This Monday, January 20th, the 2020 Ordinary General Chapter of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ begins in Rome. It has three main tasks ahead: to take stock of the last 6 years of governance, analyze the challenges and objectives of their evangelizing mission as part of the Church, and select the appropriate General Government to carry forward the priorities for the next six-year term.

The General Chapter is the highest governing body of a religious congregation, as established by canon law. In the case of the Legionaries of Christ, it is convened every six years, according to the Constitutions approved by the Holy See in 2014 after their review, which the Legionaries carried out in collaboration with the Church. The General Chapter is responsible for electing the General Government and discussing the most important matters related to mission and identity. Its decisions affect all Legionaries of Christ.

Review of a Six-Year Term

The Rev. Eduardo Robles-Gil, LC, current Superior General, will report to the current Chapter regarding the mandates he received in 2014. Among these, it is worth highlighting that the Congregation began to live and exercise authority according to the new Constitutions, developed a ratio formationis to renew the formation process of the Legionaries, implemented policies for safe environments to care for and protect minors, and undertook the canonical structuring of the entire Regnum Christi, a task carried out under the guidance of the Pontifical Assistant Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.J. The current General Chapter will evaluate progress on these issues in the coming weeks.

Election of the New Superior General and His Council

The General Chapter will also elect the new Superior General, his six counselors, and the General Administrator. Additionally, this Chapter is being held for the first time within the framework of the Regnum Christi Federation, recently approved by the Holy See. The new General Director will be part of the general leadership college of Regnum Christi alongside the general directors of the Regnum Christi Consecrated Women and the Laity of Regnum Christi, assisted by two lay advisors with consultative vote. The Consecrated Women and the Laity are also holding their respective General Assemblies in Rome during these weeks, and will likewise elect their new governments.

Challenges and Difficulties

The Chapter itself is sovereign, determining the agenda of topics to be analyzed and the work schedule. However, some of the main issues on the table include the Congregation’s apostolic mission and its relationship with other vocations within Regnum Christi, seminary formation, the path forward in addressing victims of sexual abuse, possible cover-ups, negligence, or omissions related to past cases, the practice of poverty within the Congregation, community life, vocational pastoral work, and religious discipline in general.

Official Site

The official website is https://legionariosdecristo.org/capitulo2020. It will feature brief periodic updates, media photographs, videos, and official statements.

Participants

A total of 66 Legionary priests participate with voice and vote in the Chapter, of whom 18 participate by their office and 48 were elected by vote. The delegates represent the 9 territories (Chile-Argentina, Brazil, North America, Spain, Western and Central Europe, Italy, Mexico, Monterrey, Colombia-Venezuela) and the delegation of Rome and Holy Land. Their average age is 51 years. The oldest is 72, and the youngest is 36. Of the 66, 11 are participating for the first time (see list of participants, here).

Regarding the recent development of the Fernando Martínez case, and the participation in the Chapter of some Legionaries involved in managing the case, the Congregation in Mexico has published a statement which can be read here.

Participation of the 2020 Delegates in Previous General Chapters:

Participated for the first time in 2020	Participated for the first time in 2018	Participated for the first time in 2014	Participated for the first time in 2005	Participated for the first time in 1992	Participated for the first time in 1980
12	19	23	4	5	3

 

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