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May 19, 2006
The Fr. Maciel Matter
(Jimmy Akin)
Pope Benedict has approved actions that appear to bring to a close the matter concerning Fr. Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionnaries of Christ.
For some time Fr. Maciel has been the subject of sexual abuse allegations, which he has strongly denied.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the approval of Pope Benedict, has now done two things:
1) It has suspended further canonical investigation into the allegations in view of Fr. Maciel's advanced age and precarious health and
2) It has invited Fr. Maciel to retire from public life, giving up all public ministry and retiring to a life of prayer and penance.
Put together, these two actions indicate that the Congregation found that there was at least some substance to at least some of the allegations but they did not want to publicly humiliate Fr. Maciel by allowing the canonical process to reach its conclusion and have him defrocked at the end of his life.
That the Congregation found that at least some substance to the allegations is indicated by the fact that the Congregation invited him to give up public ministry and lead a life of prayer and penance. You don't do that to people against whom baseless charges have been made, particularly at the ends of their lives. One does not lightly ask the enormity of asking a priest to have to give up public ministry, particularly if he is aged and infirm and has spent his career building an organization with a reputation for faithfulness.
This is an attempt to find a graceful way out of a difficult situation and achieve the good of redressing the wrongs that Fr. Maciel apparently committed while sparing him and the organization he founded as much humiliation as possible.
That being said, the fact that the judicial process was not allowed to reach its conclusion means that there is still a question mark over the allegations. There was enough substance to them that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was willing to take very grave action, but a formal finding of guilt still has not been made.
For his part, Fr. Maciel appears willing to comply with the Holy See's invitation to retire from public ministry.
RESPONSE FROM THE LEGIONNARIES [.pdf].
Posted by Jimmy Akin in Benedict XVI | Permalink
Comments
Jimmy, you might not have seen this yet:
http://www.canonlaw.info/2006/05/fr-maciels-penance_19.html
Posted by: Ed Peters | May 19, 2006 10:03:08 AM
It saddens me to see such a light sentence and a failure to convict. However, I am glad to see some action. Unfortunately, the Vatican does not see the connection between Maciel and his legacy - the LC/RC cult. Already they are "spinning" the announcement, and true-believers will never be convinced otherwise. Thus the cult will continue to grow and abuse more people, damaging the faith of many.
Posted by: exLC | May 19, 2006 10:16:45 AM
exLC:
The Legionaries are some of the most faithful people on earth. They are wholly dedicated to Church, to Rome and to God.
Surely you are not suggesting that we judge an entire international organization based on the actions of one man? (actions that may or may not have happened?)
We have had many "bad" popes, and many other religious orders have had "bad" leaders. Our country has had "bad" presidents.
But the actions of one person cannot discredit the other independent members.
The allegations of cult-like behavior are pathetic and have no substance. Similar claims are made against Opus Dei. They are all patently false and to lend them credence is shameful.
I have seen the good that the Legionaries do for the Church. They are the last bastions of Catholicism on many college campuses. They are responsible for helping to increase vocations.
Posted by: Stephen S | May 19, 2006 10:29:52 AM
In the final analysis I would say that for lots of pragmatic reasons, as well as perhaps some pastoral ones, the Vatican has decided against a formal case.
But, some combination of Levada / Benedict XVI / others have privately concluded that he is GUILTY ENOUGH to restrict public activities of Fr. Maciel.
Maybe not fully guilty, not fully culpable -- but guilty enough that somethat had to be done.
God's blessing on you all during this Easter Season,
Deacon Chris
Posted by: Deacon Chris | May 19, 2006 10:43:24 AM
Stephen,
You are deceived by their appearances and PR. Their "image" is something they work very hard to maintain precisely to recruit among persons like yourself. I have always hoped that the charges against Maciel would draw greater attention to the rules, regulations, "lifestyle" of the group, which is a cult. It doesn't appear to have been the case, which saddens me.
Posted by: Stephen S | May 19, 2006 11:03:58 AM
exLC:
Please do not comment using my name.
The Regain network is the one doing the deceiving. They claim to be orthodox, clean cut, Catholics like those recruited by the Legionaries. But they are NOT. The Regain network is a thinly disguised attempt to subvert genuine religious devotion.
They claim the Legionaries priestly recruitment process is secretive and controlling. But in doing so the regain network displays an embaressing ignorance of true religious vocation, discernment and devotion.
