Cardinal De Paolis' Progress: Official Vatican Intro to Legion Chapter and Interview with Cardinal De Paolis, 1/9/2014

							1/9/2014 12:03:45 PM
Cardinal-Delegate discusses Legionaries' Chapter
(Vatican Radio) The Extraordinary General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ begins its working sessions on Thursday, under the guidance of the Pontifical Delegate to the Legion, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis. The Chapter has been called with a view to helping the Legion reform and renew itself in the wake of revelations regarding the double-life led by the congregation's deceased founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel. Following a Vatican investigation into Fr Maciel’s life and conduct as founder and leader of the congregation, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 stripped the priest of his leadership role and ordered him to a life of prayer and penitence. Cardinal Paolis granted an interview to the Vatican Radio’s Director-General, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ. The purpose of the interview was to present the progress made during the three and a half years of Card. De Paolis’ term as Delegate, in order more fully to understand what went into preparations for the Chapter, what are its goals and what are the expectations for it. Following an examination of conscience apt to allow for unclouded evaluation of the path the Legion has taken, especially in recent years, the six-week convocation of 61 priests from 11 different nations is to turn its attention to the needed constitutional reform and the election of new leadership. In his broad-ranging conversation with Fr. Lombardi, SJ, Card. De Paolis recalls that his mandate followed the Apostolic Visitation that concluded with the removal of Fr. Maciel. Cardinal De Paolis says that, from the outset, he has regarded his task as Delegate as one of guidance in the work of renewing Legion of Christ, counting on the genuine religious commitment of the majority of its members. The principal requirements of the renewal project were the revision of the Constitutions and a change in leadership. Nevertheless, in order to be deep and lasting, reform needed to involve – as far as possible – the broad membership of the Legion in different provinces and communities throughout the world. With regard to the Constitutions, the central points of the revisions concern authority and the exercise of authority in the governance and the day-to-day life of the congregation. Cardinal De Paolis also offers a reflection on the “Patrimony of the Institute” – i.e., on the institutional elements that characterize and qualify the Legion as a spiritual and ecclesial reality. In this light, he describes a vocation to live the Mystery of Christ, who proclaims the Kingdom, with the spirituality that is typical of the Kingship with which Christ reigns from the Cross, accompanied by a vibrant Eucharistic and Marian piety, as well as an orientation to service. The Cardinal Delegate goes on to explain that this vocation expresses itself in forms specific to the life religious priests, of consecrated lay people, and the lay faithful. He discusses this perspective as one that allows the reality of the Legion, composed of priests, to come into focus as one not of isolation, but of profound involvement in the broader “Movement” of Regnum Christi (though the exact nature and structure of the relationship remains to be determined). Below, please find the full text of the English translation of the interview, which was conducted in Italian and may be found on the Italian page of the Vatican Radio website. ***************************** Fr. Federico Lombardi’s interview to Card. Velasio De Paolis Q.—Your Eminence, the General Chapter for the Legionaries of Christ begins on January 8. It represents the next and fundamental step on the long journey of renewal that you led on behalf of the Holy Father. Would you like to summarize briefly the steps and the main events of this journey of preparation, from your appointment up to the Chapter? A.—I would first of all like to point out that this path is not the beginning of the story of the Legion and Regnum Christi, but it is one stage of it. The first stage is the story of the Founder; the second is the visitation by the five bishops sent by the Holy Father to get to know this reality; and the third stage, in fact, is the appointment of the papal delegate. It is important to emphasize this. Why? Because the visitation of the five Apostolic Visitators presented the result of a reflection, an evaluation and also a consideration for the future. When the Holy Father appointed the Papal Delegate, he had already issued a severe judgment regarding the actions of the Legion’s founder in the Official Bulletin. However, this judgment was not so severe as to destroy the congregation: if the Pope appoints a Delegate, he is implicitly denying that a substantially negative judgment of the Legion itself should be made. At the beginning of the bull of appointment, he says, “There are a large number of priests who are zealous and committed to the path of holiness.” Since there was this assumption of trust, this step—which began with the appointment of the Pontifical Delegate—was rather a positive appointment. In other words, he wanted to restart the journey alongside the Legionaries, so as to guide them through a period of reflection and renewal—which was also penitential—and so as to review their charism, to rewrite their Constitutions and then to resume their positive position within the Church. This is necessary to say, because the investigation regarding the Founder was considered, in some way, closed; even the stage of visitations to various places was considered closed. It was now necessary to work within the institute, in order to make people think and to help them overcome their difficulties. And this was precisely our task. The Pope says that, among many tasks, the main one is the revision of the constitutions. They had constitutions which had not been drawn up according to the criteria of the post-conciliar period, but rather using the traditional criteria: it was