Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer
Redemptorists have an instinctive and pastoral way of understanding and announcing redemption… This understanding comes to us from Saint Alphonsus and can be traced within our spiritual and pastoral tradition. We spare no effort in order to help people understand that redemption is always the initiative of God, who loves us in ways the human imagination can scarcely conceive and desires our love in return.
— Cardinal, Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer is the principal feast of the Redemptorist Congregation, celebrated each year on the third Sunday of July. Observed by Redemptorists since 1749, this solemnity honors Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, whose mission of bringing abundant redemption inspires the Congregation’s vocation to preach the Gospel, especially to the poor and the most abandoned. Rooted in the charism of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the feast renews the Redemptorists’ commitment to continue Christ’s work of redemption through missionary service, prayer, and evangelization.
This feast day reminds us that our Redeemer is not an outsider. He comes to us within the human family. The mystery of redemption begins with the Incarnation. It is revealed more clearly in the paschal mystery. Redemption is as much about relationship as it is about sacrifice. Jesus, our Redeemer, has become our “blood-brother.” This feast day is an expression of the joy and gratitude we feel for the great gift of the Redemption.
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
— Mk 6:34
In celebration of this feast day, we have provided a link below to download our primer on Redemptorist prayer and spirituality, “Living Redemptorist Spirituality.”