The Legionaries demand nothing that cannot be walked away from. They do not have "mind control" powers. They do not "brainwash".
Grow up and get a clue. There is no conspiracy here. There is nothign sinister about the Legionaries. There is only the alleged action of one man.
Posted by: Stephen S | May 19, 2006 11:15:09 AM
exLC,
It will be hard to give any credence to your claims when you seek to mislead by using the name of another to comment. If you have documentation please present it. I lightly explored your blog and did not find anything other than conjecture and hearsay.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Posted by: Inocencio | May 19, 2006 11:36:22 AM
I know nothing of the truth of these accusations, but to me the Church's invitation for his retiring from public life speaks for itself. Thus statements like, "Fr. Maciel...knowing that it is a cross that God, the Father of Mercy, has allowed him to suffer," make me woozy and only reinforce my tendancy to be suspect of Fr. Maciel.
As far as the, "seperate the accusations against one man from the virtue of the group," argument, it's rather difficult to do when they indite themselves along with him saying, "The Legionaries of Christ and the members of Regnum Christi, following the example of Fr. Maciel and united to him..." How can I seperate the group from the seemingly base man when they claim to be "united to him?"
Posted by: Jimi | May 19, 2006 11:37:45 AM
I don't mean to sound like a LC spokesperson, since I am not a member. I have just seen the good they do.
The statement by the LC you attribute to a mysterious "they". Like many statements from Rome there is no signed author. Its possible that this statement does not reflect the beliefs of all Legionaries- It would be pretty hard to canvass the world to gather a unanimous backing of Maciel.
let's wait and see how this plays out- Pope Benedict is in control of this situation- I have faith in his judgment.
Posted by: Stephen S | May 19, 2006 12:12:19 PM
Jimmy's analysis of the Vatican's actions is a good and reasonable one. If one reads the Vatican statement and the Legion of Christ's official response, which underscores its obedient and humble acceptance of the Holy See's request, it seems hard to objectively note that they're really trying to spin anything. Even the Vatican iteself indicates at the end of the statement that the request's bearing does not extend to the Legionaries or to Regnum Christi. So, what's worse than any alleged attempt to "spin" the Vatican's request, is the use of it as a justification to further malign LC and RC, which have served to be strong and much-needed vehicles for the formation of the laity in the Church.
It also helps to briefly examine the casual label of "cult" of LC / RC. LC is a canonically approved congregation of priests. The formation of "congregations" of priests has fit nicely into the structure of the Church for centuries. RC follows the structural format of lay movements - less defined as that of congregations, since lay movements are so recent phenomena within the Church. (Many "experts" suggest, however, that a yet newer version of the Code of Canon Law may be forthcoming, due in part mainly to finding a more well defined niche for lay movements [they tend to freak out many bishops who don't know - due to know fault of their own - what the heck to do with them]).
As the media's presumptuous interpretation of Vatican II took precendence for many over the Church's own interpretation (which interpretation may be surmised by actually considering that the "spirit" of Vatican II just may have something to do with the "letter" of Vatican II), the type of programs assemebled for the formation laity have been primarily based upon what the whim of bishops and pastors. Thus were born what have become vague and inocuous concepts like "stewardship" - which barely suffice to be a driving force behind forming the laity and helping it discern its vocation in the Church and the world. Laity approach programs formed around such concepts and find themselves participating in some parish ministry for which the pastor needed more volunteers.
Then we find a lay movement like RC which provides its members with its own charism - which is identified as basic gospel charity and a personal relationship with Christ - spiritual direction with LC priets, and encouragement to integrate into the members' lives some sort of apostolate, either participating in some facet that the group already has established - like door-to-door "missions" of evangelization (which the JW's and Mormons seem to have a successful leg-up on in their own evangelization) or some other personal apostolate which the member can substantially practice in their lives. RC has grown because the some laity are drawn to a spiritual life they can sink their teeth into.
There is, however, one more thing to be mentioned about LC and RC. They are unabashedly faithful to the magisterium of the Church, shown even now when the Holy See's ruling would seems to be at the movement's disservice. (It's hard to say the same for other lay movements in the Church as when, say, Cardinal Arinze writes them a corrective letter to them about practiced liturgical inovations). So while the of the stewardship programs struggle to light the fire in their members' lives as does Regnum Christi, it's easy to see how some of spite and jealousy - or perhaps ex-members who found it hard to jive with its charisms - would go ahead and label it as a cult. I'm sure this would be somewhat encouraging for some of its members. "If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you."
