By Carmen Elena Villa
LIMA, Peru, FEB. 17, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A Marian congregation founded in 1991 has been recognized by the Church as a Society of Apostolic Life of Diocesan Right in the archdiocese of Lima.
The Marian Community of Reconciliation (MCR) received this status on Jan. 21. Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, archbishop of Lima, that day gave the decree of approval to Alejandra Keen von Wuthenau, superior-general of the community, accompanied by some members of the governing council. The cardinal also approved the community’s constitutions.
He encouraged the Fraternas — as the members of the MCR are known — to “live their lives as a constant donation because it is for this that we consecrate ourselves in the Church, to give ourselves to others, to serve others and to take the faith to them.”
A Peruvian layman, Luis Fernando Figari, founded the community. It is made up of women who have consecrated their lives to be fully available for the apostolate. The Fraternas strive to live their vocation by cooperating actively with God’s grace, making their lives a daily liturgy. Their state as lay consecrated women allows them to be present in the world to personally proclaim the Gospel. Currently there are Fraternas communities in nine countries.
“This is a day to raise, together with Holy Mary, canticles of thanksgiving from our heart,” Keen von Wuthenau said, “and to celebrate with all humility, renewing our efforts to be the holy Fraternas that Our Lord wishes us to be.”
