Pope: Engage in dialogue without being absorbed or homogenized
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
Pope Leo XIV encouraged Regnum Christi's Societies of Apostolic Life in their mission, reflecting with them on “charism, government, and communion,” in an address at the Vatican on Thursday, January 29, to those who participated in the entity's General Assembly.
“Today more than ever, it is necessary to know who we are if we want to engage in authentic dialogue with society without being absorbed or homogenized,” Pope Leo XIV said.
Regnum Christi is an international Catholic federation made up of three components: the Legionaries of Christ, a religious congregation, and two Societies of Apostolic Life, one for Consecrated Women and one for Lay Consecrated Men.
The Pope highlighted how in their General Assembly the members of the Societies were able to “reflect and discuss” on the charism of the different entities within Regnum Christi. He explained that the gift of the Holy Spirit, “while generating life and vitality in the Institute, also gives it a specific identity,” which makes their “presence in the Church and in the world recognizable.”
“In order to evangelize the contexts in which you live—the specific purpose of your vocation—it is therefore essential that you define your identity with ever greater clarity", Pope Leo said.
He underlined that “every sister and brother who receives the charism,” is called to make it a vital force, so that it may animate their mission and inspire future generations, “who are in turn called to fall in love with it and make it the source of their service.”
Don’t be afraid to try new styles of government
Turning to the topic of governance, Pope Leo stated that it “is a necessary service within apostolic societies” and a ministry that accompanies the members “toward a conscious, free, and responsible fidelity in following Christ.”
“Each institute and society is called to identify its own style of government, in harmony with its specific charism and spirituality,” he continued, highlighting that an “authentically evangelical government” is always oriented towards serving its members to help them be closer to Christ.
He in fact urged the participants to “not be afraid to experiment with new models of government.”
“On the contrary, it is good to keep in mind that the collective search for one's own style in the exercise of authority opens paths that not only enrich the Societies and their individual members, but also strengthen the sense of belonging and participation in the common mission,” the Pope insisted.
The importance of communion
Lastly, Pope Leo pointed out the importance of promoting communion within the Regnum Christi family, while living the vocation which God has called them to within their realities.
“Unity in baptismal dignity and diversity of vocations are not opposed to each other, but rather illuminate each other,” he said. “Organic communion in diversity is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms every vocation into service for others, so that the Body of Christ may grow throughout history and fulfil its mission in the world.”
“We are all lives on a journey, to whom God continues to inspire his dreams through prophets of yesterday and today, to free humanity from ancient and new forms of slavery, involving young and old, poor and rich, men and women, saints and sinners in the works of his mercy and in the wonders of his justice,” Pope Leo said.
The Pope concluded that “the Lord still surprises us and still allows himself to be found, through ways that are not our own, and therefore his faithfulness continues to amaze us.”
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