Concilium Bulletin February 2016
AFRICA
BURUNDI
Senatus of Gitega reports showed continued satisfaction with the development of the Legion in the schools from Primary to Secondary and University level. Work is done in houses and in the fields to help the sick and infirm with no aspect of the apostolate neglected. The affiliated Regia in the capital Bujumbura reported the setting up of 6 new Comitia last year to bring their total to 30 Comitia.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Senatus of Bangui: The homes of Brother Francois d’Assise and Sr Henriette N’goumbre have been tragically burnt to the ground. We ask for prayers for the legionaries of that country, where some of their priests have been murdered.
Senatus of Kasai: The meetings are held in the Tshiluba language from which a summary is prepared monthly in French for circulation to those who need this version. These summaries indicate that the Senatus is receiving reports from and visiting its attached councils and that good relations have been restored with the affiliated Regia at Mbuji-Mayi. The Legion in the Kasai appears to be doing well with extension proceeding.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Lumumbashi Regia: One Comitium organised a cultural youth day which had an attendance of 850 youths. Another Comitium organised a general visit to a prison with 800 prisoners, starting with prayers and an evangelisation session. A new praesidium was started in Kawama.
Senatus of Butembo: 16 Comitia and 2 praesidia were represented and 16 reports from Comitia were given to Senatus. Work reported on: Gave help to the sick, widows, poor, orphans and refugees; 14 couples and 7 marriages blessed; ten couple reconciled; 203 children baptised; 636 taught prayers: 14 children received the Sacraments: 8 Christians prepared for Holy Communion: many lapsed attended Sunday Mass: 10 Protestants and one Muslim converted; ten alcoholics and 7 addicts helped to reform; street girls were counselled; 4 females gave up living as concubines. Rosaries were said and Masses and family prayers offered for various intentions. Legionaries visited the sick and 3 locations chosen by the Bishop as places of Pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy. They are praying for civil and political leaders. Construction of a Frank Duff Centre continues, legionaries helping with the construction.
MAURITIUS AND RODRIGUES
The Regia of the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean has strong ties with Ireland. Some names to mention are Mons James Leen Cssp, Fr. Benny Farrelly who recently died, and of course Edel Quinn. The Regia comprises 2 Comitia, 9 Curiae, 87 praesidia, 682 active legionaries, and 311 Auxiliaries. This includes 1 junior Curia, which has 6 praesidia. Founded by Edel Quinn in 1940’s the council celebrated its 75th anniversary in September with an open-air Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Maurice Piat and local priests. Two Concilium correspondents were made very welcome on this joyous occasion. Latest reports (Jan 2016) show a fruitful day of formation for legionaries where Bishop Piat spoke on the Year of Mercy, quoting from Scripture. Works include organising Retreats for children, teaching Catechism to children, and helping with various parish activities. They care-take the, rocky and almost inaccessible island of Rodrigues, a mere dot in the ocean, which nevertheless boasts a Comitium with 4 Curiae, 24 praesidia, including 2 junior. The 1st praesidium called Mary Queen of Angels was founded there at St. Gabriel by Fr. Gandy in Nov. 1948, and 2 others in 1949 at Port Mathurin and La Ferme by Frs. Eon and Wolf.
RWANDA
Senatus of Kigali: The Legion is present in all 9 Dioceses (26 Comitiae in total) with a total of over 78,000 active seniors, 7,773 intermediate and university members and 23,327 juniors. The auxiliary members total 31,286. A detailed map was e-mailed to the correspondent. Mwezi Comitium: 19 attached praesidia, 24 Curiae, 95 junior praesidia. From the 5,017 active members, 2,156 are aged between 18 and 45. Contact of street children with addictions, street girls and prison visitation are among the works. A four-day session for Secondary and Third Level students was held in Kabgayi. The Senatus is to submit details of a possible Regia to Concilium for approval in the Diocese of Cyangugu (3 Comitiae, over 15,000 members), which is the furthest away from Kigali.
REUNION (and Madagascar)
Reports received up to Jan 2016 of the Comitium Mary Mediatrix of All Graces, show solid work in all forms of evengelisation. The beautiful magazine produced on the occasion of their 70th anniversary last October gave the following figures: 1 Comitium, 6 Curiae, including 1 junior Curia, 105 praesidia, 895 active legionaries and 2,747 auxiliaries. They have been making great strides in their caretakership of Madagascar, where they succeeded in founding a new Curia last August, following an Extension Drive. At present they are training 3 young legionaries of Madagascar to return home and organise the Legion on a strong footing, in accordance with the Handbook.