a very long, heavy, even cumbersome text, in which the constitutional norms were indistinguishable from others. At the disciplinary level, there was a discernible mentality that did not distinguish the gradualness of the law, nor the importance of certain laws, and thus the “substance” of the discipline was indistinguishable from other rules that are useful—perhaps even necessary—but not “characteristic” of a congregation. There was a “sea” of norms, in which the charism itself was also watered down, or at least weakened, so as to make it difficult to remain in focus. This was the main task. Q. And how did you go about dealing with the situation, together with your team of collaborators? A. It started just by reminding the Legionaries what the Visitators said, because we had to start from there. In fact we presented the observations that the Visitators had made in several conferences to all those who were here in Rome. (In Rome there were 400-500 students and priests.) They recorded these lectures, which were then sent to the entire Legion, as well as to Regnum Christi, which is broader than the Legion. When we started, there was—you could say—almost a division into two groups: the first one emphasized the fact that the government of the institute was tainted. In some way, this group could not hope at all for anything new. There was another group, however, that could not grasp the news, because they saw almost everything as positive: they even thought that their characteristic quality—which had prevented them from falling into the defects of the other religious institutes—was the fact of being a well-ordered reality. In reality, they had fallen into a trap far more dangerous, that of the founder himself! We have progressed along this path, identifying the problems related to the consequences of the behavior of the founder with respect to the victims. We identified problems of a financial type. The Legionaries are not as rich as you might think: the economic situation had deteriorated, both because of the global financial crisis, and because of their institution. The loss of reputation caused a loss of students at their schools, and therefore also in financial revenue. Then there was the problem, above all, of the constitutions, and that is what we have worked on most. The main issue was how to review them, particularly regarding some key points. What were they? The clear distinction—clearer and more accurate—between internal forum and external forum, and between sacramental forum and—let us say—disciplinary, external forum. It was necessary, in particular, to reaffirm that authority is not arbitrary, but must operate within a council. Their authority was also organized in a way that was rather spread out and split in many parts, with many uncertain elements. In short, we have reduced the problem to the redaction of Constitutions according to the instructions of the [Second Vatican] Council, the post-Conciliar period and the Code of Canon Law. We made our greatest effort regarding this very topic. Then there was also the work needed to renew the leadership, which was very important. At the beginning we let the superiors remain in their positions. This was a necessary requirement, because those of us who came in could not operate and govern without knowing the situation. It seemed to us more useful and effective to maintain the superiors, but always under the control of our presence. Thus, we committed to being always present in their general council meetings. They could run their government, but they could not decide anything unless we were present. Thus, there has been this “osmosis” of continuous dialogue. We have held meetings of the two councils at least once a week: I had my council, and they had theirs. In this way, we started this discussion, where we dealt with all the major problems: the issues regarding the Founder; formation issues, issues regarding Regnum Christ. There were also disciplinary issues, regarding the cases of some priests who were tainted by Church crimes. (Although there were not very many cases, there have been some cases in the Legion, as has also been the case in many other institutes.) This is the general framework under which we have operated. Q.—I believe that the Chapter now has two main tasks: to renew the government through elections and to adopt the new constitutions. But if the work of the constitutions has already been carried out, in way must the Chapter take action in their regard? A.—This topic as such involved us only in part, because it had already been judged implicitly by the visitators and by other actions done later. If they had judged that the institute were inseparable from the founder, there would have been no discussion. Instead, by foreseeing that the congregation would move forward along with its charism, they implicitly acknowledged that perhaps it already had a valid charism. Nevertheless, it is also true that the Holy Father in the bull of appointment spoke of reviewing the charism in depth, which we have tried to do. We have inserted this charism into a larger reality, Regnum Christi, which already existed in the context of the founder. We also have identified a charism for Regnum Christi, which is lived out in different ways and according to various vocations: laity, consecrated lay persons and religious priests. It seems to us that the identification is quite accurate. However, following the Code of Canon Law, we have preferred—or at least I have preferred—to speak of “patrimony” or “patrimony of the institute,” by which I mean the institutional elements, rather than “charism,” since the latter is a somewhat problematic term. If we think of the “charism,” as the initial moment of spiritual wellspring, we will have difficulties. If, however, we think of the institutional aspects—that is of a charism as it is given to the Church and approved by the Church—we can identify, for example, “These are religious priests, laity, and consecrated lay persons who want to experience the mystery of Jesus as he announces the kingdom, with spirituality typical of the Kingship of Christ (Christ’s kingship, not from a triumphalist point of view, but from the point of view of Jesus, who triumphs from the Cross triumphs), with a very strong devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary and with apostolate (that is, with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Christ, especially through work in universities and higher education). If we think of all this, we feel that the “face,” the spirituality, of the institute is quite clear and precise. Q.