Posted by: Rich | May 19, 2006 12:21:53 PM
Stephen and Inocencio,
I did not purposely do that. I believe I mistyped something in the wrong place or else my browser messed up. However, after 5 years inside (and plenty of documentation) I do know what I am talking about and that you are totally in the dark. Don't claim to speak about things you know absolutely nothing about.
Yes - many REGAIN members are angry and upset with the Church. Many have lost their faith PRECISELY because of their experiences in the LC/RC. This is what upsets me the most about the group. The Legion is just as much a cult as the moonies, Jim Jones, etc. They just hide it under a veneer of Catholicism, but the end does not justify the means. Deception is certainly a huge part of it.
Posted by: exLC | May 19, 2006 1:11:23 PM
exLC-
You are making some pretty potent claims, there.
Enlighten us a little with some specifics and steer us to where we can find verifiable documentation.
Anybody can name-call and make wild accusations. Dan Brown, for instance.
Posted by: Michael Jackson | May 19, 2006 1:30:16 PM
Sorry, that last post was me.
????
Posted by: Tim J. | May 19, 2006 1:31:24 PM
'I believe I mistyped something in the wrong place or else my browser messed up'
As Cardinal Pell said, "This is a real hoot!"
Posted by: Rich | May 19, 2006 1:32:57 PM
Tim J
You forgot to change your name field back from the "albino" posting.
LOL, I luv it.
Posted by: MaryC | May 19, 2006 1:38:55 PM
exLC,
May I ask if you have lost your faith?
I would like to see documentation rather than accept your self-proclaimed expertise regarding the issue.
Since you have plenty of documentation please provide links. I am not a member of LC but so far you have simply come across as an upset ex-member.
Jimmy's post, Dr. Ed Peters post and Fr. Neuhaus article all seem very balanced. If you have actual documentation to back up your claims I would like to read it rather than be told I am "totally in the dark."
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Posted by: Inocencio | May 19, 2006 1:54:58 PM
We are all called to prayer and penance for our own sins and for the sins of others. Fr. Maciel has been through this before. St. Pio suffered a similar sanction for 2 years due to false allegations.
Let us not forget how a totally innocent human being, Our Lord, suffered. He was accused wrongly, tortured, and killed.
Why must we assume everyone who suffers in this way is guilty? Hasn't anyone here ever been accused of something they didn't do?
Why is this line of reasoning not even being pursued?
By their fruits we shall know them.
How does God allow an order "tarnished" like this to ordain nearly 50 priests per year?
The pruning shall bear even more fruit, and Father Maciel suffers the calumny willingly for the betterment of the Church.
Posted by: SQ | May 19, 2006 2:31:21 PM
There is a story that St. John the Almsgiver has told about "The Abbot and the Harlot." The point is that we may see the public sin but not a person's private repentance.
A quote from the Holy Patriarch:
"For we have often seen the sin of the fornicator, but his repentance, which he made in secret, we did not see, and we may have seen somebody steal, but we know nothing of the groanings and tears which he has offered to God. We still think of him as we saw him, a thief, a fornicator or a perjuror, but in the sight of God his secret repentance and confession have been accepted, and in His eyes he is honourable."
St. Ignatius Loyola also wrote that we should give others the benefit of the doubt.
If Father Marcel has sinned grieviously let us pray for him and those he has allegedly hurt.
Lord have mercy!
Posted by: Dr. Eric | May 19, 2006 3:10:26 PM
That should be Father Marcial. Sorry for the typo.
Posted by: Dr. Eric | May 19, 2006 3:17:48 PM
I don't think I've ever sat around searching for Catholic blogs today, but this news makes me sick. I have read about this man, his life, the congregation God used him to found, ... and this type of sin seems totally incompatible with his character. Yes, we all sin, and we can all fall but this *type* of sin doesn't fit with him.
If he is guilty of this, the Holy Father should let the hammer fall, and levy the harshest punishment. Isn't this what a relativism-hating pope would do? But consider an alternative scenario, that others have hinted at:
Imagine you are a very holy person who loves God passionately and has followed His will all throughout your life, despite numerous obstacles. You've had great fruits come of His working through you, the instrument, and had the work approved by every pope under whom you've served. Imagine someone accuses you of something horrible, and you have seen it dragged out for years. You are concerned that the great work the Holy Spirit is doing for souls will suffer because of the accusations, so you take the most painful step of severing yourself from it, since you know it's really God's work and not yours, anyway.
