Corpus Christianum - For the Renewal of Christendom

Pope Benedict XVI, on several occassions, expressed deep concern over the lapse of the Faith in traditionally Catholic countries and sees a problematic future for Christendom due to the pervasive influence of radical secularism, religious extremism, and rampant materialism. Recognizing the Holy Father's call for the renewal of the Catholic identity in the West, and understanding that the underlying principles of Catholic "chivalry" still hold true, it was decided to form an association dedicated to praying for the renewal of Christendom. The main ideas behind the Association were loosely developed in the early 1990's. Corpus Christianum was officially launched in 2006.

Relying on the intercession of Mary, Help of Christians, members pray daily for the renewal, unity, and spread of Christendom, for the protection of Christians, for the conversion of sinners and sanctification of all people, for Holy Mother Church, and for the reinstitution of family life. Members pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as a short prayer to Mary, Help of Christians, and a rosary. On Saturdays members also pray the Litany of Loreto.

Currently there are men and women in six countries (Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Philippines, Uganda, United States - with members in 23 different states in the U.S.).

Corpus Christianum is an international Private Association of the Faithful.

According to canon law, the laity may form voluntary associations to pursue Catholic aims and may decide upon their rules of governance. This is dictated under canonical rules for lay associations in the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law (1983). Corpus Christianum has formally submitted its statutes for ecclesiastical review with the hopes of full approval in due time. Please pray for this intention.

When a member is not able to perform some aspects of the duties outlined in the statutes, no sin is committed. We try to do what we can within our circumstances to develop our prayer life and to pray for the renewal of Christendom.

Why does the Association invoke the Blessed Virgin's intercession under the title of "Mary, Help of Christians?"

This title was introduced by Pope Pius V after the victory of the Catholic forces in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Then in the early 19th century, Napoleon occupied Rome, annexed the papal states and imprisoned Pope Pius VII. In thanksgiving for the pope's release and restoration in Rome on May 24, 1814, the feast of Mary Help of Christians was introduced. As the Blessed Virgin has shown powerful aid under this title, particularly in the midst of difficult times, we feel this title best addresses our petitions for the troubles facing Christendom today.

What printing of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is recommended?

The small hardcover edition, edited by Rev. John A. Rotelle, is a good choice because of the way it is laid out and because of the large print type. Additionally, it includes the Litany of Loreto in an appendix of Marian prayers in the back.

Some have asked if they can pray from editions printed in Latin. This is acceptable if the member understands Latin enough to recognize what is being prayed. Baronius Press offers a Latin/Engligh version according the 1962 liturgical books. Please note that the 1962 version is formatted slightly differently than the liturgical books currently in force. Otherwise there is no problem with using this version for either Latin or English.

Is membership into Corpus Christianum only open to English-speaking people?

The association is international in scope and is open to all Catholics. We hope that we will be provided with opportunities to have our information translated into other languages. Members are always encouraged to spread the work in their native tongue if they are able to do so.

First you must read through the Statutes. If you then feel called to add to our prayers for the renewal of Christendom, please visit the "Join CC" page and complete the requested information. Your information is only used for internal communications and for an official accounting of membership for ecclesiatical purposes. You will then receive a reply shortly thereafter.

When one truly understands that Christendom is relentlessly being assaulted on many different fronts (i.e. against the Church and her ministers, against the family, against Christians living in modern society or in non-Christian lands, etc.), one quickly recognizes the great spiritual battle that is before us every day.

And so, by using the very efficacious weapons of prayer - the Most Holy Rosary, the Litany of Loreto, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, etc. - one endeavors to take on the same noble challenges faced by the Catholic knights of old, namely to "fight" for Christendom each and every day. A truly courageous soul is one that clings to Christ the King and the Blessed Virgin Mary, in all circumstances, and that prays faithfully every day - even through times of spiritual dryness - in order to prosper quietly and oftentimes unrecognized, the work of renewing Christendom. Such souls march tirelessly under the banners of Christ and His Mother.

Sir Kenelm Digby, who converted to Catholicism in 1825, wrote an excellent book on this subject. One can find a recently reprinted annotated version of his "Maxims," which is highly recommended. And while the original, full 4-volume set, The Broad Stone of Honour is hard to find in print, it can be accessed for free via Google : Godefridus, Tancredus, Morus, Orlandus. However the full set makes for a more difficult read than the "Maxims" as the author makes more references in Greek, Latin, and French in the complete set.

The Statutes require that one be a Catholic, in good standing, at the time one petitions to join. Therefore while we cannot accept a membership request before someone is Catholic, we encourage such persons to begin praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary as they work towards full communion. Then once they have fully entered into the Church, they are free to request membership.

There is no cost to join. Members who do not own a Little Office, etc. may access all of the necessary prayers online for free at this website. The only possible cost would be in obtaining an Association pin or mantle but these two items are never required. More information about the pin and mantle may be accessed here.

Members who live in close proximity are encouraged to meet for prayers, Mass, Catholic events, etc. However, most members live too far apart to gather and so they quietly and courageously pray for Christendom every day.

One can access a printable holy card with the image of Mary, Help of Christians on the front and the Litany of Loreto on the back here.

You may always contact us and we would be happy to answer any additional questions.

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