The General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ begins in Rome: focus on mission and governance
The General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ opens today, January 20, 2026, at the General Directorate in Rome. As the supreme governing body of the Congregation, this assembly is convened every six years. It marks the beginning of a strategic phase aimed at evaluating the administration of the outgoing General Government and defining the programmatic guidelines for the next six-year term.
Participation and Academic Representation
The assembly is composed of 60 priests: 21 ex officio members and 39 elected representatives from various global territories. Among the participants are several authorities and faculty members from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, confirming the importance placed on higher education and research:
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Fr. John Connor, LC, Grand Chancellor;
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Fr. JosĂ© Enrique OyarzĂșn, LC, Rector;
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Fr. Pedro BarrajĂłn, LC, and Fr. Vincenz Heereman, LC, professors of the Faculty of Theology;
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Fr. JesĂșs Villagrasa, LC, professor of the Faculty of Philosophy.
Institutional Objectives and Outlook
The General Chapter is responsible for electing the new General Director and his Council, who will lead the Congregation for the next six years. The proceedings will focus on analyzing current challenges, with particular emphasis on the development of the apostolic mission and collaboration with lay members and consecrated women.
In line with the directives of the Holy See, the assembly is committed to a process of institutional renewal, enabling the Congregation to respond effectively to the challenges of the contemporary global context.