Imagine that you tell the Holy Father you would like to do this. He knows the evidence shows your innocence & that a public trial will result in your exoneration, but never stop the accusers. He says, "Ok. We can drop it, but they're not going to buy it. They're going to say we ignored the accusations." So you say, "then penalize me, anyway. I'll sever not only my connections with the order, but stop public functioning as a priest." Imagine the Holy Father accepts.
Could this be the situation here? Read the communique from the CDF in this light. It's at least possible. Assuming the charitable thing could avoid what the CCC calls "rash judgment" in this case. Since the Holy See has made it clear they will support the LC and RC, anyway, we perhaps leave with only a different opinion of a man only God can judge.
Posted by: joselyns | May 19, 2006 5:05:18 PM
I meant to say, "I don't think I've ever sat around searching for Catholic blogs *before* today," lol!
Posted by: joselyns | May 19, 2006 5:07:29 PM
If the Legionaries were truly a cult, guilty of any dangerous or criminal behavior- on an INSTITUTIONAL level, not just individuals, surely there would have been a national media frenzy? Surely there would have been massive lawsuits and litigation?
The absence of such things leads me to believe what common sense clearly dictates:
That there is sin in every group. But there are very rarely evil groups of their own accord.
The Legionaries are NOT evil. They do the Church a great service. Groups like Regain Network are the real danger. If they truly wanted to help they would not separate themselves from the Church and condemn an entire group that has received much acclaim from the Holy Father.
Posted by: Stephen S | May 19, 2006 7:13:30 PM
SQ--
I don't think comparing Our Lord and St. Padre Pio--whom you said suffered (the Lord) and were sanctioned with heavy penances (St. Padre Pio)--to a pederast is a productive way to go here.
Let's not mince words; Marcial clearly committed some sort of grave sin, hence, he has been removed.
I think the Vatican's having erred on the side of "mercy" is a grave mistake in this case. After hearing of so many cardinals having very badly and viciously suppressed information about some of these same crimes not long ago, one might imagine that a HARD CRACKDOWN would be administered to this very prominent figure.
Who cares if he is old and infirm? He was healthy enough to commit grave crimes against children not long ago. He is not deserving of the Vatican's misguided notion of "mercy." "Penitence" for an old man really carries little weight.
Pederasts and pedophiles ARE NOT OWED MERCY. They are not to be spared public humiliation for their crimes. This guy may well have ruined 9 lives forever by what he did, and he has also just stained the name of a very good orgnization for a long time to come. For all its rather heinous excesses, the Inquisition managed to hand out more effectual sentences than proverbial and unenforceable slaps on the wrist. This lack of reply is SHAMEFUL.
I cannot understand why the Holy Father--who, to be sure, is a great blessing for the Church in many other areas--has let the opportunity to crack down on this nonsense slip away.
Posted by: MJ | May 19, 2006 7:44:32 PM
Fr. Maciel is a deep spiritual writer. I'm confident that, regardless of any accusations and penalties, he will be remembered for founding the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement which share the same charism AND for a new passionate depth of spirituality in our "barren times."
"Regain people" seem to have suffered some sort of trauma that needs authentic healing. This is healing that Jesus Christ can give along with the help of modern means. When some L.C.s leave rather than continue on in peace and serenity they sense perhaps that they are "cut off' and abandoned when their desires are not realized.
"There in that supreme loneliness, in that deep pain, in the long-suffering hope of our soul and our desires, in the darkness of our reason, in our life's deepest wounds —do we find God. He has come down to us, washed us clean, cured us, and brings us toward the new encounter with life." -Fr. Maciel February 20, 1975.
Posted by: pazdziernik | May 19, 2006 9:08:34 PM
Rorate Coeli blog has a good analysis of this situation here:
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2006/05/church-is-sanhedrin-pope-is-pilate.html
Posted by: john chrysostom | May 20, 2006 4:57:06 AM
"Thus the cult will continue to grow and abuse more people, damaging the faith of many."
Interesting that any group that encourages traditional catholic teaching is called a cult..shame on ya! The LC is buid a Catholic University here. Our Bishop has embraced the project and JP the Great loved the LC.
