Legion must root out Maciel's influence, says bishop involved in apostolic visitation

May 11, 2010

One of the five bishops who led an apostolic visitation of the Legion of Christ has said that the order must eliminate the strong personal influence of its founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel.

"There are many elements from Father Maciel's personality that have taken root, and the Legion must be freed from them," said Bishop Ricardo Watty of Tepic, Mexico. He said that the charism of the Legion "does not belong to the founder, but rather comes from God and passed through a person-- in this case a person who was very, very wounded."

Bishop Watty said that Pope Benedict may meet with some of the victims of Father Maciel's abuse. He reported that he had given the Pope evidence of the founder's misbehavior.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic visitor says Pope may meet with victims of Fr. Maciel (CNA)
• Pope moves to take control of Legion of Christ (CWN, 5/1)