After several weeks of prayer, work, and discernment, the General Chapter 2026 of the Legionaries of Christ, experienced as a time of grace, listening, and renewal. At the closing Eucharist, Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez, LC, general director, expressed the common sentiment: These were days of intense work, many blessings, and much light (...) in which we have felt the richness of our Legionary brothers, each of whom contributed his own part to building the Chapter. What does this shared journey leave behind? What horizon now opens up for the Congregation and its service in Regnum Christi?
From the outset, the 60 capitular fathers—coming from different countries and apostolic realities—worked in an atmosphere of prayer and ecclesial communion, with the desire to seek together God's will for the life and mission of the Legion of Christ in the coming years. Following a synodal style method, they gave priority to mutual listening, dialogue, and shared discernment. The plenary sessions, group work, and contributions from the territorial assemblies allowed for a realistic reflection on the current situation of the Congregation.
Among the topics discussed were authority and obedience, fraternal life, fidelity to the charism, the apostolic mission in Regnum Christi and in the dioceses, integral formation, and vocational promotion. They also delved into strengthening an institutional culture of care, justice, and prevention, always at the service of people and in communion with the Church.
Nuevo gobierno para un nuevo sexenio
On Wednesday, February 4, after a moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, the capitular fathers chose P. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C., as director general for the period 2026–2032. The following day they elected the general councilors and the general administrator, thus forming the new government called to animate and guide the life of the Congregation with a spirit of service and shared responsibility.
This election entrusts the new general director with the responsibility of accompanying the life and mission of the Congregation, thereby strengthening its contribution to Regnum Christi as a whole.
In communion with the Church
The Chapter was lived in deep harmony with the universal Church. On February 2, the Capitular Fathers participated in Holy Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Basilica, on the occasion of the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life. They concelebrated together with religious and consecrated persons from various institutes, renewing their ecclesial belonging.
On February 19, the audience with the Holy Father took place at the Apostolic Palace. At that meeting, the Pope confirmed the Congregation in its mission, encouraging it to always put Christ at the center of personal, community, and apostolic life, and reminding it that the charism received is a gift of the Holy Spirit of which we are custodians and servants.
The capitular fathers also shared fraternal moments with Cardinal Fernando Vérgez, L.C., and Monsignor Brian Farrell, L.C., strengthening the bonds of communion among brothers.
The beginning of Lent marked a special time of retreat, conversion, and interior renewal, accompanied by extended periods of Eucharistic adoration and the daily celebration of the Eucharist as the center of chapter life.
Pain and hope along the way
During these weeks, the Congregation also mourned the passing of three Legionary brothers: Bishop Pedro Pablo Elizondo, L.C.; Fr. José Antonio Barco, L.C.; and Fr. Héctor Galván, L.C. Their priestly dedication and love for the Church were remembered with gratitude, strengthening communion in Christian hope.
In his closing homily, Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez highlighted the unity and simplicity experienced during the Chapter: “Yes, sometimes with different opinions, but also with a process of communication, dialogue, listening, attention, and mutual understanding in order to seek solutions together.” He also emphasized that this has been a true time of grace and that the Congregation is not the owner of the charism it has received, but rather the custodian and servant of the gift that God has entrusted to it.
Looking back on the history of the Legion, he said that these weeks had allowed them to review it honestly, without denying the pain or the past, but without remaining prisoners of it. He invited them to ask Christ for “a new heart, a truer communion, a more humble and ardent identity, and a perseverance that does not break with fatigue,” entrusting this new stage to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Collegial service to Regnum Christi
Within the framework of the Chapter, the new governing bodies of Regnum Christi were also formed, comprising the General Directive College and the General Plenary. In this way, the Legion of Christ will continue to exercise its service in a collegial manner, together with consecrated women and consecrated lay people, as a family and apostolic body at the service of the same evangelizing mission.
At the conclusion of the 2026 General Chapter, the Legionaries of Christ give thanks to God and renew their commitment to serve the Church with fidelity, transparency, and missionary spirit. Sustained by prayer, fraternity, and daily Eucharist, they begin a new stage with the desire to continue deepening their identity and mission, seeking to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ more closely in order to make him present in the hearts of individuals and in society.
The 2026 Capitular Communiqué will be published at a later date, summarizing the main conclusions and guidelines for the next six years.
Cover image credit: Legionaries of Christ
