ABSTRACT

The author’s testimony spans two decades, offering a poignant account of his involvement with the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV) and his subsequent path to liberation. During his time in an SCV formation house, demanding academic pursuits, manual labor, and intense physical activities shaped his experience. Manipulative behaviors from SCV figures cast a dark cloud, perpetuating verbal degradation and humiliation. The revelation of sexual abuse within the institution shattered his trust, prompting him to sever connections and delve into literature about manipulative groups, seeking understanding. The testimony vividly portrays the enduring wounds of spiritual abuse and the lengthy process of grappling with the painful lived experience. Ultimately, the author’s journey led him to renounce his faith and embrace a life free from the clutches of the SCV, supported by his family, friends, therapists, and reintegration into the external world.