by Fr. Pascual Cervera
In 1982, after several years of association with Mother Teresa of Calcutta
and the Missionaries of Charity as a layman, I went to Rome to study for
the priesthood. At that time I learned of the Corpus Christi Movement
for Priests started by Mother Teresa and Father Joseph Langford, who later
founded the Missionaries of Charity Fathers.
The purpose of the Corpus Christi Movement is to enable priests to share
in the Charism and Spirit given by God to the Church through Mother Teresa
and the Missionaries of Charity family.
Since learning about it I have felt the call to apply that Charism to
my priestly life. Mother Teresa brought me to New York where I finished
my seminary studies, was ordained, and where I have served as a priest
these last years in close association with Mother, and the Sisters and
Fathers.
This past May, when Mother Teresa was here in New York, she expressed
her enthusiasm for reviving the Corpus Christi Movement, especially for
diocesan priests. Mother and I presented the project to His Eminence,
John Cardinal O’Connor, and he gave his blessing. In July, I went with
Mother to Rome and we presented the project to Vatican officials. In a
private audience with His Holiness Pope John Paul II, we received his
Apostolic Blessing for the Movement.
A little more than a month and a half later Mother left this world for
eternity.
One of Mother's last wishes was the promotion of the Corpus Christi Movement
for Priests, and in Mother's words "this comes directly from
the Heart of Jesus". She spoke of it as a "little way
of holiness for priests", no matter what their priestly
assignments might be.
The following pages contain some explanation of the Corpus Christi Movement
that Mother and I prepared together. If you are interested in being part
of this Movement, please let me know under: corpXti@gmail.com
God bless you.
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Father Pascual Cervera