American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic
February 3, 2009
http://www.americanpapist.com/2009/02/legionaries-founder-maciel-fathered.html
Reports of this story have been circulating for several days now, and some figures have even made a veiled mention of its imminent publication.
They involve new revelations of misconduct by the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, Marcial Maciel.
I'm now receiving multiple confirmations that members of the Legionaries of Christ and its lay branch Regnum Christi are being informed of the findings in their private meetings this week.
Like it or not, the news is quickly becoming public.
The Ex LC Blog is claiming that Marcial Maciel is being renounced as the spiritual founder of the Legionaries of Christ, at least in some chapters, due to recent details that have emerged as the result of an internal investigation by the Legionaries:
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Today, Fr. Scott Reilly, LC, Territorial Director in Atlanta, Georgia, announced to all those who work in the Territorial Direction of the Legion of Christ, that Marcial Maciel had a mistress, fathered at least one child, and lived a double life. For this reason, the Legion is renouncing him as their spiritual founder.Life after LC provides a more comprehensive picture:
Rumblings began last week about how the Legionaries were gathered in bits and bobs to inform them that the founder was indeed guilty of "certain accusations." The rank and file were told in various places -- some on retreat, others in special meetings. There are some consistent details about the Official Explanation that are trickling in:I have heard more details in addition (a second child, etc), but in this situation, I tend to think we've already learned enough to make an evaluation. Anything further is simply prurient interest.
1) Maciel fathered a child who is now in her early 20's;
2) Maciel offered some money illicitly to his own family;
3) The current head, Alvaro Corcuera, entertaining his own suspicions, demanded that the case be reopened several years ago;
4) The health of the Legion depends on denouncing him as founder and moving on.
Suffice it to say that Pope Benedict's disciplinary actions against Maciel and interventions in Legionary practice were fully justified, and that the Legionaries of Christ have some hard decisions to make with regards to how they respond to this crisis concerning the founder. The eyes of the world are on them, and the prayers of the universal Church are with them. It is somewhat encouraging to see that the current head of the LC's personally saw to it that a thorough investigation took place. Now let's hope they follow through on their discoveries.
Other points to consider:
- There are many good and holy Legionary priests. I have been privileged to know several. The sins of the founder ought never be visited upon their heads, ever. Similarly, the Legionaries of Christ serve the Church in many important ways, these good things they have done must never be ignored.Related AmP posts from the archives (if you are unaware, I've been covering this for a long time):
- People who entered the Church through contact with the Legionaries of Christ or Regnum Christi, or whose faith life is closely identifiable with the movement, ought not to have their faith in the one true Church of Christ be shaken by the personal faults and failings of Marcial Maciel.
- However .... there remains a serious charge to be made about how the Legion has handled the allegations of misconduct against Maciel up to this point. Something along the lines of renouncing Maciel as their spiritual founder or perhaps spiritually "re-founding" the order might well be the appropriate response. For a start.
Most the important posts are accessible through this page
Jan 31, 2008: "Legionaries of Christ founder Marcial Maciel dies"
Dec 13, 2007: "New report offers confirmation that Pope dissolved secret Legion vows"
May 19, 2006: "Fr. Maciel removed from ministry: reactions & commentary"
The mainstream media is sure to have a field day on this one. In this storm of coverage, we must not lose sight of our duty as brothers and sisters in Christ to support one another in prayer, and especially to reach out to those hurt and surprised by this news who are part of the Legionaries and Regnum Christi. In these situations we can often become confused and angered, but let us not miss this opportunity to perform spiritual and personal acts of mercy. In all this, a frank admission of the facts at hand are key to moving forward.
I will be providing continuing coverage of this story as it develops, and will especially await the official response from the Legion.
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