23 Legionaries of Christ to Be Ordained Priests in Rome
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM (local Rome time), 23 Legionaries of Christ will be ordained priests. The future priests come from Mexico, Brazil, France, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, the United States, El Salvador, Germany, and Venezuela.
The ordination ceremony will take place at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) and will be celebrated by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, current Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
For Father Adrián Olvera, L.C., a Mexican to be ordained in Rome, “I can say with certainty that God always goes beyond what we imagine and surprises us in unexpected ways. We only need to be open to letting ourselves be surprised.”
Similarly, Father Jaime Plasencia, L.C., reflects: “Despite the highs and lows of life, despite the raging winds and waves, despite sunny and cloudy days, I belong to the Lord in a very special way, and that is my joy.”
Ordination Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM (Rome)
- Location: Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Rome)
- Broadcast: Live on YouTube
- Languages: Italian (official language), with simultaneous commentary in Spanish and English
- Special website: Includes official posters, testimonies, videos, and more.
The formation process for Legionaries of Christ spans 12 years before priestly ordination. The foundation of their formation as a religious institution within the Church is outlined in the document Ratio Institutionis, titled “Christus vita vestra”.
By the end of 2024, the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ consists of:
- 1,309 members, including 3 bishops, 1,033 priests, 226 religious in formation, and 47 novices.
- Presence in 23 countries, organized into 9 territories and 2 delegations.
- 10 general or territorial governance centers, 95 apostolic communities, 1 philosophy house, 1 theology house, 1 student priest community in Rome, 1 priest residence in Mexico, 1 humanities center in the U.S., 5 novitiates, and 7 vocational centers.
- Additional institutions include a Pontifical International Seminary in Rome and an Interdiocesan Seminary and Theological Institute in São Paulo, Brazil.
