Second day of the extraordinary general assembly of Regnum Christi
Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, started the second day of the extraordinary general assembly by giving a report of the path taken toward revising the Regnum Christi statutes. Delegates had the opportunity to ask about the implications of the canonical configuration explained in the draft statutes and the role of the lay members within Regnum Christi. They reflected on these points and took the opportunity to raise questions about the proposed federation.
In 2010, Fr. Ghirlanda was appointed personal advisor to the Pontifical Delegate for the Legionaries of Christ, Card. Velasio De Paolis. In 2012, the Pontifical Delegate entrusted him with the government of the Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi. He participated as president of the General Assembly of the Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi in November 2013, and as Vice President in the extraordinary general chapter of the Legionaries of Christ in January and February 2014. On March 19, 2014, Fr. Eduardo Robles-Gil, LC, appointed him as a consultant to the Commission of the revision of the Statutes of the Regnum Christi Movement.
The delegates from Brazil, Chile, Spain, Europe, Italy, Mexico and Central America, Monterrey, North America, and Venezuela then met to discuss the points discussed so far.
After lunch, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was available for delegates. In the afternoon, the 30 lay delegates from the different countries met to reflect on three specific points: 1) What it means to be a Regnum Christi member (in their life), 2) their vocation as lay non-consecrated members in recent years, and 3) the role of lay members in the federation.
Each layperson reflected on the importance of Regnum Christi in their own lives and on how Regnum Christi has been a real instrument bringing them closer to God.
Concluding the second day’s activities, the delegates attended a funeral Mass for the eternal rest of , celebrated by Father Eduardo Robles-Gil, LC, in the chapel of the International College of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome.
Father Eduardo remembered Brother Anthony as a happy man who was devoted to his vocation. He thanked all the innumerable expressions of affection that have been received from all over the world.
Brother Anthony’s body (accompanied by Legionaries) will be transported to Houston, Texas, for the funeral and burial by his family, friends, and nearby members of Regnum Christi.
About the Extraordinary General Assembly:
The purpose of the extraordinary general assembly of the Regnum Christi Movement is to discern and approve the legal configuration of Regnum Christi as a whole, which will then be proposed to the Holy See for final approval. It reviews and gives its opinion about the Draft General Statute of Regnum Christi proposed by the General Steering Committee.
For more information, please visit www.rcstatutes.org