—In this way, is your assessment is that the majority of the Legion and Regnum Christi Movement in its essential aspects has reacted positively, with cooperation in this journey of renewal, so that now you can really have confidence? Or we are still only part of the way there…? A.—I would like to point out that our work has been predominantly with the superiors, because this was the main task, the one that motivated all the discussion about the Legion itself, which was centered on its founder, who was a superior—an absolute superior! It is enough to affirm—as his former councilors affirm—that he would often act as he pleased, without making use of his council! So the problem was precisely helping the superiors to learn a form of government in which superiors are transparent, observant of the Church’s norms and respectful of her rules. In this regard, since we could not easily be present in all the territories, and since we had so many issues to deal with, we opted to cooperate with the superiors, or rather, sought to have the superiors cooperate with us so as to foster renewal, especially as regards the exercise of authority. We were convinced that, once the Legion was equipped with worthy superiors, the journey would be on its way and could make progress. I think that I can say that this has been the case. Many internal tensions have also been overcome. Of course, we have had such tensions, and they have not completely dissipated. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Legionaries have resumed being a tight-knit group. It seems to me that the Chapter begins auspiciously, because, although some will tend to be more open and others more closed, the basic trend is to acceptance of the draft of the Constitutions, as it is being presented. The key characteristic that must be emphasized is absolute obedience to the Church. I remember writing a letter at the beginning of this process, that if they kept this loyalty and obedience to the Church, the journey undertaken could not fail to be a positive one. It seems to me that there actually was obedience to the Church: I have never heard any grumbling against the authority of the Church, nor against those of us who represented her. Of course, there were a few people, but that is normal…. In this respect, I think we can hope that these constitutions will actually be suited to their purpose, will accompany the renewal and will produces good results. These constitutions, must, of course, then be approved by the Holy See, once the General Chapter has produced them. Q.—In this Chapter, will we address the problems of the renewal of the Legion, or also of the entire Regnum Christi family, which is very large? A.—In this regard, I think we have had to trace a new path, because before, Regnum Christi was like an extension of the Legion. Instead, we have come to realize that each group has its own autonomy, identity and discipline. However, together they form a “movement.” (Let’s call it a “movement,” since that is the common parlance, even though the word “movement” is difficult to define, because it is a complex group of people who want to be dedicated to Church within Regnum Christi, according to each one’s vocation.) Therefore, there is a great unity among laity, consecrated lay persons and religious priests, who are dedicated to working together closely. These are things that still have to be defined further. It is however, also important to point out that that what has, in a way, overwhelmed the Legion regarding its scandals not touched this great Regnum Christi Movement. Thus, there is a big “slice,” a great ecclesiastical reality that remains intact and has been serving the Church, especially in the area of religious education and Catholic and Pontifical universities. That is promising. Q.—One last question. This case was initiated with a mandate given by Pope Benedict XVI, and now, in the meantime, a change of pontificate has taken place: now we have Pope Francis. Pope Francis has come to a full knowledge of this affair. Do you feel that he is on the same page as you are? Is he well informed about what is happening? A.—In the three and a half years, I have met several times with Pope Benedict XVI, and have made some specific reports. The last report, however, was displaced, because Pope Benedict resigned soon after I delivered it. When the new Pope was elected, I felt the need to submit this report to him again. He immediately called me, and after a few days he wrote me a letter, in which he confirmed me in my work and approved the program I presented, which was precisely the calendar of dates for the General Chapter. He asked me to inform him regarding the process of preparation for the Chapter. At the end of November, or early December, I presented the preparation materials to the Holy Father. The Pope has been very attentive, very close, and he rightly wants to follow the journey we are undertaking taking, because—and these are his words—“he feels a great responsibility, as the Successor of Peter, to accompany religious and consecrated life.” Q.—With the General Chapter, a new government is expected to be elected for the institute. We can already predict that, if everything works out well, the mandate of the Delegate will be concluded. Is it possible that the Delegate would then accompany the Legion further along its journey? A.—The mandate of the Delegate, provided by Pope Benedict XVI, did not have a time limit. However, the term was linked to the celebration of the Extraordinary General Chapter. Once the Extraordinary Chapter has been celebrated, the mandate will be over.
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"Thus far, we have only completed the process of preparation." Who Understands Cardinal De Paolis?

