Frequently asked questions

When was the Legion of Christ founded?

The Legion of Christ was founded on January 3, 1941 in Mexico City.

READ MORE about our history.

What makes the brotherhood of the Legionary community special?

There is a deep sense among the community members of how their good example to each other not only edifies but also builds communion and unity among all. It is a true manifestation of the words of the Gospel: “Look at how they love one another”. 

What is the difference between priests and brothers?

In the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, those who are in formation before receiving Holy Orders are called “brother.” It is not a permanent state or title, but one that is replaced by “Deacon” upon the ordination to the Deaconate, and eventually “Father” upon priestly ordination. Legionaries are brothers for about 10 years, from their novitiate until their deaconate ordiantion.

What do priests do?

There are lots of different things a priest does, and they depend to a great degree on the type of priest he is (if he is a pastor, a teacher, a contemplative, etc.), but there are certain things that never change. The Sacrifice of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer. A priest’s day is built around these, and they are the source of everything in his life.

What vows do Legionaries make?

Legionaries make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. You can learn more about the vows in our constitutions.

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What do priests do?

There are lots of different things a priest does, and they depend to a great degree on the type of priest he is (if he is a pastor, a teacher, a contemplative, etc.), but there are certain things that never change. The Sacrifice of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer. A priest’s day is built around these, and they are the source of everything in his life.

Most priests will do a fair amount of preaching (homilies, sometimes retreats, RCIA classes, etc), and so he must read, study and prepare what he will give. A priest in a parish will celebrate other sacraments frequently: Baptisms, Marriages, Confessions, and may have a school in the parish he is responsible for. He will have the administration to take care of as well. He will be on call for whoever needs him. There are priests who do specialized ministry (college, high-school and hospital chaplains, for example) with their own set of daily duties and undertakings. Some priests teach. Some are contemplative monks and spend their days in manual or intellectual labor, and prayer. Mostly the days are not long enough for all you want to do and all that needs to be done. People come to the priest for advice, a word of consolation and support, the answer to a doubt or question, to unburden their consciences, etc., and you need to be there always for them. More than anything you have to be ready to scrap your own plans to help the person who is right there in front of you. All of that comes from the love of Christ in your soul, and your desire to use your life in the best way possible to serve him in others. Priests, of course, have their breaks and vacations too. But even at those times the center of your day is still the Mass, and you have more time and are more relaxed to pray the Liturgy of the Hours well, and to devote a little extra time to personal prayer.

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