The director general of the Legionaries of Christ has received 'with joy and confidenceâ? the pontifical advisor to the Legionaries of Christ.
When the term of the pontifical delegate Velasio de Paolis concluded in February, the Vatican said it would appoint an advisor to consolidate the renewal of the congregation.
Francis chose Italian Jesuit Gianfranco Ghirlanda, one of the main councilors with Velasio de Paolis. He will not be part of the governance of the Congregation, but will be able to take part in the general council meetings.
FR. EDUARDO ROBLES-GIL
Director General of the Legionaries of Christ
'He will periodically report to the Vatican on how the process of the union with the movement is going, on how the constitutions are goingâ?¦ When the definitive approval of the constitutions have been completed, he will report on the internal life within the Legion. This is what the Pope wants: when I greeted him in Saint Peterâ??s Square, he told me â??I do not want this to fail, go ahead, I support all of you.â??â?
He is an expert canonist, and his primary mission is to help define in juridical terms the unity of the Regnum Christi movement. This process began in March, when the Legionaries of Christ officially asked him to review the statutes of the movement.
FR. EDUARDO ROBLES-GIL
Director General of the Legionaries of Christ
'This is the biggest challenge because we have to find a juridical structure that is suitable for four realities: the secular movement, the Regnum Christi consecrated men, the Regnum Christi consecrated women, and the Legionaries of Christ.â?
The Vatican has also requested some modifications to the new version of the Constitutions that the Legion's presented in February. For example: the inclusion of clear references to the texts of the Second Vatican Council, and citations of points from the Code of Canon law, which is essential for interpreting the rules.
The correction of the text of the Constitutions will take weeks, while the canonical structure of Regnum Christi will take years. Members of the congregation look to the future and are committed to the continuation of its main work.
FR. EDUARDO ROBLES-GIL
Director General of the Legionaries of Christ
'I joined the Legion after having entered the movement,. There I learned to speak about God to my friends, doing so out of love for the Church, for the good of souls, and because it was good for me. And I think I encountered Jesus Christ in a personal, vivid way, and I believe that is the best thing we can do: helping people to have an encounter with Jesus Christ.'
The Legionaries of Christ is a religious congregation. It shares the charism and mission of the Regnum Christi movement, which is comprised of lay and consecrated persons, so the two work closely together.
It is present in 22 countries, has 4 bishops, 954 priests; 836 religious and novices; and 945 students in vocational centers.
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