 

Chapter Members attend a mass celebrated by Cardinal Velasio De Paolis at the Legion of Christ's Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, in Rome, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. The mass marks the opening of the Legion of Christís General Chapter, the month-long meeting where theyíre going to approve new constitutions and elect a new leadership, thus ending a Vatican's three-year reform experiment. Photo: Andrew Medichini, AP

Lo and behold, Cardinal De Paolis announces on January 8, 2014, on the threshold of the Legion General Chapter that all the work that was done -or not done- over the past three years was just to "prepare the renewal of the Legion"

According to AP Nicole Winfied, the Cardinal in his homily to the chapter fathers stated, among other things:

"It has been repeatedly stressed that the revision of the constitutions cannot simply be considered a technical effort, but should be accompanied by a process of examination of life, of review and of spiritual renewal for the institute," he told the gathering of a few hundred priests in the chapel of the Legion's seminary on the outskirts of Rome. "Thus far, we have only completed the process of preparation."


The Extraordinary Chapter  of the Legion of Christ is underway, three years after Cardinal De Paolis began his renewal work.

Those of us who have been eagerly following the "renewal" of the troubled Legion are asking ourselves What has The Apostolic Delegate achieved?

Wasn't more than renewal required?
Why not reform?
Why not re-founding?
Why not cleansing?
Why not cut the filth out of it?

Why not rid it of all of Maciel's proteges, appointees, lackeys and accomplices?

