PART 2: November 27, 2018 - Day 1 To the Legionaries of Christ and the members of Regnum Christi
Dear friends in Christ,
Today Franciscan Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo presented us with the official decrees confirming that the Consecrated Women and the Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi have been canonically established as societies of apostolic life of pontifical right. The two consecrated branches have already sent a letter to their members, which I attach together with the decrees.
On this occasion of such importance for the whole family I extend heartfelt congratulations to these two consecrated branches of Regnum Christi on behalf of the Legionaries of Christ and all the lay members of Regnum Christi. I want to thank Gloria Rodríguez and Jorge López for their work for the good of the Movement during these years. I think this marks a step of greater maturity for Regnum Christi and these approvals will result in great good for all.
We repeat with joy what was stated in the Communiqué to the Legionaries of Christ and to the Members of Regnum Christi at the end of the first session of the extraordinary General Chapter of 2018:
We share the same charism in different states of life. In this sense, there are characteristics common to all and characteristics proper to each branch. Consecrated life, both religious and lay, is a beautiful fruit of the charism’s maturing in those called by God to live the evangelical counsels in a radical way. We recognize that the canonical autonomy of these branches is a positive and important step for their own members and for Regnum Christi as a whole. (no. 22)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made this approval possible and have accompanied us throughout this process, especially Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Cardinal Velasio de Paolis, CS, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, Father Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, and Father Agostino Montán, CSI.
We are joyful and feel grateful to God and the Church for this new step, but today I also invite all Movement members to renew our commitment to communion, mutual support and collaboration in the service of God's plan in this work of his that is Regnum Christi in its different branches.
I would like to end by thanking you for your prayers for the fruits of the Chapter and the assemblies and assuring you of mine,
Important: A historic and special moment for the spiritual family of Regnum Christi was captured during the Opening Mass on the first day of the Extraordinary General Assembly. Hint, you can watch it in the Live Stream of Opening Mass: Part 2 below! The official press release will come out November 28 in English, thank you for your patience.