ASIA
Hong Kong Comitium: Fr. Ferdinand Lok, long time Spiritual Director of the Comitium resigned on health grounds; he rarely missed a meeting and visited the Concilium in Dublin a number of times. Fr. Francis Tam has been appointed by Cardinal Tong as the new Spiritual Director. In May 2015 a Congress took place for which much Handbook study preparation was undertaken. English-speaking Curia Rosarii on Hong Kong Island gave its 14th annual report which mentioned that their Spiritual Director, Sr. Mary Anthony Ryan had returned on retirement to Ireland. Works include, street contact, home and hospital visitation, Sunday Schools, book barrow, care for the handicapped, propagation of the two hearts of Jesus and Mary and various other parish works.
MACAU
Our Lady of Victory Curia has seven senior praesidia and one junior praesidium. Rev. Fr. Ip Luk Piu is the Spiritual Director. Sr. Sally Chan of Hong Kong Comitium spent last year as an Incola Maria in Macau, carrying out extension work and doing extensive visitation of praesidia. She also started up a new senior praesidium. Fr. Piu is keen on home visitation and contact work and encouraged Sr. Chan to take an active role in promoting Handbook study, which resulted in revival of Legion administration in Macau.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Senatus: Sr. Margaret Wong was elected President of the Senatus in October. They are aiming to have a Frank Duff Day on 7th November, with a luncheon reception and DVD screening of information regarding the Cause of Servant of God, Frank Duff.
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpar Regia: Reports were taken from 3 differently-affiliated paresidia, 1 Comitium and 2 Curiae. Two Curiae and 4 praesidia have 150 members. Nine other senior Curiae and 6 junior praesidia have 634 members. Hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages and the aged are visited. Block Rosaries are organised once every month.
JAPAN
Osaka Senatus: Ecumenical prayer meetings are held by one praesidium as part of a nationwide venture, with 30 attending. Two new catechumens were gained in the past year.
KOREA
Seoul Senatus: Following the appointment of their Spiritual Director as Auxiliary Bishop, Re. Dominico Jung has been appointed in his place. Reports were taken from 5 Regia with a total of 51,071 active members, 6,217 Praetorians and 12,682 juniors. 12,682 Baptisms and 15,248 returns to the Sacramernts were recorded.
Gwangju Senatus: Two Regia at Busan and Jeon-ju recorded 5,761 Baptisms and 8,468 returns to the Sacraments. Many sick people were visited, including non-Catholics. Hospital, Welfare facilities, wakes and families with newly-baptised were visited. In trying to revive the juniors, the suggestion was made to recruit mothers into the Legion.
Daegu Senatus: 50 new members were recruited in a newly-established parish which now has a Curia consisting of 4 praesidia. A Youth Retreat had 118 in attendance. A Retreat for formation of Legion Spirituality was conducted in Uksoo parish, followed by a Mass of appreciation for a praesidium which had held its1,000th weekly meeting.
INDONESIA
Malang Senatus: Works include home visitation, distribution of Holy Communion, organising Lectio Divina, helping to combat HIV Aids, drugs, human trafficking, helping the priest with pastoral care and catechesis. 13 people were baptised; a depressed woman recovered and joined the Legion. In Merauke there are 2 Curiae. A junior praesidium promotes prayer and devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Jakarta Senatus: Curiae are visiting their attached praesidia. Members in a student Curia situated close to a Funeral Parlour pray the Rosary for the dead and help families with recently deceased. Jakarta now has a website, with 8 legionaries being trained in its use. Study of the Catechism was urged by the Spiritual Director to help with instruction and better knowledge of the faith. An art class is being held, which is open to the public, “to build a feeling for Mother Mary”. Entries will be on display in the Museum of Mary.
TAIWAN
Taiwan Senatus: During the year the country suffered the effects of two major mud slides and also an earthquake. 14 new praesidia, including one junior were established since August 2014. A PPC project was held in September with an outreach to the Aborigine community.
