Concilium Bulletin April 2025
DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE
Immaculata Curia
Curia has ten (10) attached praesidia and a total membership of forty- three (43). Annual retreat was held on 6 April. Title of recent Patricians was “The Power of Forgiveness” – six (6) legionaries and four (4) Patricians attended. A praesidium’s main works include home visitation, nursing home visitation and visitation to the schools. Members visited one thousand (1,000) homes in their parish. Miraculous Medals and Legion literature were offered and Legion membership encouraged. Information on parish activities was handed out. They distribute forty- four (44) Maria Legionis to auxiliaries and others. Prayer packs are presented to First Communion and confirmation students and a video on the Miraculous Medal is shown to them. Nursing home visitation includes visitation to auxiliaries who reside there. Some residents were accompanied by legionaries to Church of the Holy Spirit, Greenhills anointing of the sick on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Another praesidium’s main works are visitation od schools and homes, where lapsed Catholics are encouraged to return to the sacraments. Over four hundred (400) Miraculous Medals were given out on home visitation. Members distribute one hundred and forty (140) Alive newspapers every week.
Gloriosa Curia
Curia has nine (9) attached praesidia and a total membership of fifty-two (52). Recruiting is planned for Inchicore. Curia retreat was held on 6 April.
Annunciata Curia
Curia has five (5) attached praesidia and a total membership of thirty- two (32). Curia retreat was held on 5 April. Monthly street contact, as recommended by Concilium, has been going reasonably well. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has started on a monthly basis in Annunciata House – eighteen (18) attended in February and thirteen (13) in March. As there was no praesidium report at last Curia meeting, a discussion was held about starting a new praesidium. Approach should be made to friends and acquaintances and to Mass attendees. A discussion also took place about the Three Cs; Conversion, Conservation and Consolation. The following points were made: Be clear on what we want to say to the contact and explain to them the ‘Real Presence’ and not some watered-down version of the Church. Use terminology that is easy for the younger generation to understand and follow. Engage the contact in conversation about God and their faith. Be always equipped with the Miraculous Medal and contact cards etc. Organise and promote Holy Hour of Adoration, Devotions such as First Friday Devotions and First Saturday Devotions, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart, and the Family Rosary.
Ancilla Domini Curia
The Acies was held recently with Mass in St. Nicholas of Myra Church, Francis Street. It was followed by refreshments in Myra House. The recent Patricians Meeting was held in Whitefriars Street Community Centre. The title of the paper was “Pacem in Terris: The Teaching of the Catholic Church on War and Peace”. A Frank Duff Prayer Meeting is held on the fourth Friday of the month in Myra House. A portion of his writings are read and discussed. All are encouraged to pray to him and report any favours received. A Saturday recruiting drive was held in which three churches were visited. It began with Mass in Meath Street. Parishioners were met afterwards and given Miraculous Medals. The junior praesidium is going well and all are asked to get new members. In the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 the four named churches will be visited as a group. It is proposed to hold a public rosary at the statue in Grey Street on all Saturdays in May.
Mater Ecclesiae Curia
Numbers are currently at forty-five (45) active members and eleven (11) probationary members, three (3) of whom will take their Legion promise shortly. The Acies was held on Sunday 23 March. A Curia Congress was held on Saturday 29 March. Despite small attendance, there were some obvious fruits. All members had an opportunity to speak, and the following Saturday, three (3) members joined in street contact for the first time. All three (3) were filled with joy after the experience. The day after the Congress, Mother’s Day, four (4) legionaries recruited after Sunday Masses in Bray, with the intention of giving thanks to Our Blessed Mother for a successful Congress. Two (2) contacts turned up the following night for the meeting and returned the following week. On Saturday mornings typically eight (8) to ten (10) legionaries are out on street contact. There are also ongoing attempts to recruit through personal contacts. Curia is planning to have a recruitment drive/outreach in Blackrock/Foxrock in May. A Eucharistic Holy hour is held every week in St Joseph’s Glasthule and the Frank Duff prayer is prayed thereat. A Eucharistic Holy hour is held monthly in the Chapel of the Divine Masters and the prayer for Edel Quinn is prayed there. Several praesidia in the Curia are responsible, in turn, for praying the Rosary and the prayer for the Beatification of the venerable Edel Quinn before the 10 am Mass on Mondays in St. Patrick’s Church, Monkstown. Recent Patricians’ titles were “Life” which had an attendance of fifteen (15) and “Holy Orders and the House of God”. A praesidium’s main works are street contact, nursing home visitation and visitation of patients in the National Rehabilitation hospital where they meet amputees and people with brain and spinal injuries. Members lead the Rosary, full Legion prayers and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Saturday in St. Joseph’s Church, Glasthule.
IRELAND
COMITIA
Navan Comitium
The praesidium in Slane gained three (3) new members as a result of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament praesidium reported home and nursing home, and Pilgrim Statue visitation, along with visitation of local schools and helping to prepare for Holy Communion. Consolata praesidium has five (5) praesidia and their apostolate includes home and nursing home visitation where efforts are made to recruit active and auxiliary members. Crowd contact is also carried out. Two legionaries from the Curia went on Peregrinatio Pro- Christo (P.P.C.) last year.
