Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi Strengthen and Relaunch Their Christian Charity Initiatives

(ZENIT News / Mexico City, 04.24.2026).- From April 13-17, the first International Congress of Opera Misericordiae took place in Amecameca, near Mexico City. Opera Misericordiae is a newly created collaborative network, established on December 12, 2025, which brings together Christian charitable works linked to the Legion of Christ and/or Regnum Christi, with a presence on all five Continents. All of these organizations are focused on supporting the most vulnerable people, those at risk of social exclusion, and those without resources.

This initiative arose from the impetus of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi, with the desire to intensify joint action on behalf of the most disadvantaged, strengthen collaboration among apostolates (organizations or social works), and respond more effectively to the needs of today’s world. Inspired by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Social Doctrine of the Church, the network seeks to put the works of mercy into practice through close, organized, and transformative service.

For four days, 34 participants representing 16 organizations from the United States, Mexico, and Europe shared experiences, lessons learned, and good practices.

The participating organizations were: Catholic World Mission, VIS Foundation, Mano Amiga Mexico, Anáhuac Institute for Social Transformation, Misión MásAlto, Medical Mission Network, Plan 2040, Albergue Sagrada Familia, Helping Hands Medical Missions, Fundación Altius España, and Juventud y Familia Misionera. In addition, several supporting institutions were present: ORSSER (Regional Service Office), the Territorial Office of Regnum Christi (Mexico and Central America), the «Life and Mission» area of ​​the Regnum Christi Federation, the General Directorate of the Legionaries of Christ, and the Regina Apostolorum Foundation. All of these organizations work in diverse areas, such as education and formation, medical care, and the promotion of rural workers and vulnerable communities, among others, but with the same purpose: to put the person at the center and work for their integral dignity.

The congress solidified its position as a space for encounter, prayer, formation, and reflection, fostering significant synergies and alliances. Without seeking uniformity and respecting the identity and independence of each organization, participants emphasized the value of diverse approaches and methodologies, understood as an asset that allows for complementary efforts and amplified impact.

«We don’t do the same thing, and that is precisely where our strength lies: in the way we complement each other and how, together, we can go further,» was one of the key ideas shared during the meeting.

The attendees also agreed on the importance of remembering the profound meaning of their work: recognizing Christ in every person they serve. Therefore, beyond indicators or results, the congress reaffirmed that the center of all action is the person and their dignity, understanding that it is Christ Himself who continues to give Himself through those who serve.

Among the main fruits of the meeting were the creation of a solid international network based on collaboration and mutual support; the exchange of knowledge and best practices among apostolates; the generation of new strategic alliances; the openness to joint projects and growth in new territories; and the strengthening of a shared identity and mission.

Furthermore, action plans were defined for the coming years, focused on expanding the global reach of the initiatives, better channeling aid, and identifying new opportunities where the presence of works of mercy is most needed.

With concrete proposals for collaboration and defined lines of work for the coming years, this first congress marked the beginning of Opera Misericordiae: a path that its participants commit to following under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the protection and inspiration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the conviction that synergy is key to responding to current challenges with greater depth, unity, and hope.