The booklet, promoting a pilgrimage centre in the Holy Land, was written by Legionary priest Fr Juan Solana.

When the level of offense taken at the comparison between the saint and Fr Marcial Maciel Degollado was pointed out to him, Fr Solana issued an apology.

"The passages in question suggest a comparison between Mary Magdalene and Legion founder Marcial Maciel, which clearly is inappropriate and poorly chosen," he wrote.

"I was trying to make a point about compassion and forgiveness in light of the Legion's history, but realise now that my words were awkward and suggest a reverence for our founder that we clearly reject. Again, I'm sorry for any hurt this has caused," he said.

Fr Solana added that the Legion will cease distributing the booklet containing the reflection in question.

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