Raphoe Comitium
A good attendance was recorded at the meetings of the Comitium. Mary Immaculate praesidium in Stranorlar gave its annual report. Their apostolate includes home and hospital visitation. The new praesidium in Ardaghey has three (3) members and the Spiritual Director took the Legion promise. The praesidium in Falcarragh has three (3) active members and forty- five (45) auxiliaries.
Derry Comitium
The attendance at the Comitium meeting is small. The Comitium is planning for extension in the parishes of Creggan and Ballymagorty. In two (2) of the attached praesidia, six (6) legionaries made their Legion promise. The attached Queen of the Home Curia in Inishowen gave its annual report. With six (6) praesidia attached, the works being done are home visitation with the Pilgrim Statue and distribution of Miraculous Medals, Confession and Rosary leaflets. During the month of May, Altars are displayed in shops with permission from shop owners.
Dromore Comitium
The attendance at the Comitium meeting for January, February and March was twenty- five (25) each month. Our Lady of Good Counsel praesidium in Newry reported a new member has now taken the Legion promise after completing her probationary time. A new vice-president was elected at the February meeting.
CURIAE
Drogheda Curia
A new praesidium was set up in Duleek on 9 January 2025 following the carrying out by the Curia of extension work in two parishes. An enjoyable Curia reunion was held on 7 December 2024. The works of a praesidium with six (6) active members and forty- two (42) auxiliary members include street contact and nursing home visitation. The praesidium in Ardee has eight (8) members who carry out home and hospital visitation and weekly visits to Moorehall nursing home. Book barrow apostolate was carried out at a supermarket in Ardee for four hours in March.
Clonmacnoise Curia
Athlone senior praesidium visits two nursing homes and two care centres. They lead the Rosary with patients and recruit auxiliary members when possible. The praesidium participated in the recent vigil for Faith held on 16 March where Miraculous Medals were distributed.
Armagh Curia
The Curia has six (6) praesidia, one intermediate and two (2) junior praesidia attached. Recruitment drives are done in several locations. Visitation with a Mystical Rose Statue to different homes where the Rosary is prayed with families happens every week.
Dundalk Curia
Quotations for renovations to Kilsaran Legion Hall were sought for the ninetieth (90th) anniversary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart praesidium. Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated the Mass and gave the homily. He encouraged all to recruit more people for the Legion of Mary. Three (3) members were in attendance at the ‘Call to Arms’ in Newbridge in March.
Leitrim Curia
A new praesidium has been established in Granard. Two (2) members from another praesidium are helping with its beginning. There was reference to a retreat for men with twelve (12) to fifteen (15) in attendance.
Clogher Curia
The praesidium in Belcoo has been revived and four (4) officers appointed. Praesidium report: In Clones, there are six (6) members and two (2) auxiliaries. Home visitation has been started and the response has been good. The praesidium has an outreach to homeless persons. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration with the purpose of praying for vocations is organised by the praesidium.
Kilmore Curia
We look forward to hearing from this Council in the next report.
EUROPE
SPAIN
Madrid Senatus
Street contact in a red-light district is made with many of the women. While the legionaries from different praesidia are speaking to their contacts, another group of legionaries is praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. A Curia contacts people on busy pedestrian streets inviting people to visit the church, to light a candle and pray at the Adoration Altar. A priest is available for confessions. Another Curia does what they call, “Fishing for Youth”, contacting young adults on the streets. On a typical night twenty- one (21) legionaries make over thirty (30) contacts. Mass was celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the first praesidium in Spain. A Spiritual Director of a praesidium invites young people to join the Legion in his sermons and from the confessional. This praesidium meets in an area where many young people congregate. The Curia of Valencia reported a new praesidium of (8) legionaries. The Curia has a Patrician Group of fifteen (15) members.
Bilbao Senatus
Many praesidia are composed of elderly legionaries now, and there are few attempts at extension. Home visitation except to known sick people is non-existent. Two praesidia closed in the period, one in Munguia to the NE of Bilbao, and another in the Diocese of Burgos. Both closed due to lack of members. The Legion of Mary is now active in only seven (7) of the original twelve (12) Dioceses of the Senatus area. Members in all councils are nevertheless heavily involved in church ministries and service. Several praesidia engage in distribution of Miraculous Medals and the accompanying leaflet. Basauri Curia E of Bilbao is one of the more active councils; through its book barrow it has recruited two (2) new active members and two (2) auxiliaries. Finally, the Senatus held a well-attended Alfie Lambe Anniversary Retreat in January, with many enthusiastic contributions.
PORTUGAL
Lisbon Senatus
The attached praesidia apostolate included visits to nursing homes, catechists go to schools to distribute registration forms, inviting children to catechesis. Columban Drives were carried out. The Senatus held a meeting of extensionists, in which the activities carried out in 2024 were evaluated, and the programme of various councils for 2025 were presented. Efforts were made to revitalise weakened praesidia after the pandemic, and several projects and foundations for new praesidia were introduced. The Senatus has supported the Councils in establishing new praesidia with encouraging results. A junior praesidium with nineteen (19) active members was reported.
