I was blessed last week to be in Rome for meetings with other communications directors from territories of the Legion of Christ.

There I was with folks from Italy, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Spain and Chile.  And they all were patient with the unilingual American (yours truly) who needed constant translation help.

The week had many highlights, but for me a special moment came Wednesday morning when we had Mass in one of the chapels in the catacombs under St. Peter’s Cathedral.  I found myself in the heart of the Vatican, with three Legionaries celebrating a Mass attended by Legionary brothers, consecrated members and plain old Regnum Christi members like me.

Some in the congregation were people I was meeting for the first time; others were long-time friends and professional colleagues.  But what struck me was that despite being from different countries and different cultures, we all were members of the Regnum Christi Movement.  We were all Roman Catholics with a common spirituality and mission.

We often talk of being part of a spiritual family, something I find difficult to define.  But Wednesday morning, in that holy place, I felt very much to be part of the family.  And I am deeply grateful for my many brothers and sisters.