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Comunicados oficiales Throughout the years, Fr. Marcial Maciel has been the object of accusations. In recent date the Holy See published a communiqué on this subject. We also publish the communiqué of the Legion of Christ of the same date, as well as other related communiqués.
Communiqué from the Holy See Press Office (May 19, 2006) VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 2006 (VIS) - With reference to recent news concerning the person of Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique: "Beginning in 1998, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith received accusations, already partly made public, against Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, for crimes that fall under the exclusive competence of the congregation. In 2002, Fr. Maciel published a declaration denying the accusations and expressing his displeasure at the offence done him by certain former Legionaries of Christ. In 2005, by reason of his advanced age, Fr. Maciel retired from the office of superior general of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ. "All these elements have been subject to a mature examination by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and - in accordance with the Motu Proprio ´Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela,´ promulgated on April 30 2001 by Servant of God John Paul II - the then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, authorized an investigation into the accusations. In the meantime, Pope John II died and Cardinal Ratzinger was elected as the new Pontiff. "After having attentively studied the results of the investigation, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the guidance of the new prefect, Cardinal William Joseph Levada, decided - bearing in mind Fr. Maciel´s advanced age and his delicate health - to forgo a canonical hearing and to invite the father to a reserved life of penitence and prayer, relinquishing any form of public ministry. The Holy Father approved these decisions. "Independently of the person of the Founder, the worthy apostolate of the Legionaries of Christ and of the Association ´Regnum Christi´ is gratefully recognized." Communiqué from the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ The Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement in response to the communiqué of the Holy See renew their commitment to serve the Church In reference to the news regarding the conclusion of the investigation of the accusations made against Father Marcial Maciel, our beloved father founder, the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ offers the following statement: 1. Father Marcial Maciel has received during his life a great number of accusations. In the last few years, some of these were presented to the Holy See so that a canonical process would be opened. 2. Facing the accusations made against him, he declared his innocence and, following the example of Jesus Christ, decided not to defend himself in any way (*see footnote). 3. Considering his advanced age and his frail health, the Holy See has decided to forgo a canonical hearing and to "invite him to a reserved life of penitence and prayer, relinquishing any form of public ministry". 4. Father Maciel, with the spirit of obedience to the Church that has always characterized him, has accepted this communiqué with faith, complete serenity and tranquility of conscience, knowing that it is a new cross that God, the Father of Mercy, has allowed him to suffer and that will obtain many graces for the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement. 5. The Legionaries of Christ and the members of Regnum Christi, following the example of Father Maciel and united to him, accept and will always accept the directives of the Holy See with profound spirit of obedience and faith. We renew our commitment to work with great intensity to live our charism of charity and extend the Kingdom of Christ serving the Church. *Note: Since 1997, the accusations against Father Maciel have been often published by the means of communication. Father Maciel, after affirming his innocence, chose not to engage on a public debate regarding these allegations. Communiqué from Mexican Episcopal Conference Mexico City, May 19 The conference of the Mexican episcopate manifests its full communion with the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the decision taken on the investigation of accusations made against Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ. The Holy Father has approved the decisions of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the leadership of Cardinal William Joseph Levada, who stated -- taking into account Father Maciel´s advanced age as well as his poor health -- that he would drop a canonical process and invite the Father to a silent life of prayer and penance, ceasing his public ministry. We know that the Legionaries have accepted this disposition of the Holy See with a profound spirit of obedience and faith. As the official statement of the Holy See has done, we also acknowledge the evangelizing and social work that the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ has carried out for millions of Mexicans. The apostolate that the Legionaries carry out in the country, with schools, universities and other social and evangelizing work is, without a doubt, of great benefit for the Church in Mexico.
Carlos Aguiar Retes
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