(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.01.2025).- In the name of the Supreme Pontiff, the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life appointed two Papal Legates to guide the men’s and women’s Institutes of the Family of the Incarnate Word. Both Institutes were founded in Argentina during the decade of the 1980s, by Father Carlos Miguel Buela, now deceased.
Custody of a Young Spiritual Heritage
The decision was announced on January 11, in a press release signed by the recently appointed Prefect of the Dicastery, Sister Simona Brambilla, and its Under-Secretary, Father Aitor Jiménez Echave. According to the document, the appointments seek to guarantee that these young Congregations continue growing in fidelity to their mission, in key aspects such as formation, religious discipline and administration.
Monsignor José Antonio Satué Huerto, Bishop of Teruel and Albarracín, has been designated Papal Legate for the Incarnate Word Institute, whereas Sister Clara Echarte will be the Papal Legate for the Handmaids of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matará, the women’s Institute of this same Religious Family. Both Communities, of diocesan right, have roots in the diocese of San Rafael, Argentina. Currently they operate from their main quarters in Valletri-Segni, Italy.
A Decision Based on An In-depth Analysis
The press release details that this measure is the result of a prolonged evaluation process, including an Apostolic Visit to the women’s Institute led by Sister Echarte. During this period, Cardinal Santos Abril y Castelló played a key role as Pontifical Commissioner of the men’s Institute, contributing to a thorough supervision that has now reached a new stage.
The Vatican expressed its gratitude to Cardinal Abril y Castelló for the “paternal service” he has offered in the last years, highlighting his role in the accompaniment of these Communities during crucial times of development and challenge.
Accompaniment Towards a Solid Future
Beyond the acknowledgements, the press release stressed the Vatican’s intention to continue working closely with these institutions. The objective “would be” to strengthen the pillars of their apostolic mission and to guarantee that their members receive an appropriate formation and adhere to the necessary religious discipline for their work in the modern world.
A Legacy That Continues Alive
Father Carlos Miguel Buela, who died in Genoa in 2023, left a significant mark on religious life through his founding work. Although his legacy has been the object of scrutiny, these new measures seek to guarantee that the original mission of the Divine Word Institutes and of the Handmaids of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matará continues resonating in fidelity and relevance.
What Is a Papal Legate?
A Papal Legate is a special representative of the Pope, designated to carry out a specific mission in his name. This position has historical roots in the Catholic Church’s structure and continues to be relevant today. The figure of the Papal Legate enables the Pope to exercise his authority and symbolic presence in important places or situations, without the need to be physically present.
Types of Papal Legates
1. Legate a Latere:
- Is the most important type of Legate and is designated for specific, solemn and temporal missions. This would be such a case.
- The title “a latere means “from his side,” indicating that he acts directly in the Pope’s name.
- In general, it is a Cardinal who receives this appointment to represent the Pope in important events, such as Eucharistic Congresses, Consecrations and International Ceremonies.
2. Born or Nato Legate:
- Is a permanent title given to certain Metropolitan Archbishops of historical importance, such as the Archbishops of Canterbury or of Armagh.
- Although it does not imply a special mission, at present it symbolizes a historical link with the Holy See.
3. Apostolic Legate
- Also known as Apostolic Nuncio, he is a permanent representative of the Pope in a foreign country.
- He acts as Ambassador of the Holy See and is usually in charge of diplomatic relations with the local government, in addition to serving as link between the Pope and the dioceses of that region.
