ATLANTA, Georgia, AUG. 20, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his closeness to Regnum Christi, saying that he knows he can count on the obedience and love of the movement's members, according to Cardinal Franc Rode.
Cardinal Rode, the prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, participated in Regnum Christi's 10th International Youth and Family Encounter, held recently in Atlanta.
In his address he acknowledged that "communion with the Pope and the Church is what guarantees fruitfulness in your apostolate."
"I know how much joy this gives me, but above all I know how much joy this gives Benedict XVI," he added. "Several days ago the Holy Father received me in audience, and I spoke to him about this encounter. He was very pleased and he was happy to hear about this encounter in Atlanta.
"The Pope knows he can count on you and your obedience and love. The charity in speech that characterizes you is a priceless witness."
The prelate told the members of Regnum Christi: "Your charism places you at the very heart of Christianity. For you, to be a Christian means to contemplate the Christ who gave his entire life for you. With this conviction and certainty, it means responding to God's love through your daily self-giving and your apostolic work.
"In other words, it means that you share your founder's spiritual experience."
Distinguishing mark
The cardinal was received by the general director of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi, Father Álvaro Corcuera, and by more than 5,000 participants in the encounter, which was celebrated from July 26-29 in the Georgia World Congress Center.
Father Corcuera, commentating on the theme of the congress, "Love One Another As I Have Loved You," said that "charity should be the distinguishing mark of all Regnum Christi members."
Christ asks for different things, and each one has a specific mission, he said, "nonetheless, we have to give one common fruit, without which everything else lacks sense and value: charity."
"Jesus Christ not only said that by your fruits you will be known, but also that we will be known as his disciples by the love that there is among us," explained the general director.
Eduardo Verástegui, the leading actor and co-producer of "Bella," winner of the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, spoke of his film that was screened during the encounter.
The actor, a native of Mexico, said the movie is about love "that is not just romantic, but that love that makes you sacrifice everything for another person."
ZE07082007 - 2007-08-20