The Movement known as the Lay Missionaries of Charity (LMC) is an International Association of Lay people: married and single who, adhering to the Spirit and Charism of the M.C. Family, make juridically private annual vows of Chastity (conjugal), Poverty, Obedience and the fourth vow of Whole-Hearted Free Service to the poorest of the poor beginning with the members of one's own family. Remaining in the heart of the world, the LMCs consecrate the world itself to God everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives expressed through prayer, penance and works of mercy, after the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
History - On April 16, 1984 four lay persons, all married made their juridically private vows in the Chapel of the Missionaries of Charity - Contemplative in Via S. Agapito, 8 - Rome. These four were associated with our life of prayer, penance and works of mercy for several years; and then for about two years they studied the document that juts came out 'Familiaris Consortio' (22.11.1981) and then on Tuesday in the Holy Week of the extraordinary year of our redemption the first four took their juridically private vows in the presence of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala M.C. and Community and many lay people.
Purpose - Its purpose is to sanctify themselves and their own families by consecrating themselves, their families and the whole world entirely to God after the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and practice the same virtues they practised.
Patron - The Holy Family of Nazareth is their heavenly patron, protector and intercessor.
Ecclesiastical Status - As the Statutes were ready, we applied to the Vicar of Rome who accepted, blessed approved our movement on 25th February, 1987. (see in the Statutes the copy of the letter of His Eminence, Cardinal Ugo Poletti of Rome).
Growth and Development - Thanks to God's grace the Movement began to grow quite rapidly and started to spread to the various countries of Europe, North, Central and South America and its Statutes translated into over 15 languages. We have a small prayer book of our own [ MC and LMC Prayer Book ] and also many have the Liturgy of the Hours which they pray daily [ Lauds and Vespers ]
Countries - There are LMCs in Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Holland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Hungary); in the Americas (U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Argentina), India, Macao...
There are over 1.000 consecrated persons, and many are in Formation
LMC Formation - The LMCs have a period called 'Come and see' which includes frequenting the group on a regular basis, the reading, studying and reflecting on the LMC Statutes, contact and dialogue with the Spiritual Director and the MC Brothers , or MC Sisters, if possible. At the end the of the 'Come and See' period, the candidate(s) after due dialogue with the Spiritual Director, may begin the TWO years of LMC Formation with an LMC group, in preparation for their first vows (cf. Statutes Nos. 6 - 8).
Spiritual Director - Each group has to have a Priest as its Spiritual Director . The Spiritual Director is expected to know the LMC Statutes and the Missionary of Charity Spirit . The LMC Spiritual Director guides the group, together with the LMC Group Link, and nurtures and prays for the growth in holiness of the LMC members.
Structure -
a) Spiritual Directors: Local, National, and International
b) LMC Lay Links: local (serving for 3 years), National link (3 years), International (3 years) [ each with option of renewal of service as detailed in the LMC Statutes]
LMC Meetings - Each group meets once a week as a rule ; if not possible once in two weeks ("The family that prays together stays together") (cfr. Statutes 42b, Nos. 1-9). LMC National meeting for each country once a year, if possible. Once in every 5 years International meetings take place.
International Meetings - International meetings: First International -Rome, October 5-10, 1992. Number of participants: 109, 16 countries ; Lourdes, September 22-29, 1996. Number of participants: 175, 19 countries ; LMC First Chapter , Rome, Italy ; LMC Pilgrimmage to Israel 1999 ; LMC General Assembly and LMC Jubilee [ 25 years ] Rome, Italy April 2009 .
God bless you.
Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala M.C.
International Spiritual Director and Founder of the LMCs
Superior General of the MC Brothers Contemplative
