life-after-RC

Taqiyyah at the "Holy Headquarters"

Nelly Ramírez doesn't have much hope, according to this Vatican Insider report. It lays out the history of the visitation of Regnum Christi and notes how closely the Movement is still tied to Maciel's carefully laid master plan:

The primary obstacle to the freedom of Regnum Christi appears to be its history and its form of governing. In fact the movement is governed by the same leadership of the congregation, headed by the current director general, the Mexican Álvaro Corcuera. A solid group of consecrated members does not have the intention of assuming its own destiny fundamentally for fear of the unknown.

From its birth Maciel governed the movement with an iron fist. The daily life of the consecrated members is governed by a few Constitutions of more than a thousand issues that include even the most minute details. Over these internal regulations arose a controversy in 2009, when it was discovered that the Constitutions approved by The Vatican only include 123 sections.

The board sorted out the conflict arguing that it all involved “a secretarial error” and that the document with more than a thousand prescriptions should have been considered as the “extended version.”

Oops. That's what happens when trusting one's superiors is paramount and critical thought is put out to pasture. Now, people are supposed to begin to find their own way, when they hardly know how to operate in a straight-forward manner, according to Nelly:

“What the Holy Headquarters must understand is the internal culture, how we live and what both obedience and fraternal charity mean to us, where being content is not heard but is feigned. This must be understood in order to achieve a real change,” said Ramírez in an exclusive interview.

To do this the apostolic visit must culminate in a process of purification and opening up to become acquainted with other religious lifestyles; a large process would involve “a revolution” because it would mean the acceptance of diverse points of view. “I do not know if they are willing,” she pondered.

In any case Nelly Ramírez is pessimistic about the success of the Vatican’s involvement: “what I believe will happen, according to the mentality of the institution, is that a few new statutes will have been created beforehand, there will be a simulation in which supposedly all are able to voice their opinion but on subjects that are already well developed. From there supposedly new rules will result and it is all over.”

Docility simply doesn't work out well when those in charge have ulterior motives--and there have been no changes in the leadership. And awakening these 900 women (are there really that many?) after their looong siesta from rational thinking will prove extremely difficult, and virtually impossible when those who might have stimulated real discussion were marginalised and left.

Programs do what they're programmed to do

Good piece by Mark Shea, which highlights a large part of the Legion saga:

On the other hand, you had lots of people, very good people — a blessed pope, even — trusting men like Father Maciel and simply unable to bring themselves to believe that the people waving their hands and shouting warnings could possibly be right. Some of them even attacked the critics and whistleblowers as enemies of the Church, motivated by evil spirits or malice or worse. ...

And then it all comes out. The guy was a fraud. He’d been playing his adulators for suckers for years, lying to them all and even using them as human shields to protect himself while he subtly worked them into a fury against his critics, investigators, and accusers (all while adopting a properly martyred pose of patient resignation to persecution, of course) and sent them out to shout down and destroy the whistleblowers and witnesses to his perfidy.

Everybody is stunned. They have to work through all the stages of dying to reach the place where they really do admit to themselves that they were not just suckers, but suckers who persecuted whistleblowers on behalf of the guy who suckered them. How could they have gotten played so badly? There is a period of mourning — and then we move on to believing completely in the next guy with a gift of gab or a knack for writing snappy prose/singing catchy Christian tunes/making popular Christian movies.

His next point is to look at the fruit, which is not what it appears at first glance. His excellent example is Tertullian, who ended badly, despite much excellent preaching. This is not to say that Tertullian was a flim-flam artist, as MM was, but that many can exhibit various spiritual gifts, which are no guarantee of sanctity. The overarching point, though, is that charismatic gifts aren't necessarily sanctifying gifts, and we must remember how disastrous are God's graces that are perverted away from His ends:

So while suppression of one’s charism through fear can be a form of disobedience, likewise perversion of one’s charism by sinfully turning it from the service of God to selfish purposes can be a much graver sin that distorts and destroys oneself and one’s gifts.

Once again, Father Maciel is instructive here: a man of massive organizational charisms who used those gifts to create an organization whose purpose, in the final analysis, was to supply him with means to pursue his proclivities and guard him from being discovered. He designed the robot so well that it went lumbering on defending him even after he was dead — because organizational systems, like computers, don’t do what we want them to do. They do what they are designed to do. Father Maciel perverted his charism to fool people into trusting him and then organized those people into a phalanx of defenders. He understood the Number One Rule of the Con Man is that a con man does not fool people. He gets people to fool themselves.

We would do well to meditate on the portion I bolded -- for that is the methodology we've been blowing the whistle about for so long. And remember how LATE we are to the truth, when men in the 1950's were the first to alert the Church that this emperor had no clothes. To little avail.

The information is there now. Families ignore it at their peril. The hierarchy will also pay if they continue to let the machine "lumber on." Is there anything left to be said? Shall we just watch the recruiting continue and the fund-raising masquerading behind new marquees and fresh shingles? Ah well, we'll pray through the summer and see if more eyes cannot be opened.

News on Abp. Blazquez

From Periodista Digital:

 (Jesús Bastante) -  After several months, Ricardo Blázquez concluded his apostolic visit to Regnum Christi last Tuesday. On June 30 the archbishop of Valladolid will present to Benedict XVI his report on the lay branch of the Legionaries of Christ. Among the key points is a request that the consecrated women gain “full independence” from the order and be allowed to become a religious congregation with full canonical status.

Blázquez ended his visit in Brazil after visiting houses in  the United States, Venezuela, Italy, Mexico, Spain and Chile. The investigation, carried out under the auspices of the vice-president of the Conference of Bishops, had three aims: first, to listen to Regnum Christi members’ complaints or doubts regarding the future of the movement and the congregation with which it is associated, the Legionaries of Christ, and its founder, Marcial Maciel; secondly, to investigate the situation of lay members of the movement, one of the most active among a new crop which includes the Neocatechumenal Way; lastly, to address the specific problem of the “consecrated women” who do not have a separate identity apart from Regnum Christ, nor any legal or canonical standing.

The principal recommendation that Blázquez will make to the pope will be that the consecrated women be allowed to acquire official status, drawing up statutes and developing a model for religious life, while maintaining a fond connection with Regnum Christi, as well as with the Legionaries of Christ, provided the congregation founded by Maciel survives the pope’s final decision.

In regard to its lay members Blázquez was pleasantly surprised by Regnum Christi’s commitment and its work in the field of education and solidarity. The doubts that persist stem from the degree of affiliation that the organization must maintain with the clerical branch, which now finds itself on the spot. Many members of Regnum Christi want to neither hear nor talk about Maciel’s Legionaries, although they are aware of the importance the Holy See places on all lay apostolic movements having some sort of branch affiliation with a priestly order, as is the case in the Neocatechumenal Way and Opus Dei.

Baffling

We've established that the Legion is in a transitional phase--in need of a charism, a constitution, a credible leader, a healthy way to deal with its foundation, and a mission. Rather unique for all that, but the Church hasn't pulled the plug and thus we pray for their ability to reform and regroup. We'd have more confidence if they began to deal honestly with their situation, but spin has always been a strong suit and so spin it is.

With that said, can anyone fathom why anyone would dedicate a month to this?

• The presenters are almost all Legionaries -- with one Jesuit thrown in (who has actually written a book on narcissism, of all things);
• The title is from Maciel's own book on the topic, Integral Formation of Catholic Priests, and all of the Legionaries invited to speak at this event rose to their level of "expertise" under MM's watchful eye;
• The subtitle, "The Identity of the Diocesan Priest," isn't exactly a Legion strong suit, since they know very little about it (community/congregational living is radically different) and there has been a snide anti-diocesan attitude in the Legion from its inception;
• The topics are specifically those that have been discussed here--namely charity, prayer, human formation, academics and maturity--and all are red flags, given they way each serves the LC cult. And to top it off, they even use the "case study" which is a key part of the Legion methodology.

The site claims that this course has been offered since 1991, thought it's doubtful that it was in this form, making the claim that 1300 priests took "it" a little suspect. Even so, given the current situation in this congregation, one is baffled to consider why any diocese--esp. given the "current economic challenges" that the Legion always reminds us is part of their problem--would take such a key administrator (seminary formator) and place him under the care and direction of this particular group with already scarce funds. For a whole month. Really? (and you need to complete the whole course for the "diploma.")

"The Lives of Others"

The above is the title of an excellent film available through Netflix. I highly recommend it (with the warning that there is one scene inappropriate for children, but integral to the story). That movie concerned the Stasi, who have found disciples in the Legion's superiors. From Trastevere's comment box (translated by an older, wiser? googelle). Corrections welcome:

Thy kingdom come!
Dear in Christ, P. Emilio:
Best regards. It was reported briefly how my recent visit to the apostolate of Saltillo.

1 -. General information:

- I was 20 and May 21.
- We celebrated the Mass, when I preached the Eucharist and accompanied them at every meal.
- I met with the superior, P. Juan Gabriel Martin.
- I attended a dialogue with all members of the community. All spontaneously asked me: PP. Arturo Guerra, Luis Ignacio Núñez, Rye and HH Pius. Manuel Reyes, Luis Felipe Lopez, Juan Pablo Rebollo and Juan Carlos Diaz.

2 -. General comments on the community:

- There is a healthy atmosphere of joy and serenity. There are normal expectations regarding the current situation, but also much peace. It is also very naturally the topic in the talks.
- During the past year, the charity and helpfulness have greatly improved. However, P. Luis Ignacio, by his nature, sometimes reckless or makes comments that are missing to charity with members of the community or with outsiders. Also H. Manuel Reyes tends to be ironic and mess with others.
- I could confirm that the superiors have been neglectful somewhat in punctuality, several members often tend to arrive late to work, the examination of conscience or dinner.
- There should be more care concerning the silence, especially after breakfast and lunch.

3 -. Specific comments on some members:

- P. Arturo Guerra: is his first year as a priest and in the apostolate is quiet and slow, but he is a fervent and zealous worker, so I think that gradually he will become better. As a manager, there are costs because he lacks leadership and human influence on the brothers. He is very proactive and that too has gotten much [interfered?] in the running of the house. However, I've seen with P. Juan Gabriel Martin, who clearly were shared responsibilities and give him his space to the manager.
- P. Luis Ignacio Núñez: he says he is calm about the current situation, but is constantly reading and forwarding all that comes and does so often exaggerated or reckless comments. Fortunately, community members already know and joke about it or [put in place the things he says the father]. The ministry has many people asking him for help as a priest, but nothing organized or has initiatives and much encouragement to excel. Is already somewhat settled. He also said the superiors are spending lots of time on the computer watching and texting inconsequential.
- P. Pius Rye: the father said that cost me a lot of years he was in Palermo I was very lonely, and also felt that superiors did not pay much attention or interest only lent. ((Be aware: It is very sensitive to the treatment they give the top!)) Is now very well, is earnest and faithful, very zealous in the apostolate has a nice, preach and I know says the higher the father has fallen well to people. Regarding the situation of the Legion, that's fine, but as is so sensitive, [she?] suffers a lot to see people who depart from RC or faith in things we are experiencing.

- H. Manuel Reyes: I mean the superior, the brother again is returning to the manifestations of rebellion, internal and external criticism, rationalism, and so on. how disturbing they had made at the beginning of their practices. It really costs a lot of obedience and humility. Fr Juan Gabriel has many doubts about the suitability of the brother, because he is older (31 years old).
- H. Luis Felipe Lopez is a good brother, very mature. Suffers a bit in the apostolate, because in practice it is he who carries the ECYD, but then, as P. Luis Ignacio is who has the title assistant, feels many brakes by the father. Now I will comment on P. The advisability of Benjamin's brother and assistant to the father is a chaplain ECYD.
- The brothers of the tour (HH. Juan Pablo Rebollo and Juan Carlos Diaz) are very good, faithful, devoted to the apostolate and, being so different, complement each other well on the tour in both the treatment and into work.

4 -. Recommendations to the top:

- A closer monitoring of the community, sometimes members were not present at evening prayers, at the Angelus, and so on. The father acknowledged that it was laziness and he has resolved to improve this.
- With P. Arturo Guerra: sit with him and share the great need for him as manager to leave his room and to get more involved.
- With P. Luis Ignacio: tell him not to send anything to your computer ...
- With H. Manuel Reyes: speak very kindly but clearly that what he is demonstrating is so contrary to the religious life, for the brother to work harder on his training and thus can we can better judge his suitability.

This is most relevant to the visit. God bless you!
Affectionate in Christ and the Legion, José Luis Richard, LC

As a parent, it's obvious that there are deep-seated problems here that are not being managed well. Besides the fact that the community is in crisis, the superior is only looking at the exterior: get them out of their rooms, get them to their prayers, get them to stop doing this or that.

When a teenager is hunkered in his room and uncooperative, there is the mandate to get outside and mow the grass (he is afterall, somewhat of a child) but then there are the deeper questions: is he depressed? is something going on at school? is he hiding drugs or alcohol? is he doing something harmful on the computer?

This "report" is a tattle sheet that has no interest in the inner lives of the men; only an assessment of who remains safely integrated and who is throwing up red flags. If a Benedictine monk was missing at  the Divine Office, after a while someone would take a walk with him to see if he was having a crisis of faith -- he is, after all, a grown man. In the Legion, though, it's so dysfunctional that the only answer to the silent, heartbreaking meltdowns is "a closer monitoring of the community," with the intention of isolating and neutralising those who are eluding the mind control.

I hope that other members of this Movement see how such visits are made, by what criteria the members are assessed, and what is done with the reports. I don't like the gossip-y angle to this, but the report is already public. It recalls the Legion's assessment of the men at the NAC years ago (here and here), as they were figuring out how to manage the relationships so that they would benefit the Legion when the men returned to the United States. No one likes to be spied upon, and to think that this is an integral part to the Legionary Discernment Process is repellant to all who love God. Today, on Trinity Sunday, let's appeal to the God of truth, of integrity, and of authentic communion to reveal how the Legion is the antithesis of all three.

_____________________

BTW, here are a few [redacted] NAC assessments:

D. Montana
Height:average; Hair:dark; eyes:dark (w/glasses). distinguished. Spoke profoundly about his future ministry. Of all those there he seemed most content. (He's good).

E. San Diego, CA
5'5". Black hair. V Intelligent. Very important. He's ours.

EF. Wash DC
His Bish wants him to get a degree in Canon Law. I don't know if this means anything. One of the more friendly ones. He's ours.

J. Portland, OR
1st yr ND grad. Fairly slim. quiet. Brown. Didn't seem too interested. I'm shakey about his doctrine. Leader. Must get him.

N. Skinny. Crew-cut. 1st bseman, second game. V old. L of M. Seems pius. Very very open. Spiritual. He'll be easy to get.

Just remember: to this very day, there is no chance encounter, no innocent conversation. Everything serves an end, notes are taken on everyone, conversations are recorded/recounted later. The Legion is the Borg and everything's up for grabs. The key, though, is in the movie. Note how it ends!

"Who you gonna call?"

As already pointed out in another thread, the Legion isn't exactly the "ghostbuster team" you'd turn to for advice on marriage and sexuality issues, having shown themselves unable or unwilling to face the ramifications of having been formed by a paederast and womaniser. But that hasn't stopped this conference. Here you would have a variety of formation talks such as:

• Fr. Ramón Lucas, LC, Professor of philosophical anthropology and bioethics at the Gregorian University of Rome: Theology of the body and the Christian vision of sexuality—philosophical aspects
• Fr. José Antonio Labeaga, LC, Professor of philosophical anthropology at Regina Apostolorum: Corporeity in St. Thomas Aquinas

• Fr. Walter Schu, LC, Professor at the Classical Humanities College of Cheshire, CT: Chastity and the gift of self in the theology of the body
• Experiences and testimonies regarding the theology of the body (Fr. Marcelo Bravo, LC Director of the Center for Studies on John Paul II at Regina Apostolorum)
• Fr. George Elsbett, L.C., with Corbit and Brigit Gams (Austria and Germany)
• Fr. Martin Connor, L.C. (Ireland, England, and the United States)
• Presentation of the program “Pure Fashion”
• Directed Meditation based on the theology of the body in the chapel of Regina Apostolorum: Fr. Martin Connor, LC

• Christopher West, Fellow of the Theology of the Body Institute of Philadelphia, PA: Living the theology of the body as a call to holiness: The journey of the interior life
• Pastoral and cultural aspects of the theology of the body
  Moderator: Fr. Michael Ryan, LC
• Moral and bioethical aspects of TOB
  Moderator: Fr. Juan Pablo Ledesma, LC   

• Fr. Joseph Tham, LC, Professor of bioethics at Regina Apostolorum: Bioethical aspects of the theology of the body

• Christopher West Presentation: “Fill These Hearts”

That's the LC component, and of course there are many other contributors -- just check the site. I think what bugs me is the clunkiness of it all -- to hold a conference on chastity, purity and integrity of the human body at the home of a congregation recently under investigation and currently in reflection on those very topics. Not that they cannot have deep thoughts about the subject -- but it's that they will provide a large proportion of the lectures when in crisis themselves, having been betrayed in each of these realms. Reallly?

Isn't this like asking a wealthy widow if you can have the run of her mansion to talk about prostitution in the third world, when her husband was just killed in a botched police sting in Thailand? Oh, and would she and her children like to give a few talks on family communication and how to plan wholesome family vacations?

Parse this as you will

Proportionally speaking, Jim Fair finds it remarkable that most of the congregation is persevering amidst their crisis.

Bottom line:  The number of people we commonly refer to as “Legionaries” was down 124 at the end of 2010 compared to the end of 2009. To me, the perseverance of so many holy men is truly a gift from God.  We need to pray for them, as well as all priests and religious

I don't think the numbers add up, but that's not easy to prove. Furthermore, given that the process of leaving is so slow, and so encumbered with categories that aren't represented here, perhaps we should be more encouraged that the statistics already show a 5% decrease in the first year. In the category of religious, there was about a 15% decline, which will be impossible to sustain for several years.

Let's take him up on that appeal for prayers, though many of you have never flagged in that regard!

CA Apostolic School closing

From the comment box:

Dear Fathers, Brothers, and Consecrated in Christ,

Greetings to all of you. My prayers are with you all as you prepare for your summer camps, conventions and of course a little well deserved rest. It is never easy sharing difficult news. Over the years, we have been accustomed to regular and uplifting announcements of some apostolic advance for the Legion and the Movement. It has been a challenge to try to embrace the God’s providence when it expresses itself in ways that run counter to our expectations. Nevertheless, we need a deep faith that embraces the setbacks as well as success.

With deep regret, I need to inform you that  Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Colfax, California will be closed at the end of this school year. This is a great sorrow for the students and their parents, as well as for all the Legionaries who work there. I have attached Father John Curran’s letter to the families making this announcement. Let’s keep all of them, students, parents and the Legionaries in our prayers during this very trying moment.

While we cannot minimize the sadness this causes for us, we need to understand that these decisions —difficult as they are—come as the result of the very challenging circumstances the Legion is living through right now, as well as the very tough economy. But I believe that we are setting the foundation for a healthier Legion in the future. 
I want to thank personally, and before the Legion, Fr Bannon, and the ICAS team: Fathers Curran, Fazio, and Doyle, and the religious: Brs Loch, Peiret and Castañeda (and the priests and religious in previous years) who have worked to make the school work under difficult circumstances. Such selfless dedication has to be acknowledged with respect and gratitude.

Let’s continue to pray for the Legion and Movement as we strive to make our way forward. Even though it has involved the pain of consolidation, having stronger communities will mean stronger religious life, and that is the solid foundation for lasting growth that will serve the Church more effectively.

Sincerely yours in Christ and the Legion,
Fr John Connor LC

And a second letter:

Thy Kingdom Come!