IRISH PROVINCIAL REPORT
COMITIA
Carlow Comitium: Legionaries in Graiguecullen praesidium undertake visitation with the Pilgrim Statue and visited the Holy Communion and Confirmation classes in 5 schools. A praesidium in Carlow town has a weekly Rosary group where the Rosary is recited in people’s homes. Kildare Curia: Secondary schools in the Naas area were visited and legionaries were well received by the students.
Elphin Comitium: Athlone praesidium has 5 members who visit people living alone, Athlone hospital and 2 nursing homes. The Comitium are hosting a Youth Conference on 16th April. North Elphin Curia: A praesidium in Sligo town has 7 members and 24 auxiliaries. In addition to home visitation they organised a parish visit to the local Famine graveyard in November. The Curia has decided on a Youth Evangelisation project rather than a Youth Conference this year and intends seeking help from Deus et Patria.
Tuam Comitium: There are 10 senior praesidia with 52 members and one intermediate praesidium with 7 members and a total of 125 auxiliaries in the Comitium. Last year 12 members went on PPC projects. A Vigil at Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock in October was a great success. Many legionaries from surrounding areas and a bus load from Clare, which included 17 non-legionaries attended. Glenamaddy praesidium has 2 Paetorians and they have 20 auxiliaries, 2 of whom are Adjutorians. Works include visitation of homes with the Fatima Statue to promote devotion to the Rosary and Consecration of family to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and promotion of Eucharistic Adoration. They also bring the Fatima Statue to the Primary school in May leaving it one week in each classroom. Corofin praesidium has one Praetorian and one Adjutorian member, plus 40 auxiliaries. Works include home visitation, welcoming newcomers to the parish and offering the Fatima Statue. An extension project was carried out and an information meeting held. Caherlistrane praesidium has 4 members and 35 auxiliaries. They help in the parish and promote Eucharistic Adoration in 2 Churches in the parish. Westport Curia has 7 senior praesidia with 44 members and 2 junior presidia with 16 members and a total of 170 auxiliaries. Claremorris Curia has 6 senior praesidia with 40 members and 5 junior praesidia with 136 members and a total of 85 auxiliaries.
CURIAE
Achonry Curia: This council has 3 praesidia attached. Swinford praesidium includes 2 Praetorians; they have 35 auxiliaries and one Adjutorian. Home visitation with the Pilgrim Statue is undertaken and legionaries are given a warm welcome. A local hospital and nursing home are also visited.
Clonfert Curia: On 8th December for the start of the Year of Mercy most parishes held all-night Vigils of Prayer with good attendance of legionaries. The reporting praesidia have a total of 13 members, nine of whom are Praetorians. There are 39 auxiliaries. The apostolate includes hospital and nursing home visitation and promotion of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The parish newsletter is brought to the housebound and those living alone.
Ferns Curia: A praesidium in Enniscorthy has 8 members all of whom are Praetorians and one probationer. They have 24 auxiliaries. In the course of home visitation they come across many lapsed and those who attend Mass occasionally. Both young and old have a great belief in the Miraculous Medal and are very pleased to receive it. The Mass for Frank Duff was celebrated in the Cathedral on 7th November.
Galway Curia: The reporting praesidium has 6 members, one probationer and 84 auxiliaries. Their main work is home visitation and street contact. They also visit the Simon Community half way houses in Salthill and Newcastle. The anniversary Mass for Frank Duff was held on 11th November in the Cathedral with a good attendance. The Parish Priest spoke about Frank Duff and the Legion and the legionaries distributed leaflets. A new praesidium was set up on 11th January in the Abbey Parish (Franciscan) with Fr. Eugene and 5 attending.
Killala Curia: Patricians in Ballina had an attendance of 16 in November on ‘Purgatory’. An Evening of Thanksgiving for blessings received on PPC was held on 25th November. Curia Spiritual Director, Fr. John Loftus, officiated.
Kilkenny Curia: Cappamore praesidium has 8 members and 20 auxiliaries. Works include promotion of Eucharistic Adoration, visiting the elderly in their homes and doing works of service for them. They support families when a loved one is dying by sitting and praying with them. A praesidium in Kilkenny undertakes home visitation and visits hostels and a nursing home. A Halting Site is visited and the Rosary is recited with the residents every weekday during the months of May and October.
DUBLIN REPORT
Mater Ecclesiae Curia: During the Advent Season, the Curia erected cribs in 4 Shopping Centres; 5 pairs of legionaries worked each Saturday of Advent distributing Mass-times, 600 Confession leaflets and 500 Miraculous Medals.
