The Sons of the Holy Redeemer, a traditionalist community on Papa Stronsay, intend to consecrate their superior, Father Michael Mary, as a bishop this Saturday without a papal mandate. The Diocese of Aberdeen has condemned the move as an "act of schism," and the Vatican has opened inquiries. Supporters say a bishop is needed to ordain priests and ensure the community's continuity; critics warn the ceremony risks a formal break with the Catholic Church. The four‑hour event will be streamed online and has attracted international attention.
Orkney Monks to Consecrate Bishop Without Papal Mandate, Sparking Vatican Inquiry
Rebel order of Orkney monks to consecrate new bishop without Pope's permission
An order of traditionalist Catholic monks based on the Orkney island of Papa Stronsay plans to consecrate their superior as a bishop this weekend without a papal mandate, prompting warnings from the Diocese of Aberdeen and an investigation by the Vatican.
What Is Happening
The Sons of the Holy Redeemer — a Transalpine Redemptorist community that owns Papa Stronsay and runs Golgotha Monastery — say they will consecrate their superior, Father Michael Mary, in a ceremony expected to last about four hours and be streamed online on Saturday.
Diocesan and Vatican Response
The Diocese of Aberdeen has condemned the planned consecration as an "act of schism." In a pastoral letter to parishes, the Bishop of Aberdeen, the Rt Rev Hugh Gilbert, warned that taking part could amount to "spiritual suicide" for participants and urged faithful to remain in communion with the Church.
The Vatican has opened inquiries into the community, which sits within the territory of the Diocese of Aberdeen but rejects recent post‑Conciliar developments in the wider Church.
Why Papal Approval Matters
"Father Michael Mary is being consecrated as a bishop without a papal mandate. This is incredibly significant within the Catholic Church because all bishops should have the approval of the Pope," said Luke Coppen, senior commentator at the US Catholic website The Pillar.
Without a papal mandate, a consecration risks creating a formal rupture with the communion of the Catholic Church and may expose participants to canonical penalties, including possible excommunication.
Who the Community Are
The Sons of the Holy Redeemer are a small community of Catholic traditionalists who reject many of the liturgical and disciplinary changes that followed the Second Vatican Council, about 60 years ago. Their superior, Father Michael Mary, 73, is known among conservative traditionalists for his criticism of post‑Conciliar reforms and his promotion of the Tridentine (Latin) Mass.
Supporters say an independent bishop would allow the community to ordain priests and confirm members, securing its long‑term continuity should Rome refuse further approvals. Critics say that path would amount to a break with the diocesan structure and the wider Church.
Voices Around the Issue
Stephen Kokx, editor‑in‑chief of the traditionalist Integrity magazine, has interviewed members of the community and suggested they serve as a challenge to current Vatican leadership. He added that, if the Vatican imposes sanctions such as excommunication, some within the movement would view that as a badge of honour.
Recent Tragedy
The monastery suffered a tragedy in April when 24‑year‑old Justin Evans (Brother Ignatius) went missing; his body was later recovered from the sea. The community has said the loss remains a deep sorrow for its members.
The planned consecration has drawn international attention through the community's online followers among traditionalist Catholics, particularly in the Americas, and raises broader questions about authority, continuity and unity within the global Church.
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