ROME
Zenit
ROME, JAN. 23, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The Legionaries of Christ elected a new general director, after their founder, Father Marcial Maciel, declined re-election, citing his age and his desire to see the congregation flourish under a successor.
The congregation, in a press statement issued today, explained that its general chapter "first re-elected Father Maciel by absolute majority vote," and added that "Father Maciel, 84, who has headed the Legionaries since their founding in 1941, declined" the re-election.
"The chapter fathers expressed their filial gratitude to Father Maciel for his leadership during these past decades and pledged their heartfelt loyalty to the mission he continues to fulfill as founder," the statement added.
On assuming leadership of the congregation, the new general director, Father Álvaro 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."
Mexican-born Father Corcuera, 47, has been rector of the Legionaries' Center for Higher Studies in Rome since 1987.
He has worked closely with Father Maciel on projects related to the governing of the congregation. He is also a consultor to the Vatican Congregation for Bishops.