Queen of the Apostles Comitium (Ponta Delgada-Azores)
Support for oncology patients and visits to the sick at the Alzheimer’s Centre. A Curia with twenty- six (26) active members and two hundred and thirty (230) auxiliaries, all of whom receive greeting cards on their birthdays.
Porta Regia
The Regia provides household support to an immigrant family with two autistic children.
ITALY
Rome Senatus
Three (3) praesidia and two (2) Comitia reported during this period. The Senatus visited the new Comitium of Asti, which governs the Curiae and praesidia in the north west of Italy where the Legion almost disappeared after covid. The Comitium is visiting the councils and keeping in communication each month. Some attached praesidia are weak, but are meeting and all except one have committed Spiritual Directors and suitable meeting places. Three praesidia have eight, eight, and six (8,8 and 6) members. A former legionary, after the death of her husband, returned to the praesidium with her daughter. Her daughter, who is much younger than the rest of the members has made her promise and hopes to recruit, focusing on younger members. Rimini Comitium is functioning very well. There are eight (8) praesidia and three (3) Curiae attached. The Curia in Verona was attached to Padua Comitium and recently was transferred to Rimini when the Comitium in Padua closed. Recruitment efforts have been positive including the recruitment of younger members.
MALTA
Malta Regia
Curiae Reports: Reports from three (3) Curiae. The apostolate included many good contacts from tourists, taxi drivers and on- board ships. Home visitation and street contact was also reported. Hope of the World Curia gained two (2) new members. Contact was made with persons away from the sacraments and every encouragement was given to return to the practice of their Faith. Praesidia Reports: Brief reports were taken from seven (7) praesidia. The works being done are contacts with many people from other countries, visitation to auxiliaries, teaching catechism, street contact, open air rosaries, home visitation, a day retreat and Mass for servant of God Frank Duff. A Maria et Patria (M.E.P.) Project was carried out by two (2) legionaries from Gozo Comitium. One hundred and twenty (120) doors were knocked and forty (40) people responded resulting in two (2) prospective members.
Councils under the care of Malta Regia
LIBYA
The praesidium in Libya now has ten (10) members and the Acies is planned for April. Br. Anthony Attard and Br. Alfred have been keeping in contact with the praesidium when it was not possible to make a visit due to covid and other causes. The last visit was made in 2010. The two brothers would like to make a visit in 2025. Albania: A visit to Albania will take place later this year by the Malta Correspondent and another legionary.
CYPRUS
Nicosia with two (2) praesidia meet every Sunday after Mass. One member took the Legion Promise after completing her probationary period. During the afternoon they legionaries assist a group of immigrants. Limassol praesidium has not reported.
NORTH AMERICA AND WEST INDIES
WEST INDIES
Puerto Rico Senatus
Senatus has a full slate of officers. The Acies was very blessed. Helping with homework and visiting a juvenile detention centre featured. Sacramental marriage was organised for two (2) couples after twenty- six (26) years and forty- nine (49) years of common law marriage. They visit a prison with Sisters of Charity and run a summer camp at the Sisters’ Centre.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Santa Domingo Senatus
Senatus received reports from three (3) Comitia and three (3) praesidia. These totalled seven hundred and forty (740) active members, including more than one hundred (100) praetorians. Their eight hundred (800) auxiliaries include about eighty (80) adjutorians. Some work statistics include five thousand (5,000) visits to the sick and almost one hundred and ten thousand (110,000) visits to homes were made.
Northern Senatus, in Santiago de los Caballeros
A report was received from one Comitium which has seventeen (17) praesidia and two (2) Curiae attached. They gained forty- two (42) new members.
HAITI
Haiti Senatus
Minutes cite works of service and counselling, visiting the sick and praying at funerals. They ask our prayers due to the humanitarian crisis there. They have plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Senatus over three days from 1-3 May 2025.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad and Tobago Regia
Seven (7) Curiae reported in recent months. Among other Legion works, they assisted with parish apostolate such as First Saturday Devotions, teaching catechism, leading the Stations of the Cross, selling Catholic newspapers and supervision of junior praesidia. The Curiae in Arima and Chaguanas has not restarted but a new junior praesidium started in the latter. There was no report from Point Fortin. Regia held a day of prayer in January and had scheduled the Acies Ceremony for late March.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Philadelphia Senatus
One junior praesidium of sixteen (16) members circulated a Statue of our Lady to each class in their school. The Senatus Retreat had two hundred and sixty (260) people in attendance. Sadly, their young Spiritual Director died suddenly in December. May his holy soul rest in peace. Three (3) praesidia organised a week-long Eucharistic Rosary for five hundred (500) participants. This involved 24- hour Adoration with an hourly rosary.
Los Angeles Senatus
Many councils have held a Congress. One praesidium reported doing three (3) Exploratio Dominicalis. Nevada reported a new praesidium with eighteen (18) full and four (4) probation members. With a goal to form a Curia in Las Vegas, legionaries have organised three (3) Columban drives. They assist their Pastor with his visits to rest homes and teach catechism and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).
