaving the diocese would not only mean abandoning a community of committed Catholics but also properties with a collective cadastral value of 4.5 million dollars. There is a possibility that the group may refuse to comply with Gielen’s directive, which could trigger additional measures by the Church. The Order’s community fears being «effectively deported» if they cannot find another place of refuge.
Despite the tensions, the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer continue to gather on their property on Rutland St. Reports indicate that a mass was held last week, although it is unclear if it was in the traditional Latin rite. The Order’s spokesman stated that they are cooperating with the bishop, although they cannot prevent parishioners from attending private masses.
«We are living in a gray area at the moment,» commented the spokesman, reflecting the uncertainty and challenge the Order faces in their struggle to remain in the Diocese of Christchurch.
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