We must remember allegation are just allegations. The Church may have done things for its own reasons. I remind everyone of Padre Pio being censured and look at what happened!!!!
Posted by: Mark | May 20, 2006 6:26:39 AM
If he is guilty, the punishment is far too weak, may the Lord bless and heal his victims, and the "official response," per the Rorate Coeli blog, is naive at best, hideous at worst.
If he is innocent, the "official response" is reasonable, obedient, and meek.
The Vatican did not say, much to my chagrin. Let us not say, either, but pray for all, and cleanse the sin from our own lives, as well.
The Lord bless you.
Posted by: nonsumdignus | May 20, 2006 6:45:12 AM
I believe that there are good Legionaries of Christ. I have never been involved with active Legionaries on any kind of long term basis, but had never seen any reason to doubt the good things I have heard about them.
However, I am deeply troubled by the Legion, Regnum Christi, and other affiliated Catholics insistence on attempting to spin these things into a positive light.
It would be a grave injustice to publicly request that Fr. Maciel refrain from public ministry and retire to a life of penance if there was not credible evidence that he had done something seriously wrong.
Yes, saints have been falsely accused and suffered times of persecution, but I am unaware of anything on this scale happening in Church history in so far as the founder of a congregation is concerned.
But that will be the spin. It's starting already.
It is sad for the Legionaries, because any religious order or congregation is rooted in the charism of their founder. Generally the founder's picture is everywhere, there are statues, and their writings are studied. I'm thinking of orders like the Franciscans, the Jesuits, the Dominicans, even the Missionaries of Charity.
This means that Fr. Maciel, who has been touted as a "living saint", will never be canonized.
It also confirms, for me (at least), that the other things about the Legionaries that troubled me may be significant.
As I said, I don't know any Legionaries, but I have known and seen ex-Legionaries, and frankly, many of them leave the group haunted and broken (often against their will). It's not like these guys were disappointed. They were devastated. Shattered. To have been with a group for so long (formation is 12 years) and then be sent away, especially when you have been surrounded by the culture of the group every waking moment for years seems to be too much for many people. I don't know of any other religious order that has support groups for former members struggling to cope with life after leaving the order, but there are several groups and websites of that nature for former legionaries and members of Regnum Christi.
I was also troubled by the cookie cutter formation. Legionaries tend to look alike, talk alike, have similar haircuts, etc. They even have similar mannerisms. They are often, though not always, blond. They are good looking and clean cut in a Sound of Music kind of way.
I've never heard of another religious order acting that way.
It is my hope that things can be worked out for the best for Regnum Christi and the Legionaries of Christ.
Posted by: john chrysostom | May 20, 2006 7:26:05 AM
John has spoken well. Trying to positively spin this situation to paint Marcial in a good light is the most grotesque abuse of the apologetical spirit imaginable.
We defend the faith of Christ, not deviants who have masqueraded as its preachers.
Posted by: MJ | May 20, 2006 7:29:54 AM
MJ,
You seem very capable of judgement in this matter. You must have been there personally?
None of us has the right to judge in this matter. Do you deny that innocent people suffer such? You have cut yourself off from believing it could be possible. Our Lord is the best example. He said we would suffer also in the same way.
If Fr. Maciel is guilty, God will punish him accordingly. Are you willing to give God His rightful duty?
I pray for all of us who judge rashly, for I am the first. May God have mercy on us all, for we offend Him in more ways than we know.
God Bless,
SQ
Posted by: SQ | May 20, 2006 10:04:47 AM
Frankly the spin on both sides of this one is unworthy of Christians who ought to be seeking the truth. Certainly Zenit's headline: "Holy See Halts Investigation of Legionary's Founder" is misleading at the very least even though the story itself is not. It's hard to think there isn't at least a bit of bad faith there. But hey, the National Catholic Reporter has an editorial up declaring that Father Maciel had been found guilty by the Vatican! That's just as misleading and just as open to accusations of bad faith. I am not impressed with much of the coverage of this story in the Catholic media.
Posted by: Ginger | May 20, 2006 11:16:31 AM
"We defend the faith of Christ, not deviants who have masqueraded as its preachers"...MJ
Glad to see you are siting in the judgement seat!.The Good father may well become a saint. Padre Pio was censured as well. Seem..the liberal, Spirit of VAT2 neo catholics are rejoicing in this tragedy. You can have your day..who's end is the pit.