Arlington Senatus
One junior praesidium of eleven (11) members and seven (7) parents undertook the 33 Day True Devotion to Mary Consecration. Exploratio Dominicalis, door to door and street contact, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and celebrating Our Lady’s Birthday featured in many reports. One Curia started a praesidium which now has twenty- five (25) members, all of whom are young adults. The Curia which is comprised of Hispanic people distributed two hundred and twenty-eight (228) copies of the Spanish Maria Legionis.
San Francisco Senatus
Attendance of praesidia officers ranged from sixty per cent (60%) to seventy- three per cent (73%). In the six (6) praesidia reporting membership ranged from four (4) to seven (7) members. A Patricians, running for thirty- four (34) years, now has about fifteen (15) attendees. Monthly street contact at three (3) downtown venues utilises the Miraculous Medal, the Rosary and Sunday Bulletins from nearby churches. Recently a lapsed Catholic contact, confused about his Faith, returned to Mass. Non-Catholics are informed about Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Houston Senatus
In one Comitium, a praesidium hosted nine (9) Patrician meetings with an average attendance of eight (8). A Curia in Beaumont doubled its praesidia from five (5) to ten (10) in four (4) years. Another Curia has established its first junior praesidium. A praesidium in Gallup Comitium, New Mexico is due to celebrate its Centenary in 2025.
Chicago Senatus
A praesidium started sending rosaries to a Military Base which did not permit outsiders to visit. Promoting the 33-day Consecration to St. Joseph was among their works. The Army Chaplain then invited a legionary to provide a recording of her weekly talk on the Consecration to about three hundred (300) army officers and navy officers in three (3) military bases. About one hundred (100) staff took the Consecration, one marriage was validated and thirteen (13) converts were baptised. Kokomo Comitium in Indiana reported a cure for stage four cancer through intercession of Frank Duff.
Boston Senatus
A prison praesidium has thirteen (13) to fifteen (15) active members who organise a biweekly Rosary in the prison hospital. They offer patients the Tessera as a special gift. In Springfield Curia, a True Devotion to Mary promotion resulted in nine (9) young people taking on TDM. In Providence Comitium, two 2 non-Catholic contacts received the sacrament of baptism and became active legionaries. Prayer ministry and Catechism is provided to fifty (50) prisoners.
New York Senatus
The Senatus has recently stabilised. Reports came from one praesidium and two Comitia. Newark Comitium report door to door, jail visits and book barrow being done. The Comitium, which is comprised of Korean- speakers and has eight (8) directly- attached praesidia, recruited ninety- one (91) active and one hundred and twenty- five (125) auxiliaries and organised fifty- one (51) baptisms, one of whom is now a new legionary. The Acies of the Senatus had about two hundred (200) attending and included legionaries from the attached Councils.
St. Louis Senatus
The Treasurer and Vice-President of the Senatus have both passed away in the past year. May they rest in peace. The Senatus has elected three (3) new officers in recent times; president, secretary and treasurer. They received reports from five (5) directly-attached praesidia. Three (3) Comitia based in Illinois, Kansas and Denver respectively and with an active membership of fifty- two (52), seventy- two (72) and one hundred and sixty- three (163) reported also. Denver Comitium distributed rosaries at shopping malls and organised for Enthronement of homes of eighty- two (82) families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They also carry out Pilgrim Virgin Statue visitation and prison ministry. A junior praesidium in Kansas made two thousand, four hundred (2,400) Rosary Beads and served at three hundred (300) Masses.
Miami Regia
Attendance was around fifty percent (50%) for directly-attached praesidia and sixty per cent (60%) for Curiae. Reports came from three (3) praesidia and eleven (11) Councils. A recruiting drive yielded nine (9) interested in active membership and thirty-one (31) in auxiliary membership. A new praesidium was started in distant Savannah. Recruiting was emphasised in two (2) Allocutios. A goal was set to begin two (2) praesidia in 2025. Acies dates were staggered by attached Curiae.
CANADA
Toronto Senatus
The Acies was held in March for local praesidia. Three (3) praesidia and eight (8) councils reported. A Comitium for Korean- speakers reported conversion to Catholicism for a nursing home resident. Extension efforts resulted in a new praesidium of twelve (12) members in one parish. The main work of this new praesidium is Pilgrim Statue and Enthronement of homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A praesidium of three (3) officers was established in the seminary. This was followed up with a talk on the Legion of Mary to about forty (40) seminarians and (5) priests. Handbooks were given to everyone present. Vancouver Comitium is working steadily as it prepares for its upcoming Congress. Montreal Senatus had reports from three (3) praesidia and three (3) Curiae. A new praesidium increased from five (5) to eight (8) members in one year. The number at Sherbrooke Curia is currently low and it is hoped that this will soon increase. St. Hyacinthe Curia gained one new praesidium and has plans for another with the existence of prospective members including Columbian and Mexican workers in the locality. Among the works of the Curia is a Patricians’ group. Edmonton Comitium had about thirty per cent (30%) attendance this quarter from nine (9) local praesidia. It is hoped this attendance will improve. There are five (5) Curiae attached. A new French- speaking praesidium has been formed in Edmonton while in Calgary extension has been a big focus for two Curiae.
