The path of every ecclesial institution is marked by grace, but also by human frailty. For the consecrated women of Regnum Christi, the last few years have represented a profound journey of purification, following the painful wound left by the figure of their founder, Marcial Maciel. This crisis not only dealt a blow to their confidence, but also forced them to engage in a radical exercise of discernment: separating the foundational grace from the weakness of its promoter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Far from being paralyzed by pain, this group of women has chosen creative fidelity and hope, undertaking a process of renewal that has refocused their lives on the essence of their charism: secular consecration for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. How does one rebuild a vocation from the rubble of a crisis? And how do these women manage to bring the light of their faith to the world while keeping their eyes fixed on the mission?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We spoke with Renee Pomarico, head of global communications for the Consacrated Women of Regnum Christi, about the identity of their charism in the Church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014We are an Apostolic Life Society. We take private vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, giving ourselves totally to Christ. But we are laywomen. This means that our mission is to be in the world, to go out and meet people where they are, in their concrete lives. We are not behind a wall, but on the street, in the office, in the parish... wherever we are needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014The RC is governed collegially. The general directors of the Legionaries of Christ, the Consecrated Laity, ourselves, and two lay people chosen by the General Governing Board from among the lay people elected at a General Convention for plenary meetings sit at the table. It is a form of governance that is federated, lay, and consecrated at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014The reason for our fidelity lies in its source: prayer. We have fundamental daily commitments: an hour of personal prayer, Mass, the Rosary, community prayers. This \u00abembraces\u00bb us and ensures that all our apostolic action\u2014working in catechesis, evangelization, universities\u2014springs from that intimacy with Christ. In other words, we are contemplative in order to be evangelizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014Vocationaly, the charism of consecrated women leads us to work professionally in evangelization. Many are involved in pastoral work related to the RC (young people, adults, schools, retreats, spiritual direction). But others work in dioceses, parishes, or universities, always seeking to encourage each person's vocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014There are several \u00abhot spots.\u00bb On the one hand, when missions are well organized, the fruits are immediate: conversions of heart, social awareness. It is a key apostolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n