1. He moved Vicar General, Luis Garza Medina from Rome to the USA; Garza was destituted from his Vicar General post and made Territorial Director of North America where he was closer to his family and fortune in Monterrey Mexico. Does he still have his hands on the Legion's Finances?
2. Some superiors were moved from one place to another, possibly to help them avoid legal responsibility for Maciel's and their own crimes: Fr. Bannon who was the Legion's main maker and shaker in the USA was moved back to the safety of Ireland and later moved to Rome to head the drafting of the new Constitutions. Fr. John Devlin, Fr. Maciel's personal secretary for decades, his confidant, valet and right hand man, disappears from the scene, maybe hiding our in Ireland, away from prying American reporters or lawyers.
3. Most of the superiors, almost all had been hand picked by Maciel, were left in the posts.
4. So, De Paolis shuffled the pack a bit.
5. No major discernment process took place with the help of outsiders: wise spiritual advisors and psychotherapists who could help all the member re examine their call to the Legion.
6. The outcomes of the Commission for the Financial Reform of the Legion remain unknown.
7. The Commission to compensate victims of Fr. Maciel has acted in a warped and miserly way: victims had to go through the Legion, i.e. the abusing organization, in order to seek compensation. The Legion was judge and jury of the legitimacy of the claims. Only claims concerning Fr. Maciel were addressed. Only claims that had not sought legal recourse were allowed....Cardinal De Paolis was quoted as saying that he would not squander the Legion's resourced to compensate (greedy and unreasonable) victims.

And now, lo and behold, Cardinal De Paolis tells us that all the work that was done -or not done- over the past three years was just to "prepare the renewal of the Legion"

Legionaries, Pope does not want little ideological priests who don't go out among the poor!

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Church must not create selfish 'little monster' priests, pope says

Saturday, January 4, 2014 - 14:54

Reuters

 "Formation (of future priests) is a work of art, not a police action. We must form their hearts. Otherwise we are creating little monsters. And then these little monsters mould the people of God. This really gives me goose bumps," he said.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has said men studying for the Roman Catholic priesthood should be properly trained or the Church could risk "creating little monsters" more concerned with their careers than serving people.
In comments made in November but only published on Friday, Francis also said priests should leave their comfort zone and get out among people on the margins of society, otherwise they may turn into "abstract ideologists".
The Italian Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica published an exclusive text of the comments, made in a three-hour, closed-door meeting the Argentinian-born pontiff had in late November with heads of orders of priests from around the world.
"Formation (of future priests) is a work of art, not a police action. We must form their hearts. Otherwise we are creating little monsters. And then these little monsters mould the people of God. This really gives me goose bumps," he said.
Since his election in 2013 as the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, Francis has been prodding priests, nuns and bishops to think less about their careers in the Church and to listen more to the needs of ordinary Catholics, especially the poor.
Taking over an institution reeling from child sex abuse, financial and other scandals and losing members to other religions, Francis has tried to refocus on the basic Christian teachings of compassion, simplicity and humility.
His conversation with the members of the Union of Superiors General is important because they will transmit his wishes directly to priests in their religious orders around the world.

"NO HIDING PLACE"
Francis said men should not enter the priesthood to seek a comfortable life or to rise up the clerical career ladder.
"The ghost to fight against is the image of religious life understood as an escape or hiding place in face of an 'external' difficult and complex world," he told them.
He made a brief, indirect reference to the sexual abuse crisis, saying a man who has been asked to leave one seminary should not be admitted to another easily.
Francis said priests had to have "real contact with the poor" and other marginalised members of society.
"This is really very important to me: the need to become acquainted with reality by experience, to spend time walking on the periphery in order really to become acquainted with the reality and life-experiences of people," he told them.
"If this does not happen we then run the risk of being abstract ideologists or fundamentalists, which is not healthy."
The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics has set a new tone in the Vatican, rejecting the lush papal residence his predecessors used and opting for a small suite in a Vatican guest house, where he eats in the common dining hall.
Civilta Cattolica is the same periodical that ran a landmark interview with Francis in September in which he said the Church must shake off an obsession with teachings on abortion, contraception and homosexuality and become more merciful.
Francis, known as the "slum bishop" in Argentina because of his work among the poor, said reaching out to marginalised people was "the most concrete way of imitating Jesus".
His own first visits after moving to the Vatican were to a jail for juveniles and to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa to pay tribute to impoverished immigrants who have died trying to get to Europe.
Francis has said several times since his election that he feels the Vatican is too self-centred and needs to change.
A committee of eight cardinals from around the world that he has appointed to advise him on how to reform the central Vatican administration, know as the Curia, is due to submit its recommendations in February.