AFRICA
NIGERIA
Lagos Regia
The Regia jurisdiction covers the Archdiocese of Lagos, Abeokuta Diocese, and Ijebo dioceses, comprising of forty- two (42) Comitia, two hundred and twenty- one (221) senior Curiae, one hundred and forty- two (142) junior Curiae, two thousand, four hundred and seventeen (2,417) senior praesidia, two thousand, nine hundred and seventy- four (2,974) junior/intermediate praesidia and twelve (12) directly attached praesidia totalling thirty thousand, six hundred and thirty- seven (30,637) senior legionaries, twenty- three thousand, four hundred and eighty-one (23,481) junior/intermediate legionaries, two thousand, five hundred and ten (2,510) praetorians, three thousand and forty- four (3,044) auxiliaries and four hundred and eighty- four (484) adjutorians. Works reported include home and hospital visitation, care of children during Mass, teaching the catechism, marriage instruction/counselling, visiting orphanages and the elderly. Promoting Enthronement to the Sacred Heart, dissemination of Catholic literature and Miraculous Medals as well as visiting brothels, prisons, and leper colonies. In total, eighty- one thousand, five hundred and twenty-one (81,521) homes were visited in 2024, twenty- one thousand and ninety- nine (21,099) people were visited in hospital and ten thousand, two hundred and sixty- seven (10,267)
people were contacted through crowd contact. Many thousands were prepared for the sacraments including seven thousand, two hundred and seventy- seven (7,277) for First Holy Communion and four thousand, three hundred and fourteen (4,314) for Confirmation.
Onitsha Regia
Umuoji Comitium reports helping many people prepare for the sacraments include fourteen (14) couples who had their marriages blessed. They also report helping to resolve family disputes. A Congress was held, and they followed the advice of the correspondent in preparing in advance of the Acies. Jalingo Comitium is planning to expand into the hinterlands and places where the Legion of Mary no longer exists due to the frequent unrest and attacks in the area.
Ikot Ekpene Regia
Calabar Comitium reports assisting two (2) non-Catholics and two (2) African Traditionalists to enter the Church. Three (3) marriage cases were regularised, six (6) couples received the sacrament of matrimony, and two (2) struggling praesidia were revived. Ikot Ansa Calabar Comitium also established two (2) new praesidia and successfully revived another.
Enugu Senatus
A Comitium recently established one (1) junior Curia and one (1) senior Curia, nine (9) senior praesidia and eight (8) junior praesidia. Nineteen (19) legionaries were ordained deacons.
Abuja Senatus
The Consecration of the Archdiocese of Abuja to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was held last November after which the Senatus Spiritual Director encouraged legionaries to take seriously their consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In January, the Senatus held its annual workshop under the theme: “Deepening Our Catholic Identity and Marian Spirituality as Legionaries of Mary”. The event was a great success and very well attended. A workshop for Catechism instructors is scheduled for March and a Spiritual Directors’ Forum is set to take place June.
Senatus of Ibadan
The Senatus is comprised of a total of thirty- one thousand, four hundred and sixty- eight (31,468) legionaries on roll which consist of fourteen thousand, nine hundred and two (14,902) active legionaries [three hundred and two (302) of whom teach Catechesis as part of their Legion of Mary duty], one thousand, eight hundred and fifty- four (1,854) probationers, and ten thousand, eight hundred and fifty- four (10,854) junior legionaries. There are also one thousand, six hundred and fifty (1,650) auxiliaries, five hundred and seventy- three (573) praetorians, and two hundred and fifteen (215) adjutorians. They report helping to prepare
many thousands for the sacraments. Legionaries visit homes, hospitals, prisons, brothels and orphanages and helped many converts to the Catholic faith. Ten (10) legionaries were ordained as priests, six (6) were ordained as deacons and one legionary took Solemn Monastic profession. Gambia - Banjul Curia organised for the celebration of Holy Mass for Servant of God Alfie Lambe on 26 January, after which the Legion of Mary commenced its Year of Prayer.
Senatus of Uganda
Last year, Kabala Regia celebrated seventy- five (75) years of the Legion of Mary. The Regia membership totals one hundred and ninety thousand, six hundred and sixty- seven (190,467) legionaries. Their reports noted that two thousand and eighty- three (2,083) infants were baptised, forty- four (44) adults were received into the Catholic Church, and five hundred and sixty (560) new members joined the Legion of Mary. A newly established praesidium submitted its first report. Members there visit homes, hospitals, boda boda (motorcycle taxis) riders, and security guards. As a result of their efforts, four (4) children were baptised. Legionaries from Villa Maria Comitium visited the Islands in Lake Victoria, where they embarked on a month- long evangelisation mission reaching out to many souls. The Senatus is also preparing for the Twelfth (12th Spiritual Directors’ Conference) with the theme ‘Do not be afraid’.
