Redemptorists

The Redemptorists, officially named the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Latin: Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris), abbreviated CSsR, is a Catholic clerical religious congregation of pontifical rite for men (priests and brothers). It was founded by Alphonsus Liguori at Scala, Italy, for the purpose of labouring among the neglected country people around Naples. It is dedicated to missionary work, ministering in more than 100 countries. Members of the congregation are Catholic priests and consecrated religious brothers. The Redemptorists are especially dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and were appointed by Pope Pius IX in 1865 as both custodians and missionaries of the icon of that title, which is enshrined at the Redemptorist Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome. Many Redemptorist churches are dedicated to her under that title. However, the Patroness of the Congregation is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title "Immaculate Conception", of which St. Alphonsus was a strong propagator even before Marian Dogma was officially promulgated.