In a story from CNS today, the Legionaries of Christ not only acknowledged that their founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, had sexually abused young seminarians, but also asked forgiveness and promised accountability for those who had been "guilty of cooperation" in his crimes.
From John Thavis' story:
"A statement released March 26 by the Legionaries and its lay branch, Regnum Christi, said that any members of the order who were guilty of cooperation in Father Maciel's crimes would be held accountable.According to the the CNS story, the Legionaries have resolved to reach out to those who have suffered, tell the truth about the order's history, protect minors in all its institutions, cooperate better with bishops and church institutions, continue oversight and demand accountability in the order, and redouble its efforts to bring the Gospel to as many people as possible.
"The statement said the Legionaries were looking to the future with the hope of continuing to serve the church, but with a greater emphasis on reconciling with those who suffered from Father Maciel's actions and greater cooperation with local pastors and other church officials.
"The future of the order rests in the hands of Pope Benedict XVI, who ordered an apostolic visitation of the Legionaries last year. The visitation team's report was expected to be handed in to the Vatican at the end of April.
"...The statement said the Legionaries would follow the instructions given by Pope Benedict in light of the Vatican investigation, which was conducted in the order's institutions around the world. Many at the Vatican expect a major reorganization of the Legionaries, perhaps with direct supervision by the Vatican."
Read the full story HERE.
