Category: Legion of Christ

Gambling With History – Part I of Jason Berry’s December 2010 Article

Jason Berry points out the risk involved for the Vatican in taking control of the Legion. He poses questions about the Church’s handling of the larger related issue of sexual abuse by the highest Catholic Authorities and why the Vatican ignored credible cases of sexual abuse by Fr. Marcial Maciel the founder of the Legion. Jason Berry points out the challenges that the Vatican now faces in bringing justice as the Legion continues their old tactics of schmoozing and influencing Vatican officials.

There seems to be favorable intentions to provide compensation for some of Fr. Maciel’s victims. Although this would be an unprecedented step, the action seems to fall short, considering that some senior Church authorities are making positive statements about the Legion (the congregation is strong) and even about Fr. Maciel (praising the strength and dynamism by which he built up the Legion).

Jason Berry provides a rather dismal image of the foxes (old guard Legionary priests who defended Fr. Maciel) who have now been entrusted by the Vatican to guard the proverbial hen house (reform and rebuild the Legion).

To see Part 1 of Jason Berry’s Article in the NCR article Gambling With History

ReGAIN Editorial Comment:

ReGAIN shares Jason Berry’s doubts whether or not staunch supporters of Fr. Maciel and the structures he created can be considered to be top choices for such a challenging project. Generally, based on past performance we have noticed that most of the Legionary leaders (excluding those who have left the Legion) have shown a total lack of desire to accept any form of criticism and to even consider changing course to bring about a healthier and more just environment. We have noticed strong tendencies to deny and obfuscate and in some cases to use deception until they are forced by pressure from the Vatican to make changes.
One of ReGAIN’s greatest concerns is in the area regarding freedom of conscience that was recognized in the May 1 Vatican communique. Is anyone who has spent the greater part of their adult lives inside the Legion environment capable of recognizing that it is abnormal to have every aspect of your behavior information thoughts and emotions tightly controlled to the point where you have no personal freedom of thought or conscience?

“Whitewashing History” Part II of Jason Berry’s December 2010 Article

Jason Berry continues with his constructive criticism of the Vatican’s handling of the Legionary scandal and singles out one of Fr Maciel’s former defenders, George Weigel, who together with other of the disgraced founder’s defenders failed to interview the men who had come forth regarding their sexual abuse by Fr Maciel. Jason Berry points out that although George Weigel has recently become a critic of the Legion and one of the leading conservative voices to call for Legion reform. However, Jason Berry claims that George Weigel continues to sanitize the past by being overprotective of the role played by Pope John Paul II, former Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and others in their support of Fr Maciel.

Jason Berry goes on to explain some details of Vatican politics and how they relate to the current situation in bringing reform to the Legion.

To see Part I1 of Jason Berry’s Article in the NCR article <a href=http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/george-weigel-whitewashing-history>Whitewashing History</a>

<b>ReGAIN Editorial Comment</b>:

Jason Berry avers that the overall situation with the Legion and Regnum Christi is about far more than just Maciel. ReGAIN wishes to see reform and justice served regarding the Legion and Regnum Christi and all of those persons who have been negatively affected. Although we do not necessarily agree with every one of Jason Berry’s comments, we agree with him that Vatican politics has complicated the overall situation.

However, the Catholic Church has finally made progress in finally opening up such a horrendous Pandora’s Box and we have become increasingly concerned that the Church seems to be wavering now that they have a perfect opportunity to do the right thing.

We offer kudos to Jason Berry, who has shown courage, integrity and honesty by making statements that are uncomfortable and that have been mostly left unsaid by other writers and leaders. We hope that others will be inspired to follow his example to seek out and report the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be in the interests of bringing a just resolution for all those who have been and continue to be harmed by past and current self serving members of the Legion.

Power Money and Mind Control

Could power, money and mind control be the missing charisms for the Legion and for Regnum Christi? The New Oxford Review opines that these “three concepts best describe the modus operandi of the Legion.”

The article confirms recent statements made by the Associated Press regarding the voluntary renouncement of decision making capacity leading to a “zombie” like existence and mentions the excessive power that has been concentrated in the hands of two leaders, particularly Luis Garza Medina. It describes the difficulties facing Cardinal Designate DePaolis as he moves ahead with his mission to resurrect the Legion (and Regnum Christi) and questions how they will be able to attract new members.

An excellent example was provided of the power plays that were utilised by Fr. Maciel and his very powerful and influential associates, including the heads of multinational companies and politicians who went to great lengths to save Fr. Maciel?s reputation and keep the truth from becoming publicly aired in Mexico.

To read the New Oxford Review article:
Click Here

Second Letter From Delegate October 20, 2010

Recently appointed Cardinal elect Velasio DePaolis has written a letter to the Legionaries of Christ and the consecrated women of Regnum Christi that has shocked and disappointed any critics or family members who were anticipating major changes to be made by the Apostolic Delegate to the Legion or to Regnum Christi in the near future.

The Delegate refers to the good that the Legion has done and is still doing, points out that the Legion has been approved by the Church, verifies that it is a work of God, points out that it is difficult to be sure that the leaders of the Legion knew anything about the founder’s misdeeds and concludes that the (Legion) charism is sufficiently clear and precise.

