The term Salvatorians refers to members of the Society of the Divine Savior, a Roman Catholic religious institute of priests, deacons, brothers, and clerics serving in nearly 40 countries throughout world.
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The "Salvatorian Family" also includes the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Saviour and the Lay Salvatorians (the International Community of the Divine Savior). The Society was founded by Venerable Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan in Rome on December 8, 1881. Salvatorians use the post-nominal letters "S.D.S.".
The Generalate of the community is in Rome, in Via della Conciliazione, in Palazzo Cesi-Armellini. The current Superior General of the Salvatorians is Reverend Milton Zonta, S.D.S..
Spirituality and Mission
In keeping with the spiritual vision of Father Francis Jordan, the Salvatorians are prepared to serve in any place, spreading the Gospel "by all ways and means." Their work is not limited to one particular activity, but members serve as pastors, catechists and teachers, home and foreign missionaries, authors, musicians, counselors, spiritual directors, and many other areas of ministry. Ultimately, their goal is to proclaim salvation to all people, that all may know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).
Salvatorian priests and brothers have been serving in the United States since 1892 and can be found providing a variety of ministries in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin; the United States Province is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Child Sexual Abuse
In 2002 allegations of child sexual abuse were made against Fr Paddy McDonagh (also known as Fr Aloysius) of the Salvatorian order. It is alleged that the order failed to react appropriately in how the case was reported to the archdiocese which was advised he was being moved due to 'stress'. The order also failed to comply with the implementing restrictions and following guidance required in these cases and allowed this priest to retain the possibility of access to children.He was arrested in 2004 following further allegations and subsequently admitted to abusing over 100 children. He was jailed in 2007.
SOFIA
Sofia is an acronym for the Salvatorian Office for International Aid which works alongside the Salvatorians in order to increase the impact and sustainability of the community's projects.
Established in 2008, SOFIA supports Salvatorian initiatives in health, education, rural development, and pastoral formation.