Posted by: Mark | May 20, 2006 12:37:29 PM
One thing that it seems is being overlooked here is that the purpoted crimes are claimed to have taken place nearly fifty years ago, as I understand it. In all but the most extraordinary circumstances, there would seem to be little solid evidence to either convict or exonerate the accused after such a lapse of time.
Posted by: Matthew L. Martin | May 20, 2006 2:00:31 PM
And I have read that one of the 9 completely recanted his accusations.
I trust Pope Benedict to make the right decsion regarding the matter even if I don't know all the facts.
Posted by: Inocencio | May 20, 2006 2:17:07 PM
Inocencio, you want to know the facts before making a judgment? Extremist!
Posted by: bill912 | May 20, 2006 3:20:05 PM
Reading the Vatican statement tells me a few things:
1) The Congregation found him guilty in preliminary hearings.
2) The Congregation found that it was sufficient to impose a penalty that would not likely drive him and at least some of his followers who are doing good work away from the church.
3) The Congregation has the rule of Charity in mind, in this case toward the now frail Fr. Maciel.
4) The Congregation has at heart the mercy of Christ within the context of satisfying the net effect of justice, namely that he be punished for his crimes and yet mercifully so.
So, to all the blood-thirsty bloggers out there, I say "Enough is enough!" Consider the allegations justly responded to by the Church. I wish you would be as merciful as the Congregation. I prefer the merciful Justice of Christ to your brand of Justice. (cf: the woman caught in adultery)
Posted by: Fr Don Malin | May 21, 2006 8:32:56 AM
I feel the need to defend myself against a personal attack. Regain is a hodge-podge of people whose only common bond is their negative experience at the hands of the Legion. Negative enough to spend time (yes, and money we don't have) to try to warn off others before they end up getting used as we were.
I am a daily communicant (as is my husband), one of my many children is named for JP2, whom I loved dearly, and I totally support B16. I was an ardent member of RC, sharing its ideals, working for the spread of the Kingdom.
The men who were a part of the Legion, remember, pledge their chastity, loyalty, and obedience to the Church through the Legion at one time, which doesn't make them freaks now -- just disillusioned for one reason or another. Please excuse any cynicism you may detect here and there in Regain, but the vicitms had one childhood, and years were given to this organisation by men who were betrayed at the core of their being.
You have fallen prey to the key element of Legion-speak, which has been their first road of defense: those who don't like the Legion must therefore be heretics or have a problem with the Church.
Imagine this scenario: your son is abused at age 12 by a priest. Those defending him say, "hey, at least he's an orthodox priest!" That's the essence of people wanting this to go away.
Posted by: giselle | May 21, 2006 11:22:24 AM
Giselle,
The problem is that Regain seeks to implicate the entire Legion with abuse problems.
Imagine this scenario: Your son is abused at age 12 by a priest- and you seek to actually have that priest tried and punished! Amazing- what a novel idea.
By your logic, the entire Roman Catholic Church should be shut down as a "cult" because there were abuses. But of course this is not true.
By placing false blame on the Legion, you do a disservice to the sins of the individual abusers.
You would not condemn an entire public school staff because one teacher has abused a child, would you?
Maybe Regain Network would- that's why they're dangerous
Posted by: Stephen S | May 21, 2006 12:19:24 PM
Then Stephen, you don't know the nature of the charges. The CDF says that he needs to go and practice penance (for some hazy charges) and you assume that it's the question of the abuse victims and their [50-year old] charges -- because from the outside, that's all you know (third- fourth, fifth-hand). How about docility to the Pope, and leave room open for the possibility that there are other things? There were structural problems based on the cult of personality, which the statement said had to be addressed.
Posted by: giselle | May 21, 2006 12:28:52 PM
Giselle,
Thank you for your time and care, and certainly the passion you have for innocent victims of grotesque crimes.
I am in Regnum Christi, and like you, a daily communicant, lover of JPII and B16, and all things Catholic, our Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost. I have heard so many with negative impressions of the Legion, many of whom are merely liberals as you mention, and some of whom are devout Catholics who are not keen on certain aspects of the Legion's practice which are normal in a very disciplined religious order, such as tradition Franciscans, Carthusians, Discalced Carmelites, etc.
