The Legion of Christ is a Roman Catholic religious institute made up of priests and seminarians who are studying for the priesthood. The institute is affiliated with Regnum Christi, which was founded in 1959, and includes lay people and diocesan priests. The Legion of Christ was founded in Mexico, in 1941, by Marcial Maciel, who directed the congregation until he was required to step down amid allegations of abuse. Members of the Legion take vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. The Legion is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Church in the world. In order to accomplish this, candidates are submitted to rigorous formation of their human, spiritual, intellectual and apostolic dimensions. At one time, members of the Legion were prohibited from contacting family members, but this is no longer the case. If they live in the same country as their parents, they are permitted to visit with their families for eight days, as well as for landmark anniversaries of their parents and grandparents, and family members are encouraged to visit them two or three times a year. Novices do not return home during their two-year novitiate but family members may visit them. High school seminarians can go home several times a year, including summer vacation. The United States congregation runs the Legion of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities in Cheshire, Connecticut, for the formation of their own members. The Legion apostolate focuses on education and teaching, pastoral attention to youth and families, catechesis and preaching at retreats, evangelization and mission work, attention to the underprivileged, and works of charity and mercy. They also support bishops in the formation of diocesan seminarians and in the ongoing formation of priests, and offer spiritual attention to Regnum Christi members. The Legion operates several schools, particularly in the United States and Mexico. The Legion began in Mexico, and its larger base continues to be in Mexico.
Recommended Resources
Legion of Christ College of Humanities
Located in Cheshire, Connecticut, the College of Humanities was established in 1982 to provide education for Legion brothers in their first four years of formation toward the priesthood, which also leads to an Associate of Arts degree in Humanities. A history of the Legion of Christ, its novitiate and college, and contacts are put forth. Information is provided for those who believe they are being called to become a priest.
http://www.lccollege.org/
The Legion of Christ is a Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and men studying for the priesthood. The Legion is part of Regnum Christi. A history of the congregation is put forth, along with its mission, spirituality and community. Information on becoming a Legionary is presented, with testimonies from Legion members, a discernment toolkit, and an interactive map showing where the Legion works.
http://legionariesofchrist.org/
Legionaries of Christ 75 Years
Created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the congregation, which was founded in 1941, the site offers an overview of the Legion, including its spirituality, community, mission, spiritual family, and a description of the process of becoming a priest, from testing the call to the steps of candidacy. Information on visiting the seminary is included, with contacts for a vocation director.
http://legionvocations.org/
Legionaries of Christ Cheshire
Comprised of priests and men who are studying for the priesthood, the Legion of Christ received canonical approval from the Holy See in 1948. The congregation has had a novitiate in Cheshire, Connecticut since 1982, and established the Legion of Christ College of Humanities in 1991. A profile and history of the congregation is put forth, including its charism, a calendar of events, and a blog.
http://www.lccheshire.org/
Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legion of Christ, was forced to step down in 2005 due to scandals that included his having fathered up to six children with two women, despite a vow of celibacy, and having sexually abused minor boys. This, and other problems, that have come up regarding the operation of the Legion are the subject of this site, which also features information about refocusing and forgiveness.
http://www.life-after-rc.com/
