Hollow apology from Legionaires of Chirst

In the last few days leading figures in the Legionaries of Christ have asked for forgiveness for the behaviour of their founder Marcial Maciel Degollado. These are indeed hollow words.

Over two years ago this blog contacted the Legionaries of Christ and asked direct questions concerning their founder. All that was forthcoming was pious piffle, which was insulting and demeaning.

The case about the Legionaries of Christ is most interesting and should be carefully studied by those who are interested in truth. Those who want to examine the cult of clericalism should do an audit and in-depth study of the Legionaries of Christ.

When I was studying in Rome between 1974 and 1976 I came face to face with Legionary of Christ seminarians. They all dressed in identical clothes, carried similar briefcases and all spoke and behaved in a similar manner. They portrayed an image of absolute loyalty to the clerical state. It appeared that they were advised not to speak or socialise with the likes of me. Everything about them gave the impressions that there was something not right with this group of men.

Then I was never able to analyse in clear and defined terms what actually was amiss with this organisation. Yes, their clothes were crazy, they walked and talked in an odd fashion. They came across to me at the time as, let's say, 'unusual'. I would also have had questions about the general tone of sexuality among the group. It was that 'something' they all seemed to share as if it were a 'hidden culture' - maybe even unknown to themselves. In the 1970s young men living in Europe did not dress or act as these men.

And then the world learns of the sexual abuse perpetrated by their founder and the man they all admired and respected as a 'holy man'.

It was a long, difficult and torturous investigation of good journalism that found out the truth. One might ask was it discovered through the 'petty gossip of dominant opinion'. However it was discovered, it is important that the world knows that the substance of the Legionaries of Christ is on the shakiest and worrying of foundations.

What sort of people did their founder attract and recommend join his organisation? What sort of people were and are attracted to such an organisation?

What is even more worrying is a trend that is developing today among students for the priesthood that seems quite similar to what I experienced among the Legionaries of Christ between 1974 and 1976. It was wrong then and I am convinced it is wrong now.

Back then I was told they were holy people. It was a nonsense then and is a nonsense now. The grace of God works in and through nature and it really is time the bluff of 'pious piffle' was called what it is - a lie.