Priestly Renewal of Legionaries of Christ in Amecameca
The Ratio Institutionis of the Legion of Christ reminds us that “the priest needs, at certain moments of the journey, a more intense dedication and appropriate means for his own spiritual renewal […], to prioritize being with God in prayer, living in community with his brothers, growing in his commitment as a consecrated soul, and recharging for the entrusted mission” (CVV 891). Within this invitation, from June 15 to August 15, 29 legionary priests participated in a priestly renewal in Amecameca, State of Mexico. They were priests from 7 nationalities (Mexico, United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Korea).
“Words are few to express how much I needed this period of renewal and my gratitude to God for allowing me to be here. Perhaps one of the most renewing moments has been reopening the chapter of our history, a painful but necessary chapter to reconnect with our legionary identity. Contemplating God’s provident hand amid so much misery and human weakness has also meant contemplating my own history, equally in need of understanding, mercy, and hope,” commented Fr. Francisco Javier Vilarroig, LC.
The Rev. Eloy Bedia, LC, director of the renewal, explained that it is a time to “be with God in prayer, foster fraternal life together, recharge for the return to apostolate, and renew the religious and priestly identity in the Legion.” To this end, the schedule alternated spiritual activities, conferences, study times, and many moments of fellowship and community life.
“Priestly renewal is not a camp or vacation, nor even a mere period of reading and study […]. I have been able to rediscover the deepest convictions of my soul, who I am before God and His holy plans for my life,” said Fr. Andrew Dalton, LC.
The conferences addressed topics such as the organization of inner life, prayer life, the history of the Legion, etc. Additionally, there was the usual explanation of the Constitutions, led by Fr. Eloy Bedia, LC, and all participants had the opportunity to share their testimony of priestly life.
“As part of the community activities, every day a sport or walk was organized around Amecameca, and on Thursdays, we had a community walk. One day we climbed Iztaccíhuatl, on another occasion we visited Puebla, we also went to Las Estacas, etc. For three days, we visited several of our apostolic works in Mexico City: the Universidad Anáhuac México, Campus Norte, the Instituto Cumbres México, the Instituto Irlandés México, the CRIT of Mexico City,” said Fr. Carlos Pi, LC.
Fr. Xavier Castro, LC, commented: “Spending two months to renew ourselves, after some years of priestly ministry, is a privilege. Two months […] to contemplate God’s passing through our lives during these years of priesthood. There is so much to be thankful for,” and he added: “What a gift, the joy of my fellow legionaries: reconnecting to share as priests and brothers, to rejoice and laugh, to help and build each other up in daily community life.”