I have found only love, for people and the Church, through and through. I've seen nothing, literally nothing, but joyful, loving families trying to love Christ and neighbor better. So many different personality types & backgrounds come together, with their many different gifts, to work for the good of others, never backbiting, but always trying to be better, and more effective, to lead more souls to the Father. The priests I have met (there are over 20 Legionaries in my city) are simple, humble, joyful, friendly, gentle, holy, very very very real (like any guy you'd meet on the street, except striving to love Christ wholly), and again, very different from one another in temperaments, gifts, strengths & weaknesses, but with that family resemblance which those in an order can have.
I also know several former Legionaries and former consecrated women, and they have only kind words to say about the Legion and their experience. I know there are others with different experiences, but that seems to happen with many people who leave an order, the priesthood, the Church, or even a business.
I have nothing but sorrow for the innocent victims of abuse - how detestable! May God bring all to justice.
Posted by: joselyns | May 21, 2006 12:51:56 PM
I just want to say that I am personally immensely grateful to the Regain people for speaking out, not just about isolated cases of abuse, but about the entrenched problems at every level of RC.
Posted by: Abigail | May 21, 2006 12:54:19 PM
Again, Abigail, (and others) what are these abuses?
Please be specific.
Posted by: Tim J. | May 21, 2006 1:32:07 PM
Tim: men have complained of sexual abuse, of sexual improprieties, and abuse of the seal of confession. They also say there was pressure on them to reveal things in spiritual direction that was inappropriate, and they were denied access to non-LC confessors. Scores of them were deposed, and Rome has acted. For men and women who here in 2006 to say that they know very nice members of RC and see such nice LC priests and they all preach such orthodoxy is a non sequitor.
One cannot say, "since I was never molested, no one was;" nor can one say, "since they preach orthodoxy, there cannot be anything spiritual harmful in their methodology."
When I was a member, their defense was always, "the Pope loves us!" That doesn't fly any more. The pope praised LC/RC insofar as it separated itself from the person of MM.
Posted by: giselle | May 21, 2006 1:56:10 PM
Giselle,
Thank you for your concerned response. The point of sharing my experience is to say that if the problem were systemic, rather than an anomaly (here I'm talking about the individual complaints you mention, not the allegations against Fr. Maciel), then I would expect, after several years in RC, knowing hundreds of others in it, and regularly seeing, hearing from, being guided by, confessing to, and socializing with many LC priests, as well as nearly as many RC consecrated women, (in addition to having all these experiences with diocesan priests and religious of other orders), that I would have noticed something awry.
My focus is not merely orthodoxy, but everything about them, from formation to demeanor to methodology.
God bless you!!
Posted by: joselyns | May 21, 2006 4:00:19 PM
"One cannot say, 'Since I was never molested no one was'..." No one did.
Posted by: bill912 | May 21, 2006 4:03:18 PM
Jimmy,
What do you take this sentence from the Vatican's statement to mean in actual practice?
"Independently of the person of the Founder, the worthy apostolate of the Legionaries of Christ and of the Association 'Regnum Christi' is gratefully recognized."
Posted by: anon | May 21, 2006 5:44:36 PM
Let me just say some things on the Legionaries. I am looking into them for my vocation and I believe that there are a lot of great things that they do. However, if you look into the history of it, you will find some things that are very disturbing. The Legionaries are well-intended people, but they need to mature.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 21, 2006 10:08:46 PM
Giselle wrote:
One cannot say, "since I was never molested, no one was;" nor can one say, "since they preach orthodoxy, there cannot be anything spiritual harmful in their methodology."
But that should also mean, IMHO, that one cannot say that because someone was molested, or someone was pressured to join, or denied a non LC Confessor, that everything is spiritually harmful in their methodology. Right?
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole | May 22, 2006 7:05:00 AM
The operative word in the Vatican statement is "Independent." The Legion and Regnum Christi will only prosper if they disassociate themselves from the problemmatic person of their founder.
It's obvious from NCRegister, ZENIT, and the Legion's press statement that they refuse. Nor do they apologise for the harm he may have done. Rather, MM is compared to vilified [innocent] Christ.
Basta! The laity will walk.
Posted by: giselle | May 22, 2006 8:50:42 AM
Is there a statement in the Register? If so, can you please direct me to it. I am definitely looking to see what they will say. THANKS!
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole | May 22, 2006 9:01:55 AM
