Rome, Italy, Jan 24, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Legionaries of Christ have elected Father Alvaro Corcuera Martinez del Rio to be general director of the order after Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the order and its director since 1941 turned down his reelection. Upon his election, the Mexican Father Corcuera said, “I wish to express my desire to remain faithful to the charism of the congregation and to the person of the founder, and to continue his work at the service of the Church.”

Father Corcuera has been rector of the Legionaries’ Center for Higher Studies in Rome, their international major seminary since 1987 and has worked closely with Father Maciel on numerous projects.

Father Maciel cited concerns about his age as his reason for declining the absolute majority vote. The 84-year old priest also expressed his desire to see the congregation flourish during his lifetime under the leadership of his successor.

According to the Legionaries, the general chapter also reelected Father Luis Garza Medina as vicar general, and elected the general council, the general procurator and the general administrator who are Spain, the United States, Ireland, Mexico and Chile, respectively.

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