General Chapter: Third Update

Informative Note Number 3
2020 General Chapter

January 30-February 4

February 4, 2020

Over the past couple of days,  the General Chapter established six working commissions—a practice typical of general chapters—according to the diversity and importance of the discussion topics: abuse and safe environments; Legionary identity; initial formation through priestly ordination; ongoing formation; vocations promotion; mission and apostolate.

On January 31, Father José Cárdenas, general administrator of the Congregation, presented the administration report for the last six years. On one hand, he explained the professionalization of our management and administrative processes, and on the other, the need to train Legionaries in this field. He focused, among other things, on debt reduction, advances in the effort to improve the financial sustainability of the territories, external audits realized, and the first steps for creating a fund for sick and elderly Legionaries.

The chapter fathers dedicated February 1 to reviewing the recommendations and norms relating to sexual abuse as well as past, present, and future responsibilities. They are drafting documents containing their resolutions for this priority topic.

On the vigil of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, World Day of Consecrated Life, the chapter fathers participated in the celebration with the Holy Father, together with the Consecrated Women and Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi, and many religious of different congregations, renewing together before the tomb of the apostle Peter their own consecration to Jesus Christ, and asking the Lord to enlighten the Chapter’s work.

The other days of the Chapter had begun with a concelebration in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Around the altar, the chapter fathers live and grow deeper in communion with Christ. The homilies, inspired by the word of God, nourish the Chapter’s work.

On Monday, February 3, the territorial directors began to present their territorial governance reports.