1. Is there a specific Redemptorist spirituality? Yes, our founder, St.Alphonsus, emphasized the abundant love of the Redeemer and all of our prayer is focused on the response to that love. 2. Jesuits have meditation exercises- what about the Redemptorists? Yes, we have a very easy to learn meditation practice that allows one to experience the love of this God, especially by meditating on the Passion. 3. Why are the Redemptorists known as "confessors." Following the example of our founder, we place great emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to translate God's love as mercy and forgiveness. 4. Why are the Redemptorists connected with the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help? In the mid 1800's Pope Pius IX gave it to the Redemptorists with the command to "make her known." Now it is arguably the most recognized Marian image in the world. 5. What other devotions are the Redemptorists known for? Following our founder's lead (who had exemplary devotion to what we call "the crib, cross and sacrament"), the Redemptorists esteem this trinity of God's love and see in it a mini-course in Redemption: incarnation (to be close to us), crucifixion (to save us), Eucharist (to remain with us). 6. What does "province" mean? This refers to the geographical jurisdiction by which Redemptorists cover an area. In the United States, there are two provinces. 7. Why are you called the "Baltimore province"? When the province was set up in 1832, the headquarters were in Baltimore, MD. Now, although our headquarters (or provincial house) is located in Brooklyn, we preserve the name for historical and legal purposes. 8. How long does it take to become a Redemptorist? Depending on the amount of college one has, it can take 2-3 years before a postulant professes vows as a Redemptorist. 9. How long does it take to become a Redemptorist priest? From 5-8 years depending on college experience. (See vocation section) 10. What are the vows you profess? Poverty, chastity, obedience and perseverance. 11. Where are you located? The Baltimore Province has ministries from Massachusetts to Washington, from Ohio to Delaware and many states in between. We also are connected to Redemptorists who work in the southeast US as well as in three islands in the Caribbean. (click to see map) 12. Are there any famous American Redemptorists? St. John Neumann comes immediately to mind . As well as, Fr. Joseph Manton (healing priest from Boston), and FR. FX Murphy (peritus at Vatican 11 and TV correspondent)