One of the most senior leaders of the Legionaries of Christ has resigned from the order, saying he "did not have the necessary energy to confront the challenges" of his position.
Fr. Deomar De Guedes LC, second general counsellor of the order, submitted his resignation to Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, pontifical delegate of the Legionaries of Christ.
Cardinal De Paolis has been leading a reform of the Legion since revelations of grave abuse and corruption by its founder, Father Marcial Maciel, came to light.
In a statement, the order said Fr. De Guedes “had asked the pontifical delegate to be exclaustrated from the Legion, but Cardinal De Paolis granted him permission to resign “extra domum,” meaning Fr. De Guedes may reside outside of the religious community for one year.”
“The cardinal asked Fr. De Guedes to reevaluate his situation during that year in light of the new superiors who will be elected in the next General Chapter,” the statement added.
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Fr. Deomar De Guedes.
– Legionaries of Christ
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Fr. Deomar De Guedes LC, second general counsellor of the order, submitted his resignation to Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, pontifical delegate of the Legionaries of Christ.
Cardinal De Paolis has been leading a reform of the Legion since revelations of grave abuse and corruption by its founder, Father Marcial Maciel, came to light.
In a statement, the order said Fr. De Guedes “had asked the pontifical delegate to be exclaustrated from the Legion, but Cardinal De Paolis granted him permission to resign “extra domum,” meaning Fr. De Guedes may reside outside of the religious community for one year.”
“The cardinal asked Fr. De Guedes to reevaluate his situation during that year in light of the new superiors who will be elected in the next General Chapter,” the statement added.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/senior-leader-in-legion-of-christ-resigns#ixzz2k70UmIGl
Many of us who have known and worked with Legion priests can tell you that the last thing in the world they are is phony. I have never known a group of priests who worked so hard, prayed so much and had so much zeal for the authentic Catholic faith. Sadly they were betrayed by the infamous Maciel and they deserve compassion and encouragement. I too question whether or not they will be able to survive the weight of the evil of their founder. I trust the Pope who is giving them the opportunity to attempt a fundamental reform. It seems to me that there are many orders who have had saintly founders who are also desperately in need of reform. No priest is without personal weakness whether he be in an order or diocesan. I have never known a perfect Legionary and I have known many. I have known men doing their very best at great personal sacrifice to bring about the Kingdom of Christ. They deserve our prayers and compassion as they attempt a reform and a chance for a new beginning.
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