The original letter was written in Italian and a translation of this letter has been posted on Regnum Christi?s website at:
De Paolis Second Letter

It would seem that the Church is enabling and encouraging the Legion and Regnum Christi to continue business as usual. The recruiting, ordinations and consecrations are still happening.

The affirming tone of the letter was surprising to many and raises questions about what the Vatican intends to do or to not do in the reform process. One thing is obvious. The Vatican does not intend to come in with a big stick and clean house. The Legionary leaders are going to have to fix things up themselves and not just sit by idly waiting for the Church to impose changes. Time will tell if they are capable of achieving the necessary positive changes to create a more healthy environment.

Recent Homily by Archbishop Velasio De Paolis Presented to Legionaries of Christ Members in Rome

Dear brothers in the Lord:

Rome. July 10, 2010
In the letter of June 16, 2010, the Holy Father Benedict XVI has named me his Delegate for the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ and has given me the task of governing your Religious Institute during such time as is necessary to complete the journey of renewal and lead it to the Extraordinary General Chapter, which will have as its main goal to complete the revision of the Constitutions. The Holy Father, while highlighting the necessity and urgency of a the way of profound revision of the charism of the Institute, expresses his desire to stay close, support and guide this way. For the Pope, the Papal Delegate is his personal delegate. This, in fulfilling its task, must act as a tangible witness of (his ) presence, so that he acts in his name to the religious family. In this family, or your congregation, the Pope recognizes the presence of a large number of members who demonstrate sincere zeal and fervent religious life. The pope does not give more details on how the delegate will fulfill its task, but refers to the necessary concretions to a later decree, which must establish some additional arrangements for the implementation of this Office. Pending such arrangements, we can already start our journey, sustained by trust and prayer, and the blessing of the Holy Father and so many good souls who esteem you and appreciate your work in the Church.

At this time I am pleased to emphasize that the Church, after having given the necessary and indispensable attention to facts, events and people, who would have radically threatened this congregation even this church, with his love filled with wisdom, inspired not by the criteria of the flesh but of the Spirit, would have omitted intervening - now the Church, moved by that same love, considers the glorious reality that is you, your congregation. The Pope, through me, now wants to accompany you on your journey, so that, without leaving you discouraged by the sad events that remain on your back, you can rejoice at your present, the gift of religious vocations, priestly and missionary that you have received . Such a vocation comes from the Heart of Jesus, from his love. He who has begun his work in the heart of every one of you, who has preserved you from the dangers that have threatened you, wants to bring it to completion. Therefore, it is first of all a matter of giving thanks to the Lord for the work he has accomplished in so many ways. Certainly, the Lord's intervention in you through the ministry of the Church has been decisive and the same Lord wants to continue now through the Church. I invite you therefore to thank the Lord for his goodness, his mercy and faithfulness.

With thanks we went to start the journey of renewal that the Holy Father invites us to. This involves taking a clear view of the situation in which we find ourselves and identifying clearly the causes which have led to internal unrest and the interior suffering of today. The Pope also shows us the way: mainly a re- consideration the charism of the institute, and more specifically the constitutional norms that are its expression and protection. The goal that the Holy Father gives us is holding an extraordinary chapter of the Congregation, in which will be approved the new text of the Constitutions. It will be an individual and communal journey, supported by a posture of humility, of intense spiritual commitment and the strengthening of vocation. We hope that the road results in a renewed commitment of fidelity to the Lord in religious life and priesthood, with an agreement that renews the covenant of love between you and the Lord, so that the Lord, in a way that the eternal fidelity of the Lord's eternal fidelity corresponds in each of you your own fidelity, with a new commitment to Him forever, in the service of his kingdom. I think that you find yourselves among those the Holy Father calls the great number of members full of zeal and fervor.

The road of renewal is not to challenge one's vocation, but to re-consider in depth and renew with a new spirit and a more intense participation's adherence to it

.

I can understand that some are going through tough times, some have already thought of other ways, and perhaps some are considering them now. The vocation is too serious to be able to take a decision on it in a moment of disorientation. It is necessary to rediscover the serenity of spirit and soul, because the decision is to be taken before God, in faithfulness to Jesus Christ, that you have chosen as king of your life. Let us be patient. With humility and faith we walk the path of renewal, let us consider together again religious consecration in the light of the charism of the congregation; Reread the constitution on which you committed your life. It has to do with freeing your lives from those elemens that can obscure your charism, so that the vocation to the profession of the evangelical counsels fully shine in all its beauty, to reinforce in your life royalty of Christ, which is manifested in fullness in the mystery of his Passover. Following Jesus, who in his way of love offers himself freely to the Father and brothers to create in his resurrected body, the new creation. Your vocation, as your congregation, is in your hands, is entrusted to your responsibility. The Church accompanies you, the Lord is merciful and generous: He gives His Spirit without measure! His grace precedes you, accompanies you and leads you to the finish.

On this journey, let us help each other in prayer, especially before the altar of the Lord, and let us encourage each other to sustain us in fidelity to Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of lords: the whole of our life.

I am pleased to entrust all of you to the heart of the Holy Mother of God and the Church, each of you personally and the entire congregation. She, founded by the Lord custody of his son and the Church, protect you and holds on their love all of you and your congregation. The Lord bless you and make his face shine upon you peace and love.

(Original text in Italian)

+ Velasio De Paolis, C.S.

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