Vatican City, Oct 18, 2011 / 09:58 am
Following a review of Regnum Christi, the lay movement affiliated with the Legionaries of Christ, changes will be made in the way its consecrated lay men and women are overseen.
“It will be necessary to find an adequate configuration that corresponds to Canon Law, in order to better conserve, promote and develop this treasure,” said Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, the Pontifical Delegate to the Legion, in a letter published Oct. 17.
Cardinal De Paolis was appointed last year to review the purpose and structure of the entire Legion after a previous Vatican investigation condemned the life of its late founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel.
In turn, Cardinal De Paolis charged Archbishop Ricardo Blázquez of Vallodolid, Spain with carrying out an investigation into the life of consecrated lay people in Regnum Christi.
A consecrated lay person is somebody who, while not in holy orders, has committed to a life of apostolic poverty, chastity and obedience.
Between January and June 2011 Archbishop Blázquez met with many such members in a number of countries and also received evidence in writing.
Cardinal De Paolis said that the archbishop’s review had found that “at a personal level the consecrated members are grateful for their vocation” and live it “according to the evangelical counsels with joy,” rendering “a valuable service to the Church with their self-giving.”