Legionaries pledge 'faith and obedience' after statement from Apostolic Visitation

Vatican City, May 2, 2010 / 14:17 pm

Following the apostolic visitors' meeting on Saturday, the Legionaries of Christ expressed gratitude and promised to embrace the provisions of the visitors' statement with “faith and obedience.”

The statement resulted from nearly a year of investigations by the five bishops involved in the apostolic visitation. It was released on May 1 after their findings were officially presented during two days of meetings at the Vatican.

The vistors’ statement highlights the Pope's support for the Legion and provides three observations based on the results of their investigations.

They note the need to “redefine the charism of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, preserving its true core."
 
Next, they list the need to “review the exercise of authority, which must be joined to the truth, to respect the conscience, and develop itself in the light of the Gospel as authentic ecclesial service."

Lastly, they say it is necessary to "preserve through appropriate formation the enthusiasm of the faith of young members, their missionary zeal and their apostolic dynamism."

In their brief Saturday statement acknowledging the arrival of the message, the Legionaries wrote that they thank the Holy Father and “embrace his provisions with faith and obedience."

"We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Apostolic Visitors," continues the message, according to an unofficial translation published by the Legion-run National Catholic Register.

"We are grateful for the prayers of so many people of good will who have supported us at this time," the message concludes.