Deo gratias for the men who are saving the world...

Then...

Twenty-five years ago... "...On the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, in a small, once Toc H, chapel duly decorated for the Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extra-ordinary form, five young men gathered around a young Redemptorist priest who was offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It was the Feast of Saint Alphonsus 1988. On this day then, began the foundation of a Redemptorist community that would follow the Rule written by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and which would finally receive the blessing of the Church to become the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer..."

...and now

...and thank God for these great courageous souls who are a powerhouse of prayer up on Papa Stronsay. Visit their website and their blog and please include them in your prayers today. Our family continues to be inspired and grateful to the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer for the good that they do and they all -- and our dear friend Pater Michael Mary in particular -- have a special place in our hearts and in our prayers.

Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori pray for them and continue to inspire them in holiness! 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, guide them and keep them in your maternal care!

P.S.

 It's probably worth adding that our dog Rosa comes from the Isle of Sheppey - she's the only known Sheppey Terrier in existence: a rare breed indeed. Sadly for her she was born there after the Sons of Most Holy Redeemer had left the island.

From Sheppey, but not a Redemptorist

The coolest bonfire imaginable...

....is this one from the annual Papa Stronsay BBQ and bonfire last Saturday: I have bonfire envy!

It's obvious that the F.SS.R. don't do things by halves: when the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer decide to do something, they do it properly - and that includes bonfires.

There are more great photos on the Papa Stronsay blog.

Wonderful footage of the F.SS.R. public profession on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Those of you who, like us, would have loved to have been able to get to Papa Stronsay for the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer's public profession of vows will enjoy this lovely video of the ceremony.The F.SS.R website says "Bringing to a close the whole process of reconciliation with, and canonical establishment in the Catholic Church, the members of the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer made their public vows in the presence of the Right Reverend Dom Hugh Gilbert, O.S.B. Bishop of Aberdeen, on the 22nd August 2012."

There are also some beautiful photographs of the day on the F.SS.R. blog

God bless the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer!