life-after-RC

News at Zenit

From CNS:

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The founder and editorial director of the Catholic news agency Zenit has resigned, citing problems of trust and transparency with Zenit's sponsoring organization, the Legionaries of Christ.

Spanish journalist Jesus Colina, who established Zenit in 1997 and helped build it into a seven-language agency with about 450,000 email subscribers around the world, said he had been asked to resign because he resisted pressures to identify the agency and its work more closely with the Legionaries order.

He gave it a heroic effort, but Zenit didn't want to separate from the Legion. There were the standard problems throughout:

• Legion promises to separate financial accounts were never fulfilled;
• key information about what transpired with the NP was withheld;
• blame about standard shortcomings always shifted to others;
• crisis of trust inhibited ability of staff to perform job; 
• [not mentioned] character assassination of those who wouldn't play along.

Please understand the implications, and consider other sources of news from now on. News agencies need readers, and if you have problems with the trajectory or pace of the reform, here's a means of showing that concern.

Damning Milenio video (II)

[Sorry, just realised how long that last thread was and how many comments it had]

This follow-up article in Milenio notes that the Conference of Mexican Bishops issued a statement after the airing of their show on Maciel. [Googelle needs help, thank you]

The Mexican Bishops' Conference found that the revealing pictures of Maciel and his family presented in the program, The Last Days of the Kingdom of Marcial Maciel, (MILENIO TV) make a "mockery" of the authority of the Catholic Church.

Manuel Corral, the priest in charge of Office of Bishops' Relations, said that the images in which you see Macial Marcial walking with his wife and daughter make a "mockery of the authority of the Pope and the Church, because he should have been in prayer ... It shows how he lied and was surrounded by his relatives."

For its part, the researcher Bernardo Barranco said that the leadership ("cupola") of the Legion, which claimed ignorance, is now forced to account publicly for providing cover for the double life of its founder, and if the Vatican does not hereby apply severe penalties it must mean that it has only economic interests and not a pastoral concern for that congregation, he said.

The specialist in religions also said the program was revealing because the photos in which the pederast appears with his wife and daughter--vacationing and meeting with Legionaries--are proof that the Legion's leadership knew about the double life of its founder [and the occult] for several years.

With that information now in the media, it means that Pope Benedict XVI has been provided with documentation and has ...[help?] must now make a "severe adjustment" with substance, otherwise this could cause a schism within that congregation. And yet now the "Legionaries have a moral ["unfounding?] because of this perverse image of the person whom they revered.

Alberto Athié former diocesan priest and José Manuel Fernandez Amenabar, former president of Anahuac University, who both denounced Maciel Degollado for sexual abuse, said that with this spread by MILENIO, you can open a serious debate on the relevance of the Legion of Christ.

"The pictures are revealing, but we need an analysis on the current status of this congregation and its future, because the double life of Marcial Maciel affected its structures," he said.

And the recent apostolic visit made to the congregation must have received many testimonies of this sort of involvement, and [these testimonies] are now harbored by the Vatican.

Concerning images of Maciel's deathbed, where his followers kiss the forehead and hands, he said "it seems like the death of a mafia boss" surrounded by those who swore allegiance to him.

Original text:

La Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano consideró que las fotografías reveladoras de Maciel con su familia presentadas en el programa Los últimos días del reino de Marcial Maciel, de MILENIO Televisión, son una “burla” a la autoridad de la Iglesia católica.

El sacerdote Manuel Corral, encargado de Relaciones Interinstitucionales del Episcopado comentó que las imágenes en las que se ve a Marcial Macial paseando con su esposa e hija, son una “burla a la autoridad del Papa y a la Iglesia, porque el debería haber estado en oración... vemos como mintió y fue solapado por sus allegados”.

Por su parte, el investigador Bernardo Barranco afirmó que la cúpula de los Legionarios está obligada a rendir cuentas públicamente por el encubrimiento de la doble vida de su fundador, que aseguraron desconocer, y si el Vaticano no aplica sanciones severas significaría que sólo tiene intereses económicos y no pastorales en esa congregación, afirmó.

El especialista en religiones también sostuvo que el programa fue revelador, porque con las fotografías en las que aparece el pederasta con su esposa e hija vacacionando y en reuniones con legionarios, son una prueba de que la cúpula legionaria sabía desde hace varios años sobre la doble vida de su fundador y lo ocultaron.

Si esa información está en los medios, significa que el papa Benedicto XVI cuenta con esa documentación y sin embargo ha actuado de “manera tibia” porque no ha realizado “ajustes severos” tal vez, consideró, porque se podría dar un cisma al interior de esa congregación y sin embargo ya se da porque en la actualidad los “Legionarios tienen una moral desfundada”, debido a que la imagen de la persona que veneraban es de “perversidad”

Alberto Athié ex sacerdote diocesano que denuncio el abuso sexual de Maciel Degollado en contra del ex rector de la Anáhuac José Manuel Fernández Amenábar, destacó que con lo difundido por MILENIO se puede abrir un debate serio sobre la actualidad de la Legión de Cristo.

“Las fotografías son reveladoras, pero hace falta realizar un análisis sobre la actual situación de esa congregación y su futuro, porque la doble vida de Marcial Maciel afectó a las estructuras”, explicó.

Y en la visita apostólica que se realizó a la congregación se debe tener múltiples testimonios de esa afectación que han sido resguardados por el Vaticano.

Sobre las imágenes del lecho de muerte de Maciel, en donde sus seguidores le besan la frente y las manos, dijo “parece que es la muerte de un capo mafioso” al que le juraron fidelidad.

México / Eugenia Jiménez

We'll take that "inch"

According to a reader of this blog who attended the recent Atlanta meeting with Father Luis Garza, he had no qualms about calling the founder of his congregation a "psychopath." Let's dissect that using this information from Scientific American:

First described systematically by Medical College of Georgia psychiatrist Hervey M. Cleckley in 1941, psychopathy consists of a specific set of personality traits and behaviors. Superficially charming, psychopaths tend to make a good first impression on others and often strike observers as remarkably normal. Yet they are self-centered, dishonest and undependable, and at times they engage in irresponsible behavior for no apparent reason other than the sheer fun of it. Largely devoid of guilt, empathy and love, they have casual and callous interpersonal and romantic relationships. Psychopaths routinely offer excuses for their reckless and often outrageous actions, placing blame on others instead. They rarely learn from their mistakes or benefit from negative feedback, and they have difficulty inhibiting their impulses.

Later, the article takes on three myths: that psychopaths are violent, psychotic and untreatable. Two notable psychopaths mentioned with whom the public is familiar are Charles Manson and the virtual character, Tony Soprano. Not comforting in the least.

Another source compares and contrasts psychopaths and sociopaths:

Both psychopaths and sociopaths have a complete disregard for the feelings and rights of others. This often surfaces by age 15 and may be accompanied by cruelty to animals. These traits are distinct and repetitive, creating a pattern of misbehavior that goes beyond normal adolescent mischief.

Both the psychopath and sociopath fail to feel remorse or guilt. They appear to lack a conscience and are completely self-serving. They routinely disregard rules, social mores and laws, unmindful of putting themselves or others at risk.

OK. So the North American Director of this Movement started by a psychopath, following a methodology laid down by a psychopath--in fact who was personally given authority and formed by this psychopath--is inviting members (who were drawn in by the lies of this psychopath) to stay put, trust in the hierarchy (also hand-picked by the psychopath) to lead them in the ways of grace and truth.

What remains for those on the outside (who are familiar with both the diagnosis and the psychology of the formation) is to show that although the Named Psychopath (NP) is gone, his fingerprints remain in all sorts of nooks and crannies of his legacy -- The Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement. That is our chief concern, that is why we will not let this topic rest until the NP's congregation no longer has access to young people, nor has the ability to "form" them through the methodology he bequeathed us.

ADDENDUM: How could I forget part of that legacy, IPS? Gladys Sweeney, founding dean of the Institute for Psychological Sciences, noted:

"I too have known Fr. Maciel for a number of years and rarely have I met anyone with a more sound psychology. The behaviors that he has been accused of can only be the result of severe psychopathology. People suffering from these pathologies cannot "fool" others consistently, year after year. Sooner or later, the pathology gets out of control, and ends up in a disaster. Fr. Maciel, after many years of dedicated service and sacrifice, has continued to give more and more to the Church, and maintained an extremely fruitful life. This is psychologically inconsistent with a severe pathology. Also hundreds and hundreds of holy priests have followed his leadership and example. A person with a severe pathology may be able to "fool" a few dozen people, for a few years, but certainly not countless intelligent and balanced Legionaries that have dedicated their life to the Church, for nearly 60 years. Among the many supporters of Fr. Maciel, is our Holy Father, who certainly is very wise and most learned about the psychology of people."

If nothing else, this institution owes its supporters an explanation, and it owes an apology to those it smeared as being mentally unbalanced for charging MM with what Fr Garza acknowledges to be true.

Damning Milenio video

Consider who is at the bedside [all in Spanish, but clear enough] and remember that it was clarified previously that at least one mistress and child were also there. For the obtuse, it means each of these persons knew where Maciel died, under what circumstances and that their astonishment at his "double life" was feigned. One should also realise that since the "reform" is still in their hands, nothing of substance can happen. If someone wants to provide some translation, we'd be grateful, but it seems that an upcoming program will help to document the lies.

And don't forget: Day Three of the Novena.

ADDENDUM: To assist in recalling the details of this perverse saga

March 2010 Communique

And Corcuera's words at the death of Maciel:

"And the Word was made flesh!" These were the last words that Nuestro Padre left written. He knew that the Incarnation gave meaning to all our lives. As we know, ever since his childhood and adolescence, our Lord granted him the grace of clearly perceiving the relative value of time in the face of eternity. He always taught us that Christ is the center, the only reason of our existence: "…in the great Mystery of his Presence in the Eucharist… we can touch him and almost feel him as our Brother and Father, Friend and Redeemer. Thus… he has willed to draw us to Himself until the joyful day when, breaking all bonds, free in his total plenitude, we will be able to contemplate him in the life to come" (LNP, March 11, 1975).

Within the deep sadness and sorrow that this news gives us, I also have the joy of telling you that Nuestro Padre has reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage. With the peace that always filled his soul, he departed for his eternal destiny on January 30 in the United States....

As he often told us, he didn't want us to focus on him: "If only you could see not me, but God's plan"; he wanted us to go to Christ. It is around the tabernacle and in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament that we will be most deeply united, with the strength and singular significance of charity. This will be the best way of remembering him and of keeping him always in our hearts....

Pernicious lies that have never stopped.

UPDATE: A kind reader provides the video translation

Male narrator: With these images, we end this program and we hope you will join us on Monday at 9:30 pm.

 

(children cheering)

 

Maciel: God continues to clear the way for the realization of His work through the instrument that He has chosen and that instrument is me.

 

Female narrator: Marcial Maciel died on January 30^th, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by those who were his followers to the very end. 

By his side were Alvaro Corcuera, in that moment, Fr. Maciel’s replacement as Director of the Legionaries of Christ; Luis Garza, then Vicar General; José Antonio Alonso, chaplain and professor at the house of the Regnum Christi consecrated women in Rhode Island; his personal secretary, Marcelino de Andrés, his faithful assistants, Alfonso Corona and Oscar de la Torre; the man who had once been Director in Mexico, Eloy Bedi; Kevin Meehan from New Hampshire; Peter Hopkins, then Director of the women’s section of the Regnum Christi in New York; Emilio Díaz, from the Directorate in Atlanta; the administrator in the United States and Canada, José Felix Ortega; and two consecrated women, Elena Serrano and Malén Oriol. 

Fr. Maciel died unrepentant and maybe without imagining that two years after his death, those who were with him in his final hours would ask forgiveness for all the evils committed by the Director, Founder and Spiritual Guide of the Legionaries of Christ.  And not only that, they would also eliminate his name, take down his portrait, and erase his memory.  Adored as a saint in life, he would experience his demise in history.  Now, for all history, Fr. Maciel’s name is synonymous with sexual abuse of minors

 

Final Text: The Last Days of the Kingdom of Marcial Maciel.

A "shipwrecked" religious order

[Two updates below]

Ex-LC Fr James Farfaglia has a sharp review of Nelly Ramírez' book on the Legion, providing a biting reminder about the ulterior motives behind the Movement.

In an explosive new book which has been rocking the news in Mexico, Nelly Ramírez Mota Velasco tells all in an objective and clear manner, free from any venom.  "The Kingdom of Marcial Maciel - The Hidden Life of the Legion and Regnum Christi" is a fast read for anyone who is interested in understanding how the Legionaries of Christ could rise to power and success, only to suffer one of the greatest meltdowns in modern church history. 

Scrupulously researched and documented, her book names names, dates and places.  Courageously she answers doubts and questions that many former Legionaries and Regnum Christi members have been asking for quite some time. 

How is it possible that someone like Maciel, who has had a repugnant history of homosexual escapades since his time as a young seminarian and a young, promising founder of a new religious order (pp. 40-48) could rise to the height of power, influence and success with the evident approval of popes, bishops, political leaders and thousands of the lay faithful?

One aspect of the Legion of Christ that [Vatican Delegate Cardinal] de Paolis should pay close attention to is an organization called the Integer Group (Grupo Integer). Ramírez dedicates the ninth chapter (pp. 167-177) of her book to the topic of Integer, and her data raises even more doubts and questions regarding the rather mysterious figure of Legionary of Christ priest Father Luis Garza Medina. Garza, a member of the financially powerful Garza family from Monterrey Mexico, recently left behind his many years as the number two man of the Legionaries of Christ to become the Territorial Director (Provincial) for the Legionaries in the United States.

According to Nelly Ramírez's new book, the Legion of Christ priest in charge of Grupo Integer is Father Alberto Simán and the General Director of the organization is René Lankenau, father-in-law of one of Garza's nieces. Integer's advisors are Alejandro González and Rodolfo Villanueva, Garza's close friends from Monterrey.   Integer's financial director is Alejandro Páez, Garza's brother-in-law and Teresa Garza Medina's husband.

No matter what happens to the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement, it really does not matter. Integer owns everything and seemingly pulls all of the strings. And it does not matter what position Luis Garza has in the Legionaries of Christ because it appears that he is the man behind the curtain.

What we wouldn't do for a translation...! And is anyone willing to bring this up at the Atlanta meeting?

UPDATE: The Monk posted below Fr James' review, disputing just about every point -- even whether this was the monumental account that the published review purported; and thus Fr James responded at Monk's site with this:

Maybe we have a different idea of what "rocking the news" means. A simple Google Search will show that Nelly's book received signficant news converage in Mexico. Simply by the fact that popular news correspondents Valentina Alazraki and Paula Rosa jumped onto the story is signficant enough. I found the book easy to read. I discovered the book during an August trip to Mexico for a much needed break after a very intense summer of getting organized in a new parish assignment. I read the entire book in three hours during my flight back to Corpus Christi. I am not a fast reader, but the book captivated me. It is true that although Nelly's book does contain some technical information regarding the life of the Legionaries of Christ, it is not all technical. In fact, most of it is not.

Regarding any new information, perhaps Jack knows or knew much more than I do or did, but I would have to disagree with him on this point. True the book contains a lot of information that some of us already know, but there is one bit of information that was new to me that I find quite shocking and it is this information that really caught my attention as I devoured the book.

Maciel's history of founding the Legionaries of Christ is a fascinating story, at least that is what we were told over and over again in seminary classes and conferences (even many of them given by Maciel himself on the history of the Legion of Christ). He told us and other LC superiors told us that he was expelled from the Montezuma Jesuit seminary once. We were never told that he actually returned to Montezuma, only to be expelled again. Moreover, Nelly's book cites evidence that Maciel was expelled twice because he was involved in homosexual activity amoung the seminarians. To me, personally, the fact that he returned only to be expelled again, and the fact that there is evidence that he already had a serious problem is quite shocking. I think another article just on this topic alone is worth it.

My own personal information about Grupo Integer, my information regarding Fr. Luis Garza and Fr. Evaristo Sada all indicate to me that the actual problem within the Legionaries of Christ is extremely delicate and quite dangerous. Jack seems to downplay the importance of Nelly's book, the importance of Garza and the importance of Grupo Integer. I respectfully disagree.

As to my question as to who is really in charge, with all do respect and admiration for Pope Benedict XVI it would be quite naive to asseret that he is in charge of the Legionaries of Christ. When Alvaro Corcuerra, Luis Garza and Evaristo Sada have nothing to do with the running of any aspect of the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement, when these three men are doing simple priestly duties like working with the poor and the sick, or being a humble chaplain in a school, or running a parish in Chetumal, then and only then will I believe that the Pope is in control and that true reforms are taking place. In my estimation, the only true reform is for the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement to disappear and for someone to rise up and start something anew and fresh, free from money, ambition, power and sexual proclivities.

UPDATE II: By the way, an old thread received a new comment today --

Wakefield is down to about 30 students, half of whom are seniors.

Wakefield refers to the high school in Rhode Island in which girls discern whether they are called to be 3gf's. It is the female equivalent of an apostolic school, such as the one for young men in New Hampshire. The shipwreck is in process, but it's not over yet. Parents are still allowing impressionable minors to be formed in houses of this Movement, despite the massive confusion about the group's mission and methods of control.

Novena to the Little Flower

Today, those who are inclined are invited to share in a Novena, begging the intercession of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus on behalf of our loved ones still adversely affected by this Movement. Her humility, simplicity, and docility to legitimate authority provide a powerful antidote to the temptations to pride, duplicity and manipulation, which are often embedded in the methodology created by Maciel. Those of us who have left the Movement are certainly much in need of healing graces, and we leave to God what spiritual paths will be most efficacious in discerning God's will for our lives.

We are in a spiritual battle, and recognise after years of struggle that words alone are useless. These prayers are for all of us, and no doubt will be augmented by sacrifices and the good wishes of those who can no longer pray. Ultimately, we want freedom and authentic joy for everyone, and for the truth to prevail--especially as pertains to this Movement.

Prayers to be said each day: Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of divine love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray: O God, who have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be ever truly wise and rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love: O my God! I believe in Thee: strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee: do Thou secure them. I love Thee: teach me to love Thee daily more and more.

The Act of Contrition: O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance , and to amend my life. Amen.

[Special prayers for each day: this year from Thursday, Sept 22nd until Sept 30th.]

Concluding Prayer Prayed Each Day:

O Lord, You have said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven; grant us, we beg You, so to follow, in humility and simplicity of heart, the footsteps of the Virgin blessed Thérèse, that we may attain to an everlasting reward. Amen.

Territorial Imperatives

[The document is found here. H/t to Astrid]

1. Clarify and transmit the specific identity, vision and mission of the Legion and Regnum Christi and of our institutions, making sure our decisions and actions always flow from our identity and mission

• Work to restore trust and the joy of living our vocation:
• Help the closing of painful chapters of our history by providing what each individual needs
• Renew our attitude of atonement and reparation for our past
• Work with greater focus, realism and discipline, reducing the number of tasks entrusted to our members
• Establish clear principles and channels for decision making at the lowest possible level, while keeping esprit de corps and communion with the whole

• Monthly staff meetings of the territorial director’s team and territorial council meetings to review our priorities and advances on the implementation of our plan
  Continue periodic meetings of the Participative Organizational Council to follow up on the implementation of territorial planning (Adizes Syndag). Every 6 months, invite new participants to the POC
• Deepen our identity through the community Constitutions review meetings, Sunday talks and retreats
• Help the beginning of revision and renewal of the consecrated men and women according to the directives of the Holy See
• Foster teamwork and the ongoing formation in the mission of all apostolate directors through in-person annual training sessions
• Constant communication of progress to all stakeholders always referring to how the decisions made stem from our identity and mission

2. Stabilize our financial situation and begin putting in place a financial model that allows us to grow.

• Refinance our debt with banks to allow us time to improve our cash flow
• Find new sources of income
• Establish as soon as possible a territorial budget that is breakeven or better
• Ensure that financial safeguards and controls are perfectly in place
• Revitalize the development office and execute the 5-year plan
• Develop and implement a local model of fundraising that supports and complements the NDO
• Build an awareness in Legionaries and consecrated members that we have to become self-sustaining

3. Give consistent, excellent spiritual support/formation that helps to restore trust and enthusiasm in our communities and teams and RC members.

• For the Legionaries & consecrated members
• Ensure that each community or team has a holy and qualified superior or director
• Ensure that the spiritual directors serve our members in their spiritual betterment through ongoing formation
• Ensure good teamwork and unity between the spiritual directors and the superiors
• Revise team and community schedules to make the changes needed to strike a balance between spiritual life, community life, and apostolate
• Arrange consecrated personnel so that those starting off (new interns, new priests, etc.) have a mentor or coach
• Help superiors to attain the formative objectives of their community (without supplanting the superiors)
• Achieve an atmosphere of formation, serenity, joy and peace in each community
• Each community should develop together their formative plan for the year in accord with the territorial guidelines
• Each superior should hold a periodic review (3 times a year or so) of the program, advances, and areas for growth
• Assist those considering leaving the Legion or consecrated life, as well as those seeking to return
• Keep in touch with those who have left the Legion or consecrated life, as well as those who are temporarily living extra domum
• For the Regnum Christi members
• Make spiritual direction available for RC members
• Develop top quality resources for Regnum Christi members
• Ensure that all RC members can find monthly and yearly retreats (in person or online)
• Communicate the plans and progress and obtain constant feedback from RC members

4. Implement working localities in accord with our identity and mission.

• Ensure the right leadership and as complete a team as possible in each locality, beginning with the key ones
• Require that each locality establish a strategic plan including budget and development in accord with the territorial priorities and plan
• Establish a board for supervising implementation and fulfillment of the locality’s strategic plan

5. Reach out to new circles of potential apostles.

• Revitalize our vocation work (Fr Daniel Brandenburg, Monica Treviño, Luly Fernández)
• Increase our pastoral work
• Develop among Legionaries and consecrated good discernment skills to help young men and women that have expressed interest in a vocation to discern their call
• Establish discernment retreats and spiritual exercises across North America
• Continued growth of ECYD (Fr Daniel Brandenburg, Betty Rivera)
• Continued growth of Regnum Christi (Fr Andre LaSana, Luly Fernández, Mónica Treviño)
• Continued growth of Lumen Institute membership and chapters (Fr John Connor)
• Develop and implement new media strategy for evangelization and fundraising (Fr John Connor)

6. Design and begin implementing a strategic plan to increase the impact of our Hispanic ministry efforts.

• Have Hombre Nuevo as a basis of this development

Discernment in the sun

Perhaps this is standard in the Legion, but news to me. It seems that the novices volunteered

the month of July at Lyman’s Orchards in Middletown, Connecticut. Working 9-hour days in temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees, they pruned apple trees, weed-whacked, and prepared the grounds. Together, they logged close to 10,000 hours of work.

For whatever reason, out of 32 men, only 17 "persevered," and were professed in September. Could be different men, could be having less contact with Legionary recruiters while in the orchard, could be the heat (Legionaries stress that only the most dedicated will make it) or a variety of reasons. For those who went through the novitiate, is such work standard? One brother makes it sound like a regular program:

“Month of work is a radical change in your schedule to make you know what other people’s feelings are when they struggle to live in conditions that you are not used to at all,” said Br Fernando Luis, originally from Mexico.

But compassion for the downtrodden hasn't been part of the charism previously. And what is the relationship between the congregation and Lyman’s Orchards? What am I missing?

Discernment or exploitation (II)?

From a long-time member of Regnum Christi:

I just came across my RC commitment card (the new one released a couple of years ago) and reviewed the Core Convictions.  All of them are beautiful and could be embraced by any faithful Catholic with one exception:  "Because I love Christ, I lovingly embrace my calling to Regnum Christi."

This may seem innocuous at first glance, but it can really mess with your head if you integrate this thought into your identity as a Catholic Christian as I did.  In my thinking the converse also became true:  "If I don't lovingly embrace my calling to Regnum Christi, then I don't love Christ."

This presupposes a "calling to Regnum Christi," which many would argue is not a calling from God at all.  Do you ever recall being encouraged to prayerfully discern this "calling," which I was told (after incorporation) that I had committed to FOR LIFE?

After the Core Convictions are listed "My Promises to Christ."  Again, most of them apply to any faithful Catholic except for the very last one: "I promise to offer my time, talent treasure and apostolic endeavors [time, talent and treasure aren't enough?] to contribute to the mission of Regnum Christi at the service of the Church."

Again, they make you PROMISE this!  That's a big deal to me.  So leaving RC has felt at times like not only going back on my word, but also betraying Christ himself.

If you find yourself torn by these feelings and are still on the fence, please know that there is no obligation to be in ANY movement or association in order to be in full communion with the Church.  It took a lot of prayer, discernment and tears, but I am finally free of the spiritual prison that is Regnum Christi.  And now that little card is going to the trash, never to be read by me again.  May God be glorified!

To be clear: the exploitation in this portion of the methodology is the hijacking of the piety and good faith of the members. To renounce the tie, please refer to this post.

Discernment or exploitation (I)?

Behind the scenes of the Legionary recruiting methodology:

On a disturbing note, my husband found a spreadsheet when cleaning out an old desk of my son's today.  My son attended an apostolic school, and this spreadsheet was apparently given to him while a student there.

Across the top are columns entitled Prospect for What(categories listed are I,E,and P, not sure what they stand for), Name, State, Recruiter-In-Charge (mostly Kermit Syren but also some other priests/brothers), Recruiter Knows (yes/no), # Times Visited Apostolic School (varies from 0, 1, 2, 3 to "a lot"), Involved in LC Apost(yes/no), Prospect Level (categories are Interested, Interesting, and Deciding), Cultivator #1, Last Letter Date, Cultivator #2, Last Letter Date.  It goes all the way up to Cultivator #4.

There are 15 names on the list.  Some of them might be your sons.  One of them was a friend's son. The dates on this particular spreadsheet are February-April 2009.

I probably shouldn't have been surprised to see my husband and myself listed on it. Yes, my son was assigned as Cultivator #1 to his very own parents.

Perhaps the charism can best be described as exploitation, particularly the exploitation of children.  God knows the Founder certainly lived that charism with a particularly enthusiastic spirit.