EUROPE/ITALY - To be ordained at Christmas forty eight new priests of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ including first members from El Salvador and Singapore

Roma (Agenzia Fides) - After long years of preparation, 48 Legionaries of Christ will be ordained to the priesthood next Saturday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
These servants of the Church, ranging in age from 28 to 49, come from 9 countries: -the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Spain, France, Germany, Chile, and—as a first—from El Salvador and Singapore. They will be ordained at the hands of Bishop Luigi de Magistris, Major Pro-Penitentiary Emeritus.
There will be 12 American-born Legionaries ordained from California, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Nebraska, Virginia and Kentucky.
These 48 men have spent between 10 and 15 years preparing themselves for the moment when the gift of the sacrament will be given to them in a permanent and indelible way. This moment is one of the most profound and meaningful that a man can experience. They will be given the power to consecrate the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist, the authority to forgive sins in his name, and the grace to bring countless souls to God through their ministry in countries scattered all over the world. Wherever they go, their essential mission will be to teach others to know Christ, live in his love, and become apostles who share that love with others. A challenging, and inspiring mission awaits them. During the 8 days immediately prior to their ordination on the 22nd, they are in Ignatian spiritual exercises. The new priests, family and friends and members of the Regnum Christi Movement and Legionaries of Christ will take part in the general audience on 2 January to express to Pope Benedict XVI their filial loyalty and support.(AP) (21/12/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:38; Parole:470)