February 5, 2025 – With profound joy and gratitude, Regnum Christi announced today the Holy See, through the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, has definitively approved the Statutes of the Regnum Christi Federation. This significant milestone follows a five-year period of implementation, lived experience, and discernment since the initial approval ad experimentum in 2019, marking a new chapter in the communion and mission of Regnum Christi. This recognition affirms the path of renewal taken by the vocations that make up the Federation — including the Legionaries of Christ, the Consecrated Women, the Lay Consecrated Men, and lay members —and strengthens the commitment of its members to live out their shared charism in communion with the Church and at the service of the mission.
A Journey of Discernment and Renewal
The canonical establishment of the Regnum Christi Federation and the initial approval of its Statutes on May 31, 2019, were the fruits of a renewal process initiated in 2010 under Pope Benedict XVI. This process sought to discern and clearly express the renewed and authentic charism shared among all members of the Legionaries of Christ and the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi, and lay members. It was led by the late Cardinal Velasio de Paolis, CS, with the assistance of Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ. Over the past five years, the Federation has been implementing its structures, growing in unity, and deepening its collaborative mission. In 2024, the First Ordinary General Convention of Regnum Christi reviewed the experience of living out the Statutes and, with a unanimous favorable opinion from lay members and a qualified majority of the consecrated delegates, resolved to request final approval from the Holy See. The Dicastery’s rescript confirming this approval underscores the Statutes as a guiding light for the identity, mission, and collaboration of Regnum Christi members.
Commitment to Mission and the Church
On February 5th, 2025, the General Directive College of Regnum Christi conveyed this news to members, highlighting the Holy See’s expressed hope that the Statutes will continue to promote the Regnum Christi charism and foster collaboration in the mission entrusted to Regnum Christi by the Church. “This approval represents a recognition that gives solidity and stability to the Federation,” the General Directive College affirmed in its letter. “It calls us to continue growing in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of our Statutes, as they illuminate our charism, spirituality, and apostolic mission.” The Federation also acknowledges that future General Conventions will assess the ongoing lived experience of the Statutes and may propose modifications for ratification and further approval by the Holy See, ensuring continuous discernment and fidelity to its mission.
Looking Forward with Hope
As the Church begins to celebrate the Jubilee of Hope in 2025, this definitive approval inspires Regnum Christi to move forward with confidence. It is a call to continue being witnesses and apostles of Christ in the world, united in mission and service. Regnum Christi expresses deep gratitude to the Holy See for this affirmation. Let us give thanks to the Lord for this step forward and pray for His continued grace in living our mission with courage and dedication. For further details and photos, and to access the official letter from the General Directive College, please visit this page on our website.
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About Regnum Christi:
The Regnum Christi Federation is a spiritual family and apostolic body within the Catholic Church that includes a religious order of Pontifical Rite—the Legionaries of Christ, the Societies of Apostolic Life of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi and of the Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi, and lay members of diverse walks of life. Regnum Christi is governed jointly by a college made up of Legionary priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and lay members who participate in an advisory capacity. Its mission is to make Christ’s Kingdom present in the hearts of people and in society, building communities of apostles, and fostering a deep personal relationship with Christ and active participation in the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Information:
As of December 31, 2023, Regnum Christi has over 20,000 members globally, including 18,308 lay members, 1,316 Legionaries of Christ, 486 Consecrated Women, and 47 Lay Consecrated Men. In the United States, Regnum Christi operates seven schools and Divine Mercy University, a graduate school of Psychology. Legionaries of Christ are entrusted with parishes in the dioceses of Atlanta, New York, Raleigh, and Houston.
Annual Mission Youth & Family Holy Week Missions are an apostolic cornerstone of Regnum Christi across the country, with over 3,500 missionaries spending the week leading up to the feast of the Resurrection in humanitarian, spiritual, and service missions in the cities, parishes and dioceses where they live.
www.regnumchristi.com