Councils under the care of the Senatus of Uganda:
SOUTH SUDAN
The Senatus of Uganda planned to send an extension team to travel to South Sudan in early March 2025 where they would participate in the Acies ceremonies of several Councils over a period of three (3) weeks. Unfortunately, due to increasing insecurity, the scheduled flights were cancelled.
ETHIOPIA
In February, the Senatus of Uganda sent two legionaries to Ethiopia to follow up on previous extension efforts and continue their evangelisation work. Despite challenges, substantial work has been accomplished in at least four (4) parishes, schools, and one major seminary, with five (5) praesidia operational.
TANZANIA
Hai Moshi Comitium
Works reported on include home and hospital visitation, encouraging couples to marry in Church and preparing adults and children for the sacraments.
Mbeya Comitium
In a recent email, the Spiritual Director of the Comitium congratulated Concilium on its Centenary meeting and pledged to offer twenty (20) Masses for the happy repose of the soul of Fr. McGregor.
Njombe Comitium
Activities planned for 2025, which include Legion of Mary gatherings, visits to the sick in homes and hospitals, and a general apostolic outreach to the wider community. We look forward to hearing from Rombo Comitium in the next report.
MALAWI
Blantyre Senatus
Steps have been taken to increase attendance at the Senatus meeting. Many attached Councils report holding Congresses or planning Congresses soon. Bishop Allan Chamgwera advised all legionaries to be united and pray the rosary every day. Works reported include visits to cohabiting couples, which has resulted in many couples receiving the sacrament of matrimony. Bereaved families are visited and consoled. Youths and lapsed Catholics are counselled and encouraged to return to practice. Legionaries teach Catechism to small Christian communities and visit ex-prisoners on their release from prison. A praesidium established in 1945 works with the youth teaching them Catechism.
Maula Senatus
A Council reported having about one hundred and fifty (150) junior legionaries who meet every week. They were advised to form praesidia of ten (10) or fifteen (15) legionaries and a Curia. Junior legionaries visited juvenile prisoners at Maula who were delighted with the visit and requested a re-visit.
ZAMBIA
Lusaka Regia
The Regia action plan for 2025 has been received. A Young Adult Conference was held in November under the theme “To embrace Sanctity Among Young Adults”. The Conference addressed various issues effecting young adults with guidance given to young legionnaires to avoid places where bad vices are practiced. In January most Curiae reported commemorating the life and legacy of now Servant of God Alife Lambe. A Comitium reports visiting an open prison housing ninety- seven (97) young men. Other works include visiting sick and bereaved and visiting small Christian communities, teaching prayers and encouraging parents to get their children baptised. A novena in preparation for the Acies began on 21 March and Acies ceremonies took place on 29 March across most Curiae.
Kasama Regia
We look forward to hearing from you in your next report.
KENYA
Senatus of Kenya
Nairobi junior Curia has nine (9) directly attached praesidia. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom praesidium has twenty (20) active members, fourteen (14) auxiliaries and twenty (20) probationers. They supervise three (3) junior praesidia. Works include crowd contact and teaching Sunday school. They organised a concert in May and October calling these events ‘An Afternoon with Mary’. They invited parishioners to attend. The Senatus Spiritual Director encouraged all legionaries to read the handbook on leadership to ensure that they have the right team spirit and team work as they prepare for two extension projects.
Kisumu Regia
Kisumu Regia celebrated its fortieth (40th) anniversary. Five hundred and two (502) couples were contacted and two hundred and sixteen (216) had their marriages blessed. Eight hundred and forty- eight (848) lapsed were contacted and four hundred and forty-nine (449) returned to the Catholic Sixteen (16) street girls were contacted and four (4) abandoned the life.
Bungoma Regia
One thousand, six hundred and twenty- nine (1629) parents were advised about baptism for their children and one thousand and forty- five (1,045) children were baptised. Seven (7) Curiae and three (3) praesidia were established in Eldoret Diocese.
Remembering the Miracle of Monto 1925- 2025
This marvellous Legion of Mary Event at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Seán Mc Dermott Street Dublin was held on Saturday 29 March 2025 beginning with Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament, followed by Procession behind the Monto Crucifix, relating of The Story of Monto, and concluding with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Casey S.D.B. and Fr. Anthony Kavanagh O.P.
Annual Dicastery Meeting in Rome 04- 06 June 2025
The Legion of Mary will again be represented this year. Last year, invitation was issued for two people from the Legion of Mary. This year the number has been increased to three. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Churchill, Spiritual Director of Concilium Legionis Mariae will attend, as will Sr. Miriam Mc Kane, Secretary and Sr. Karen Wynne, Treasurer. They will attend events organised, meet Philip Mulligan who has worked for the Legion of Mary on the Statutes, and some people regarding the three causes especially that of now Servant of God Alfie Lambe and his cause.
Deus et Patria Committee proposal for financial support for legionaries travelling to Rome for the Youth Jubilee
Approval was sought and granted to proposal for the pilgrimage noted above to proceed.
Peregrinatio Pro Christo (P.P.C.)
A pre-departure meeting will be held on Saturday 7 June for all legionaries considering going on P.P.C. To date, forty (40) volunteers have signed up to go on the five (5) P.P.C. projects confirmed so far this year. All are asked to pray for the success of these projects.
