October 18, 2011. (Romereports.com) Cardenal Velasio De Paolis, is working to make the lay branch of the Legionaries of Christ more autonomous from the congregation that created it. It was founded by Marcial Maciel. The mission and spirituality of the movement, called “Regnum Christi” will continue to be the same of the Legion, but it will be governed separately. 

From now on consecrated men and women of  the “Regnum Christi” will gradually gain control of the branch. But for now, their head will still be the superior of the Legionaries.

This process will be long. It will be overseen by cardinal De Paolis, who is a delegate of the pope. He along with others, held an 'apostolic visit'  to analyze the impact Maciel's scandalous life had on the order and the “Regnum Christi.”

The first change is the disappearance of the figure of a “priest delegated of the general director,” which was held by a member of the Legion. Those governing duties, will be now be passed on to consecrated members.

Furthermore, De Paolis, determined that  consecrated members can freely choose their confessors and spiritual directors. In fact, as a responsibility, superiors should help them choose
between priests who belong to the order and those who don't.

As another rule, the mail of lay members shall not be opened by other people and the use of the internet will not be restricted.

Consecrated members of the Regnum Christi are people who promise to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience and to work full time toward the mission of  the Church.


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