(ZENIT News / Christchurch, 09.15.2024).- The ongoing controversy surrounding the removal of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (FSSR) from the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has taken a surprising turn. Despite previous decrees barring the group’s priests from ministry, the Vatican has now placed the order for their expulsion on hold, pending further review. The reversal has left many questioning the reasoning behind this sudden change, while the situation remains far from resolved.
Initially, the Diocese had announced that a request to reinstate the FSSR priests’ faculties was denied, continuing the Vatican’s previous stance that prevented the group from exercising their ministry. However, following an appeal to the Holy See, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life stepped in, suspending the decree that required the Sons to leave the diocese within 90 days.
The reasons behind the Vatican’s shift remain unclear. Some speculate that legal action could be a contributing factor.
The Dicastery is also set to review the case of the FSSR’s female counterpart, the Daughters of the Most Holy Redeemer. Despite not being recognized as a formal religious order, the Daughters’ status as a private association will be scrutinized alongside the Sons’ case. According to Father Michael Mary FSSR, both the Sons and Daughters await the outcome of this comprehensive review.
For now, the FSSR priests remain suspended, unable to publicly celebrate Mass. However, their private liturgies continue, albeit in a restricted capacity. As Father Anthony Mary FSSR explained in a letter to supporters, the term «private Mass» does not refer to a service without attendees, but rather to a non-scheduled Mass that can still include participants.
«We have a priest available for confessions, and while we’re in the Diocese of Christchurch, we offer our Masses privately,» Father Anthony Mary wrote. He expressed hope that, despite the suspensions, the situation will eventually resolve itself, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding during the Vatican’s review.
The FSSR community, while still suspended, appears to be holding out for a more favorable resolution. Father Anthony Mary hinted that the diocese may not be forthcoming with the public regarding the suspension of their expulsion, but assured supporters that they would share the news with anyone who inquired.
As the Vatican continues to examine the case, the FSSR’s future in Christchurch hangs in the balance. For now, the group remains in a state of limbo, suspended from their ministerial duties but still present in the diocese, awaiting the outcome of the Vatican’s final decision.
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