Legion of Mary Schools Pilot Project in Dublin
A pilot project to be carried out in a number of Catholic schools in Dublin has been welcomed by Sr. Anne Neylon D.C., Primary Diocesan Advisor.
The Legion of Mary in Ireland
A census will soon be carried out to determine numbers of members currently in the Legion of Mary in Ireland. A number of imminent cluster meetings are being planned, largely in the mid- west area. A Task Force, likely to meet on Zoom and focusing on recruitment will begin shortly. The Annual Pilgrimage of The Legion of Mary to Knock Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, Mayo, Ireland will occur on Sunday 28 September. A recent meeting for pilgrimage organisers provided a host of recommendations such as keeping the focus of the day on prayer, encouraging and incorporating singing of hymns etc. Approximately one million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually, and a list which notes the dates of various pilgrimages there is available. Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine is valued for its role in the revitalisation of the Legion of Mary, particularly in the West of Ireland, with Fr. Declan Lohan developing Extra- Ordinary Meetings for legionaries there in recent years. Knock Youth Village, with a number of pods is a very welcome addition and a resource of great value to Deus et Patria.
Some Handbook Reflections
We have reached the final part of the four- part series about Standing Instruction (p. 14- 16 therein)
STANDING INSTRUCTION (Fourth Part)
“Legionary duty requires from each legionary: ... Fourth, absolute respect for the confidential nature of many matters discussed at the meeting or learned in connection with the legionary work.” (Handbook 18:7)
The contents of the fourth part of the Standing Instruction, quoted above, are dealt with particularly in section 20, chapter 19, and section 4, chapter 33, of the handbook.
The following are some extracts from the handbook: “Confidentiality of paramount importance. The Standing Instruction, read to the members month after month, should bring home to them the all-important place of confidentiality in the Legion’s scheme of things. Lack of courage in a soldier is accounted shameful, but treachery is infinitely worse. It is treachery to the Legion to repeat outside matters of a confidential nature learned or discussed at the praesidium meeting. At the same time, there must be reason in all things. Sometimes over-zealous people may urge that in the interests of charity legionaries should withhold from the praesidium all names and reports which involve neglect of religion. In this apparently plausible suggestion there is an error, and a threat to the Legion’s life, as the praesidium could not function satisfactorily under such conditions.” (l9:20) “Inviolable confidence must be preserved by the legionaries in regard to what they hear at their meetings or in the course of their work. This knowledge comes to them because they are legionaries, and it would be an intolerable treachery to the Legion for them to divulge it. Reports must, of course, be made to the praesidium meeting, but even here there must be circumspection. This question is more fully discussed in section 20, chapter 19, The Meeting and the Member.” (33:4) In dealing with the question of reports to the praesidium meeting, section 20, chapter 19, says among other things: “The unit of action and knowledge and charity is neither the individual member nor the pair of co-visitors. The praesidium is that unit, and the detail of all ordinary cases is due to that unit. If the reports are withheld, the unit becomes ineffective. Under the plea of charity, the real interests of charity are prejudiced.” To remove from members the obligation to furnish adequate reports is also to remove that sense of minute control which means so much in the Legion system. No effective advice or guidance or criticism can be given so that the essential idea of the praesidium is frustrated. The education and safeguarding of the members, which are based on the reports, are rendered impossible. Unless the members’ weekly reports are adequately detailed to enable the minute control already referred to, indiscretions will almost certainly occur, with perhaps, detriment to the Legion.” “Strangest of all, the bond of confidentiality itself becomes loosened. For the guarantee of legionary confidentiality (so wonderfully honoured at present) is the praesidium grip upon the member. If this grip is weakened, the bond of confidentiality weakens with it. In a word, the praesidium is not only the unit of charity and confidentiality, but is also their mainstay.” “It is recognised, of course, that an occasional extreme case may be encountered in which the circumstances will suggest an absolute privacy. Recourse should at once be had to the Spiritual Director (or, if he be unavailable, to some other competent adviser) who will decide the point.”
Recommendations from Concilium for legionaries throughout the world for Jubilee Year 2025.
1. All legionaries (active and auxiliaries) are recommended to take on the 33 Day Consecration to Jesus Through Mary proposed by St. Louis- Marie de Montfort during the Jubilee Year 2025. Auxiliaries and active members need to be informed. Concilium has just published a new production of the 33 Day Consecration to Jesus Through Mary. Some councils might wish to carry it out together with their legionaries over the 33-day preparation period.
2. All Councils are recommended to carry out some Saturday street contact each month for the Jubilee Year to focus on apostolic activity and personal contact and to teach the master/apprentice system of formation.
3. In Dublin, and throughout Ireland, a Jubilee task force will focus on recruitment for the Jubilee Year. Other Councils may wish to follow this recommendation to address the need for Recruitment during the Jubilee Year and address the need for more active members following the covid lockdowns across the world.
4. All are asked to take on the Jubilee Year recommendations.
“The more one plunges into God, the wider become the horizons, and the greater the possibilities.”
