Legion Of Christ

[Guest hank]

+IhS+

Greetings Phorum-

This is my first post, so I apologize in advance if I've gone wrong somewhere.

I read the Society of Jesus topic, and seeing it move into discussing the Legion, I am wondering if y'all could share some of your knowledge/experience of them. I am discerning a vocation, and I have been in frequent contact with the Legion, but I want all the info I can get.

So, what do y'all know about the Legion of Christ that I can't find on their site?

Thanks!

h@hdgurley.com

[vianney]

I had a friend who studied for them. He says it is a holy order but not for him because he mention the rigidness of it all. He mentioned them controlling a good part of you life like how much you call home, haircut, dress, free time etc. I guess that is why he left though cause those that are in it made the conscious effort to live like that. I dont know if this is factual i am just going off what he said. I suppose it would be no diff then joining ne other order like the benedictines or carmelites, they have a rigid schedule also. Sorry if this wasnt enough,

Vianney

Ps I think their order is based in Conneticutt or maybe that is just the sem that is there i dont know

[cmotherofpirl]

Welcome to phatmass, Hank.

I'm sure someone here will have more information on them. :)

[BLAZEr]

http://www.legionariesofchrist.org/intro.phtml

Check out their website . . . I think they are cool. We used to have a priest come and offer a private mass in our home when I was a student at Notre Dame because the Legion was not allowed to use diocesan facilities.

That's pretty much how it goes for them. They are very Orthodox, very conservative politically, very strict in their way of life, and very holy. They are priests who you can play touch football, or volleyball with one minute, and then will have you in the chapel praying 10 decades of the rosary the next. So, for orhtodox young, athletic guys . . . they're a great fit . . .

They have a lay movement called Regnum Christi which is a strong spiritual rock for several of my friends.

[M.SIGGA]

the LC testemonies make me want to become a priest :)

[God Conquers]

I think they're amesome. The two Legionnairy priests that I know are amesome. They are super well-connected, well-financed (the but of many jokes because of this), super-orthodox and very well studied. They are incredibly loyal to the pope, much like jesuits.

I have several friends who did a summer with them and liked it a lot, although they did not end up joining (neither, it turns out, were called to the priesthood)

One main facet of their spirituality is discipline/obedience. This is where the "control" aspect comes in. Obedience is key for the Legion (hence military association in the name). You do something because you are told, not because you understand, although that understanding may come to you in time.

I think they are great, they are one of the fastest growing orders and have many young priests and seminarians.

Welcome to Phatmass.

[Im4Him]

Two guys I know were in seminary for awhile with them. Neither of them ended up having a vocation to the priesthood. From what I know, they are an excellent order.

[Spiritual_Arsonist]

I had a chance to spend a lot of time with the Legion this past year twice, each a week at a time. I was at their college of humanities and novitiate in Chesire, Conneticut. I offer this account for anyone's pleasure.

The community is run by a system of bells. You wake up around 6, and you are given a cubicle to sleep in. It consists of a bed, sink, and shower, that is it. Your door is a curtain. To wak you up, a brother goes to each cell and says "Christ our king!", and you are supposed to respnd "your kingdom come!" You have about 20-25 minutes to get ready and be at the chapel for medittion.

Mass follows. It is very reverent. You dont kneel before Mass, you stand. They also stand during most of the Canon, except for the Consecration.

The food is good. Most of it is donated. I learned not to look at the expiration dates, if it smelled good, it was good.

Prayer is interspersed throughout all of the day. A mid-day conscience exam marks noon. Eucharistic adoration takes place most of the day, and ends with night prayer.

I did not have really any options as to do what I felt like there, you follow their schedule, and pray when they pray. They basically move in large "herds."

You either wear a black suit, or cassock. The brothers maintain a very high degree of hygiene and self-appearance. For some odd reason, you must style your hair.

I enjoyed my time with them, bit they have a highly structed day that has no time for personal activities.

Feel free to ask me anything else you may be wondering about.

[Guest hank]

+IhS+

Thanks to everybody for this helpful information. I am wondering about the haircut thing, but everything else sounds great!

Keep the insights coming,

hank