163 religious participated and the venue was the International College of the Legionaries of Christ (CILC). The purpose of this meeting was “to provide a space to talk and share about hope, taking reality and the received promises as the key to understanding”.

For the second year, on February 22nd, a new edition of the Intergenerational Meeting for legionaries from communities that live, work pastorally, or study in Rome was held. 163 religious participated and the venue was the International College of the Legionaries of Christ (CILC). The purpose of this meeting was “to provide a space to talk and share about hope, taking reality and the received promises as the key to understanding,” comments Brother Marcelo Castro, L.C., from the organizing team.

The day began with a Eucharistic concelebration in the CILC chapel, followed by breakfast. Afterwards, Father Florencio Sánchez, L.C., gave an introductory lecture in the College auditorium. Then, throughout the morning, encounter dynamics took place where participants were mixed with religious of different ages and experiences. Just before lunch, Eucharistic adoration was held. 

“Participating in the Intergenerational Meeting was experiencing one of the greatest treasures God has given us in the Legion: the spirit of family. We are different because we have the characteristics of our age; but love for Jesus Christ, the mission, and the Legion, which is essential, is much greater and unites us.” P. José de Jesús Rodríguez, L.C. 

For Brother Ismael González, L.C., from the theology community, “the Intergenerational Meeting was a moment of true fraternity. Sharing with people from different generations. It allowed me to value our history more, learn from their experiences, and at the same time contribute from what we live today. I felt an environment of unity, where age differences were not a barrier but a bridge that made us grow together as a family.”

Father Miguel Paz, L.C., from the community of teachers, highlights “the organization and the appropriateness of the theme and the final activity of expressing fears and hopes in writing, which helped to concretize. Also, the team discussion, frank and cordial.”

Seeing the legionaries of different ages and experiences united is also a gift for Brother Miguel Herrera, L.C., from the philosophy community: “It is a gift to see my brothers gathered from so many ages and cultures forming one body and family. All gathered around the King. Personally, it is a sign of hope to hear the testimonies and life experiences of my older brothers, as well as to feel their passion and eagerness to learn from my brothers in the community.”

Brother Luis Huesca, L.C., returned to Rome at the start of the school year after his period of apostolic practice. Regarding his experience of this Meeting, he says: “It has enriched me greatly to learn about the paths traveled by legionaries I hadn’t had the chance to converse with. Without a doubt, the vocation that unites us is much greater and stronger than the differences that separate us. I noticed a look of joy and hope in the fathers knowing that there are brothers seeking formation to continue what they have built.”

From the community of student priests, Father Alejandro Espejo, L.C., was comforted to hear his brothers: “to hear how they see their formation, to listen to them talk about fraternity, and also to honestly comment on the ‘pendulum swing’ that some older brothers have experienced. I was very pleased to see how much they know about the Ratio Christus Vita Vestra: I listened to them—at their level—very mature, and that gave me peace.”

The second edition of the Intergenerational Meeting was organized by the community of the College’s philosophy department. The organizing team was composed of Brothers José Andrés González, Miguel Herrera, Pablo Serrano, Daniel Castellanos, and Marcelo Castro LLCC.

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