(Legion of Mary Handbook p.235)
Sacred Heart Women’s Sodality
When? April 25 and Last Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
Where? Regina Coeli Hostel, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
All Welcome. Please invite others also.
Sacred Heart Men’s Sodality
When?
April 25 and Last Friday of every month at 7:45 p.m.
Where?
Morning Star Hostel, North Brunswick Street,
Dublin 7.
All Welcome. Please invite others also.
First Friday of the month All Night Vigil
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
First Friday Devotion: Sacred Heart of Jesus
First Saturday Devotion: Immaculate Heart of Mary
When?
Starts with Holy Mass at 9 p.m. on Friday.
Concludes with Holy Mass at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Where?
Morning Star Hostel, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
All welcome. Please invite others also.
Mass to Commemorate the Anniversary of Venerable Edel Quinn
When? Saturday 10 May at 11 a.m.
Where? Saviour’s Church, Dominick St, Dublin 1.
The Rosary will be prayed before Mass.
All welcome. Please invite others also.
Dublin Jubilee Year Task Force Meeting
As a gift to our Lady during this Jubilee Year, a big effort is being made to greatly increase the number of legionaries in Dublin. A meeting, open to all Dublin legionaries will be held on Friday 9 May at Legion of Mary Headquarters, Dublin 7 at 6:15 p.m.
General Correspondents’ Meeting
When? Saturday 17 May
Where? Nazareth Hall, Legion of Mary HQ from 10.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.
33 Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus through Mary
As legionaries (active and auxiliaries) are recommended to take on the 33 Day Consecration to Jesus Through Mary proposed by St. Louis- Marie de Montfort the Jubilee Year 2025- and the suggestions that some councils could perhaps carry it out together with their legionaries over the 33-day preparation period- we remind all of the availability at the very low price of E1.50 per copy of this publication which is modelled on that of St. Louis Marie De Montfort.
Columban Drive Cards
These are available from Concilium, and are found to be a great resource in recruitment drives.
Repaid a Million-fold
Please ensure you contact Concilium to source these new- published materials at the extremely low cost of 20c per copy. They are a wonderful means of affirming and auxiliaries in their pivotal role in their membership of the Legion of Mary.
Mary’s Channel of Grace
Zoom Meeting ID: 811 4083 3503
Passcode: 876433
Legion of Mary Prayers and Rosary 365 days per year.
8 p.m. GMT
All welcome.
Enthronement of The Sacred Heart in homes
“The Enthronement visitation forms the most fruitful of all introductions, striking the right note of simple piety from the very commencement, facilitating acquaintance and hence repeated visits, and rendering easy the development of the Legion apostolate.”
Legion of Mary Handbook (p.234).
We look forward with much anticipation to hearing through councils reports in this Jubilee of The Sacred Heart of Jesus of all of the Enthronement of The Sacred Heart of Jesus happening worldwide.
How could any council, but promote with intensity this awesome work?
May Altars
It was wonderful to hear at the last Concilium meeting of the Legion of Mary approaching shop- owners for permssion to have May Altars in shop windows. In his essay entitled “Fear”, now Servant of God Frank Duff wrote “As the rose root must produce the rose, and the lily-root the lily, so must the Legionary life flower in courage.” We pray that legionaries in every place in the world will be freed from fear and have the courage to carry out this example of such beautiful work to honour our Blessed Mother, and indeed all works the Holy Spirit prompts us to do.
Public Rosaries
It is always wonderful to hear as we did at the April 2024 Concilium Meeting of plans for so many Public Rosaries in the month of May all over the world. We pray that there will be a sustained increase in such public prayer throughout the year throughout the world. St Louis Marie- de Montfort told us “One who prays the Rosary alone gains the merit of one Rosary; but if he says it with thirty other people he gains the merit of thirty Rosaries. This is the law of public prayer. How profitable, how advantageous this is!”
Centenary of the Canonisation of
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face
We were very blessed with the number of priests present at the Concilium meeting this month. It seems very providential with the upcoming centenary in May 2025 of the canonisation of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face that a Carmelite friar, Fr. Isaac of Avila Carmelite Centre (Discalced Carmelites) was amongst them, and that the Spiritual Director of Concilium ministers at Berkeley Road Church, Dublin 7, he being the Diocesan priest to minister there following the departure in recent years of Discalced Carmelites who had ministered there since 1983. St. Thérèse is quoted on five occasions in the Legion of Mary Handbook, showing the importance Frank Duff placed on her intercession, with her being both a Doctor of the Church and Patroness of the Missions. All legionaries carry out missionary work, be it at local, national or international level. Many priests and religious serve or have served as missionaries in various ways. Some legionaries are missionaries in a vast range of ways through active work such as home visitation or street contact, Exploratio Domincalis, Maria et Patria, Peregrinatio Pro Christo or indeed as envoys. Auxiliary members who are very much missionaries at heart, intercede- as St. Thérèse does, and did- for those engaging in such active work. We invoke the Blessing of the Holy Face of Jesus on the Legion of Mary throughout the world and ask for St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face to intercede for the Legion of Mary worldwide.
