Originally published at National Catholic Register
The confirmation, more than 15 years ago, of the sexual abuse of minors committed by the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, Father Marcial Maciel, marked a turning point for priests, consecrated men and women, and laypeople in the Regnum Christi movement. The revelation of these painful events led to a period of discernment and renewal that for many became a path of hope.
In 1998, nine victims filed formal charges against Father Maciel at the Vatican, but he denied the allegations. In 2004, the investigation was resumed, and the Holy See ordered him to withdraw from active ministry, although he was never expelled from the congregation. After his death in 2008, the Legionaries of Christ publicly apologized, confirming Maciel’s double life, which also included fathering at least four children with various women.
According to a 2019 report by Regnum Christi, at least 175 minors between the ages of 11 and 16 were victims of abuse by 33 priests of the congregation, including at least 60 cases attributed to Maciel.
After what happened, many consecrated women embarked on new paths, rediscovering their vocation to marriage or other charisms within the Church. Others, however, chose to stay and begin anew, embracing
