The Christian Life Community is a public world association whose executive centre is presently in Rome. It is the continuation of the Marian Sodality, started by Rev. John Leunis S.J. in March 25, 1563, and first officially approved by Pope Gregory XIII’s bull, Omnipotentis Dei, in December 5, 1584. In 1957 the organization had got a membership in UNO in its ICO section. After the 2nd Vatican Coun
cil the name ‘Marian Sodality’ was changed into CLC in the 4th World Assembly in Rome in 1967. First Sodality unit in India was established in Goa in 1607. Its origin in Kerala was in 1644 in Vaippinkotta Seminary in Chendamangalam. CLC is a group of lay Christian men and women who freely choose this way of life in response to God’s call. They aim to become committed Christians in bearing witness to those human and Gospel values within the Church and society by means of following Jesus Christ more closely and work with him for the building of the Kingdom. The spirituality of this Community is centered on Christ and on participation in the paschal Mystery. CLC holds the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola as the specific source of its spirituality. We honour Mary in a special way and rely on her intercession in fulfilling our vocation. CLC functions in more than 60 countries as per the 17 General Principles approved by the World Assembly convened in Guadalajara in Mexico in 1990.
