Sedevacantist bishop illicitly consecrated in Scotland; Aberdeen bishop announces excommunication

July 27, 2026

Father Michael Mary Sim, founder and rector major of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (Transalpine Redemptorists), was illicitly consecrated a bishop on July 25 on the Scottish island of Papa Stronsay.

The consecrating bishop was Bishop Pierre Roy; the co-consecrating bishops were Bishops Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva and Fernando Altamira. All three are sedevacantists who trace their episcopal lineage to Archbishop Pierre Martin Ngô Đình Thục.

The Transalpine Redemptorists, a traditionalist community founded in 1988, reconciled with the Holy See in 2008 but adopted a sedevacantist position in May. They are distinct from the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), the religious institute founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

In a July 18 pastoral letter, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, O.S.B., of Aberdeen warned that the episcopal consecration without a pontifical mandate “constitutes an act of schism and will place those engaged in it outside the Catholic Church.”

On July 25, the day of the consecration, Bishop Gilbert announced the completion of a canonical investigation into the superior’s sedevacantist statements:

Regrettably, I find Fr Michael Mary guilty of the charges brought against him, most notably that of schism. He is therefore declared to be excommunicated, dismissed from ecclesiastical office, and prohibited from the celebration of Mass or the other sacraments. In accordance with the relevant canonical norms, the competent Dicasteries of the Roman Curia have been kept informed of the steps taken by the Diocese. In the event of a sincere change of heart on his part and the making of reparation, these penalties may be lifted.

More recently, Fr Michael Mary has sought ordination from sedevacantist bishops, who have no permission from myself to act within the diocese and do not have the required papal mandate. The ceremony they conducted on 25th July compounds the situation and exposes Fr Michael Mary and those who take part to a further range of canonical penalties. This is a clear break with the Church.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Bishop Michael Mary, F.SS.R. (Transalpine Redemptorists, 7/26/26)
• Episcopal Consecration of Most Reverend Father Michael Mary, F.SS.R. (Transalpine Redemptorists, 7/25/26)
• Statement of the Diocese of Aberdeen (7/25/26)