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On January 6, 2002, the Holy See strengthened Miles Jesu’s approval by officially granting it the status of an Ecclesial Family of Consecrated Life. This is a new title which the Church is giving to some of the new forms of consecrated life. It was a special gift from God to receive this news on the Feast of the Epiphany, since Miles Jesu’s full name is “Militant Sons Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of the Epiphany.”
A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran on February 10, 2002. As an Ecclesial Family of Consecrated Life dedicated to promoting loyalty to the Vicar of Christ, the fact that Miles Jesu was able to celebrate this Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran was a great blessing, since it (and not St. Peter’s, as many believe) is the Cathedral of the Holy Father.
The Mass was presided by His Eminence Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family. Among the many concelebrants were: His Excellency Domenico Pecile, Bishop Emeritus of Latina Diocese; Our Founder and Father General Fr. Alphonsus Maria Duran, M.J.; and Msgr. Natalino Zagotto, Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life for the diocese of Rome.
During the Homily, His Eminence mentioned that it is significant that the Holy See made Miles Jesu an Ecclesial Family of Consecrated Life in the diocese of Rome itself — a rare occurrence and sign of appreciation for the spirit, charism and fidelity to the Church which the members of Miles Jesu show by their lives. His Eminence also observed that the spirituality of the wisdom of the cross and the fiery desire for sanctity prevail in the communities of Miles Jesu. He added that Miles Jesu is to be an enthusiastic stimulus in the Diocese of Rome to illuminate others by the strength of charity.
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