The History of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Volume I: The Origins (1732-1793) ed. by Francesco Chiovaro, C.Ss.R. (review)

480BOOK REVIEWS The History of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Volume I: The Origins (1 732-1 793)- Edited by Francesco Chiovaro, C.Ss.R. EnglishTranslation Edited by J. Robert Fenelli, C.Ss.R. [Studia et Monumenta Congregationis SS. Redemptoris, First Series: History of the Congregation, Volume One.] (Liguori, Missouri: Liguori Publications. 1996. Pp. xv, 576. $19-95 paperback .) This first volume in the history of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) invites the reader to enter into a religious drama set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Southern Italy.The back cover design sets the tone of the volume: "A king who did not want a new religious order! A pope at odds with the king! Powerful families out to confiscate property ! A saint forced to die shut out of the very congregation he founded!" Dramatic as this may sound to the twentieth-century historian, these are the facts, and one who wishes to understand the history of this congregation and its earliest members must suspend judgment of the events and their principal actors in order to discover heroic efforts and the men and women who fostered them and who along the way became saints. Volume I is divided into two sections.The first section presents the historical context for the foundation and its early history. Comprised offive chapters written by two authors (Giuseppe Orlandi and Theodule Rey-Mermet), the strongest portions of the work depict the life and times ofAlphonsus Liguori. The reader is invited to share the vision of the founder and experience the dayto -day struggle of the age. Particularly striking is the detail given to political, religious , and familial structures which provide the impetus for the events of this early phase of development. One cannot help but be struck by Liguori's tortured relationship with his spiritual director (father) Bishop Falcoia.This first section ends with an insightful discussion of both the internal and external political machinations which divided the congregation and its subsequent reunification . The second section provides a descriptive narrative of the apostolic activities , Rule and Constitutions, and Formation of the members of the Congregation . The thematic style of chapters written by several authors (Giuseppe Orlandi, Fabricano Ferrerò, and Sabatino Majorano) is maintained. However, this section appeals to Redemptorists themselves. It reads much more as an internal document meant for the members ofthe Congregation.Although accurate in its presentation through the use of historical texts, the section lacks the depth of the first section.Whereas the reader is given the sense of participating in the full panoply of the events of the eighteenth century leading to the founding of the Congregation in section one, in section two the reader is relegated to the sidelines and becomes an observer. By the conclusion of the text, the reader is convinced of the value of the enterprise. Founded by Alphonsus Liguori as a missionary society devoted to preaching and evangelizing the poor, the Congregation ofthe Most Holy Redeemer succeeded not because ofthe secular val- BOOK REVIEWS481 ues of the eighteenth century, but because of the Gospel values which permeated the Congregation's mission, Constitution, and very way of life. Given the scope of this first volume, the authors are successful for the most part in their attempt to make the history of this religious community come alive.This is not to say that it is a complete success.The text is at its best when incorporating original materials into its narrative.The letters of St. Alphonsus and his first companions infuse the history with meaning and life. It is least successful when recounting details of daily orders, attire, and aspects offormation. These details leave the reader wondering how they are to affect his or her life. For future volumes to be ofinterest, this chasm must be bridged.What is clear is the purpose of this volume: to bring the passion of the Redemptorist community to the public. And what is this passion? It is best summed up in the final phrase of the text taken from the Redemptorist constitution: "Saintly and learned for the sake of apostolic ministry" Joseph R. Gibino Seminary ofthe Immaculate Conception Huntington, New York Notables and Clergy in...