Information Note Number 1
of the 2020 General Chapter
January 20-24

January 24, 2020

The General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ congregation began last Monday, January 20, in Rome, with the Eucharistic celebration held at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Philip Martyr. It was presided over by the current general director, Father Eduardo Robles-Gil, L.C.

After the initial formalities required by Canon Law and the regulations of the same General Chapter, Father Eduardo Robles-Gil, L.C., presented a brief report on the progress of the Congregation over the past six years. The participants had the opportunity to comment on this report.

When reviewing the topics and tasks that the General Chapter must address, the capitular fathers chose to first confront issues related to sexual abuses committed by some members of the Congregation and how the superiors addressed this in the past. As a result, the General Chapter decided to postpone other work, including the election of the new general government, to which it will subsequently dedicate the appropriate attention.

The minds and hearts of the capitular fathers are primarily focused on those who have suffered any form of abuse committed by members of the Congregation. They ask for forgiveness from the victims for what they have endured and for the omissions, inadequate measures, and delays that have increased their pain.

The General Chapter is delving into the accounts and experiences of the victims, as well as the Report 1941-2019 recently published, to analyze the extent of the evil committed and the suffering inflicted, its causes, its consequences, and thus confirm the measures already taken (cf. Standards for accreditation of safe environments) and establish new ones.

The General Chapter has committed to publicly sharing, at the conclusion of its work, the results of its considerations and resolutions on this issue. This way, the Congregation can move forward on the path of genuine repentance and conversion, with concrete actions of reconciliation with the victims and their families.

Last Wednesday, January 22, the General Chapter received a visit from Father Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.I., who provided valuable collaboration to the Congregation for nearly ten years, first as an advisor to the Pontifical Delegate and later as a Pontifical Assistant. His presence and words have enriched and encouraged the capitular fathers. They have once again expressed their gratitude to the Church, to Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, to the other authorities of the Holy See who have accompanied the Congregation over these years, and particularly to Father Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.I.

The participants in the General Chapter sincerely thank the members of the Congregation, the members of Regnum Christi, and all others who accompany us in prayer.

 

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