June 15, 2011
 
Dear Families,
 
It saddens me to have to share a very difficult piece of news with you, one that reflects a recent decision by the Legion in light of the challenging circumstances facing our order.
 
We will be closing the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Colfax at the end of this current school year. I deeply regret the sadness and the shock of this news. We have been working to avoid closure, but have exhausted all our options. The Papal Delegate himself had to review and approve our final decision.
 
Our hope is that after the economy stabilizes we can reopen, but timing for that is yet to be determined. We will be consolidating our resources to strengthen the other two apostolic schools in Indiana and New Hampshire. In the upcoming days the Legionaries at ICAS will receive our new assignments. However, we plan to continue our youth work in on the West Coast and are evaluating how we might use the Colfax site.
 
Of course, your sons are welcome to transfer to one of our other U.S. apostolic schools in  Rolling Prairie, Indiana, or Center Harbor, New Hampshire – or one of the schools in Mexico -- if you and they discern this is best. I can discuss this with you more personally and send you information on these apostolic schools.
 
Our Colfax boys are outstanding and over the years several have entered the seminary. All of us are deeply happy with their growth; the boys give such hope to so many people. The Legionary and lay staff are privileged to work with these young men -- the Church needs priests! And the mountain setting in Colfax is ideal for the boys’ formation.
 
At the same time, we have an operational deficit of $450,000 – and every year we have been deeply in the red and dependent upon our territorial administration. On top of this, the buildings at ICAS are in need of major repair. We lack key lay staff members and three of our Legionaries - Fr Doyle, Br Loch and me - have exceeded our assignment terms. While none of us is indispensible, the Legion is strapped to find men to replace us.
 
So many love and support us – starting with you and our staff. In the upcoming days I will speak personally with you – as many as I can. I don’t know how to say thank you. 
 
And at the same time I need to say, “We are sorry.” We shouldn’t spring such bad news on anyone – especially our family: you, the boys, the staff, our dear friends. But we are dealing with an unpleasant reality.
 
Let us realize Mary’s closeness and allow her to take us by the hand. And let’s ask Mary to help us respond to the Holy Spirit with our own “Fiat” peacefully accepting God’s will. May you and your families experience His fruits in your lives and in your homes: “charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity”. Please pray for us.
 
With the assurance of my prayers, and my deepest gratitude,
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Fr John Curran, LC
Rector

Excellent suggestion for the 3gf's

From Polish Pilgrim (and others--thanks!):

Special Vatican Meeting Discussed Problems of Religious Life
 
At a special June 13 meeting convened by Pope Benedict XVI, the leaders of the Roman Curia discussed several concerns about religious life, according to the leading Vatican journalist, Andrea Tornielli.
 
Tornielli-who has been consistently accurate in his reports on the inner workings of the Vatican-says that the topics discussed during the meeting included the importance of maintaining separation between men's and women's religious communities; the limits of lay leadership (especially over priests); and the pitfalls of excessive devotion to the founder of a religious congregation or to an apostolic movement. In discussing the excesses that should be avoided in religious communities, the dicastery leaders reportedly emphasized that the commitment to a religious congregation or movement should never work against the unity of the universal Church, the authority of the teaching magisterium, or the conscience of the individual member.
 
The conversation on this point appears to reflect the painful lessons learned from the crisis within the Legion of Christ. In addition to encouraging adulation of their founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel, the Legionaries also followed a rigid system of discipline that included a rigorous ban on any criticism of a superior.

I think MM's methodology will provide a footnote to most discussions about Religious life, for as long as the Legion exists (perhaps afterwards, as well). but this discussion didn't only reflect on what has transpired, but may also help bring about a rumoured change for the 3gf's (who are NOT religious, btw), From Aaron:

Jesus Bastante claims that +Blazquez will reccomend that the 3GF be completely independent from LC and that it have merely affective links with LC and the rest of RC (1GF and 2GF). No substantiation of allegations though, but they go hand in hand with the Pope's meeting about separation of female and male religious...

Come Holy Spirit

Come by means of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your well-beloved Spouse. Happy feast day, and prayers for you and all your loved ones.