Apostolic visit to Legionaries of Christ to begin July 15

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Comments: 13

Bishop Ricardo Blázquez, Bishop Giuseppe Versaldi, Archbishop Ricardo Ezzatti, Archbishop Charles Chaput and Bishop Ricardo Watti (top to bottom, left to right)

Rome, Italy, Jul 1, 2009 / 02:45 pm (CNA).- After the announcement on March 31 that Pope Benedict XVI had ordered an Apostolic Visitation of the Legionaries of Christ, many wondered when it would begin. Vatican watcher Sandro Magister has answered the question by reporting it will begin on July 15 and that five bishops have been charged with the task.

Magister states that the visitors will be Bishop Ricardo Watti Urquidi of Tepic, Mexico; Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, Colorado; Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati Andrello of Concepcion, Chile; Bishop Giuseppe Versaldi of Alejandria, Italy; and Bishop Ricardo Blazquez Perez of Bilbao, Spain.

Magister said the five bishops were chosen because of their experience and dedication and will be tasked with getting to know the life and apostolate of the congregation. They will present a report to the Holy See at the conclusion of the Visitation.

The five bishops met with Cardinals Tarcisio Bertone, William Levada, Franc Rode and Stanislaw Rylko last Saturday at the Vatican, according to Magister.

Sources at the Holy See confirmed to CNA the accuracy of Magister’s report and said a public announcement would be made on July 15. Sources also said that contrary to the article, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko was not present at the meeting.

Magister's report on the areas designated to each bishop was confirmed as accurate.

Bishop Ricardo Watti Urquidi will be tasked with visiting Mexico and Central America; Archbishop Chaput will visit the order in the United States and Canada; while Bishop Giuseppe Versaldi will visit the Legionaries in Italy, Israel, the Philippines and South Korea.

Bishop Ricardo Ezzati will visit the Legionaries in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela; while Bishop Ricardo Blazquez Perez will be tasked with visiting the order in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Holland, Poland, Austria and Hungary.

Comments: 13

Subscriber comments:

Published by: tess
australia 07/12/2009 09:05 AM EST

Such an inquiry or visitation will not be complete or adequate unless sincere efforts are made to also obtain the perspectives of those who have left the LCs and RCs. Many, although having many serious misgivings and concerns about the culture and constitutions, will be capable and willing to participate with good will and love of the Church. If they are offered respect and a process with integrity. Also the victims of abuse should also be heard.

Published by: Kentucky Scot
Kentucky 07/11/2009 10:50 AM EST

The real issue is how can an organization that covered up child sex abuse be allowed to continue. The whole deal is founded upon devotion to a sociopath. There is no future for this corrupt organization. If the Vatican does not shut it down, we have a problem.

Published by: Craig Earley
Liverpool, England, U.K 07/11/2009 12:30 AM EST

I was a member of the Legionaries of Christ for just under 7 years. I hope and pray that all of the good and holy Legionaries and their many good works can be recognised and supported by this visitation.

Published by: K. Van Keith
Canada 07/07/2009 07:23 PM EST

I would sure like to know why The Christian Brothers have never had an Apostolic Visit?

With their horrid history they sure need one!

Published by: W.E. Melahn
Andover, MA 07/07/2009 11:50 AM EST

Our son is a member of the Legionaries and I am persuaded that the order is completely orthodox notwithstanding issues with the founder. I also have faith in Archbishop Chaput who undoubtedly will come to the same comnclusion.

Published by: Jeannette
Virginia, USA 07/07/2009 09:26 AM EST

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the visitation will extend to the 3gf's; their situation is very irregular and it seems their devotion has been abused by the LC leadership.

Published by: Kathryn Groening
Midland, MI 07/06/2009 09:00 PM EST

Joe: the founder, Marcial Macial was leading a double life. One very holy, the other...not so holy. Wrongdoings finally became public after he died. I assume the Vatican knew what was going on toward the end of his life because they called him to a life of repentence, etc, with a sharply curtained public ministry.

I suspect that the investigation will look into how much the upper levels of the Legion knew of Father Macial's wrong doings and looked the other way, or worse abetted his behavior.

As far as the rest of the Legion and RC: there have been accusations of cult like behavior: overly strict, coercision of the fragile minded, etc.

I have had little contact with them, but some people I know who have dealt with them never saw a problem.

Published by: JBrad
Chelsea, MI 07/06/2009 06:38 AM EST

If cult-like loyalty to a Legion commander who claims to speak for Jesus, what 'faults' will these Bishops of JPII find?

Published by: Joe Rodirguez
Richmond,Tx, USA 07/04/2009 08:43 AM EST

What was the allegation(s)(reason) that caused this investigation of the Legionaries of Christ?

Published by: Mildred Mang
Amherst, NY 07/03/2009 11:57 AM EST

Pray that Our Dear Lord will protect ALL of us from Satan.

Published by: Laurie Morrison
Bethesda, Maryland 07/03/2009 08:07 AM EST

May God be with the legionaries and all those who will be conducting and involved in the investigation. I pray that all will be in inspired by the formation and dedication of these fine legionary priests who have given their lives in service to our Lord. May their name be cleared and may they be free to set the world a blaze with love for Christ.

Published by: Frances Scarr
England 07/03/2009 04:39 AM EST

I had 2 of the Legionaires to stay and 2 of the Regnum Christi girls to stay every 2 months for 5 years in London and I had nothing but praise for all of them.

Published by: Janice Brown
Palm Desert, CA, USA 07/02/2009 02:19 PM EST

We will keep you all in prayer. The Legionaries are one of the bright lights in the Church. Just keep listening to God's Spirit and be encouraged to know, that He permits these crisis when He wants to get our attention to lead us to higher ground.

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