Benedicta Curia: The first praesidium of the Legion, Our Lady of Mercy, is attached to this Curia. During the year one member joined a religious congregation; another transferred to the Regina Coeli Hostel and the others joined new praesidia. The praesidium had 4 visitors. The Parish Priest sent a letter to all parishioners, who accepted the Pilgrim Statue in their homes. During hospital visitation legionaries had a long conversation with a staff nurse who is a committed evangelist. The praesidium opens the Curia house every Wednesday evening; one lady knocked on the door in a very distressed state, claiming to be suicidal. She was suitably calmed down by the legionaries. She is now much improved and most grateful for the assistance given to her.
Assumpta Curia: A total of 13 legionaries and 50 patricians attended 4 meetings. A report on recruiting is taken from each praesidium at the Curia meeting. One praesidium gave its first report since re-opening in March last year. 2 previous members have been joined by 2 transfers and a new member who has become an officer; the Parish Priest is Spiritual Director. 2 Pilgrim Statues are used during home visitation. Other works include public Rosaries, organising Eucharistic Adoration, the sale of Catholic papers and the distribution of Advent calendars to the local Primary School.
Ancilla Domini Curia: A public Rosary at an apartment complex had 4 legionaries, a reverend sister and 32 locals in attendance. The December Pauline Circle featured a paper on the “Year of Mercy” prepared and presented by a priest; also in attendance was a religious brother, 12 other Catholics and 2 non-Catholics. The praesidium of Filipino nationals has six members.
Annunciata Curia: 43 patricians and 12 legionaries attended 5 Patrician meetings. A very successful Evening of Thanksgiving for the Religious Life was held, with 30 reverend sisters, 2 priests, a deacon and 20 legionaries in attendance. A praesidium of 6 active members has a special apostolate to the blind and partially- sighted and run a car pool to bring them to Mass. They also promote the Pioneers and visited 34 bars to publicise the Barman’s Retreat.
Gloriosa Curia: 7 legionaries and 3 patricians attended a meeting on the topic of “Catholic Education in Ireland”.
Mary Spouse of the Holy Spirit Curia: Two legionaries did street contact outside an Institute of Technology, distributing Miraculous Medals and Catholic literature and speaking with students. One praesidium has started one hour of Eucharistic Adoration each Friday morning after Mass, with up to 25 parishioners attending. They also run an Edel Quinn Prayer Meeting and organise an annual Mass in her honour each May. A praesidium which amalgamated with another during the year has 6 members. Their works include home, hospital and nursing home visitation, running a monthly Frank Duff Prayer group and Patrician meetings.
Immaculata Curia: 25 legionaries and 37 patricians attended 7 meetings. 17 attended a video on Divine Mercy in the Curia House. The Children’s group in one parish has risen to 10 children and 3 adults. Periodic visitation by members of the Curia will continue in an effort to revive a praesidium. A praesidium gained one member, now having 5. They are helping the parish undertake a census, visit a number of special-case families and were in close contact with a lady suffering from anorexia who passed away during the year.
SOUTH AMERICA
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires Senatus: In spite of intense heat a huge crowd was present for most of the day at the Alfie Lambe graveside commemoration, some legionaries travelling great distances. At the ceremony an excellent article written by Sr. Connie Garcia, who undertook a visitation on behalf of Concilium, now living in Columbia, was read detailing many interesting aspects of Alfie’s life. Guadalupe Morad has been invited by some of the councils to give talks on the former Envoy to South America.
Cordoba Senatus: A Cordoba City Curia reported they have four praesidia and a Patrician Meeting. One Exploratio Dominicalis was carried out; they have 200 auxiliary members and three Adjutorians.
Salta Senatus: Legionaries go into dangerous areas to contact young people who are addicted to drugs. Prayers are said with them. Many give up the vice and one former addict became an active member of the local praesidium. There are several suicides in the area. The legionaries have also obtained professional help for their contacts from social workers and psychologists. This year’s Senatus Mass for Alfie Lambe was in the Cathedral and was organised by the young- adult legionaries. Corrientes Regia: All four officerships were filled in November. Orthodox Christians in the town of Roque Saenz Pena have approached the Legion wishing to start the Legion within their community. Rosario Regia: The council is very active in extension. Minutes indicate contacts with Parish Priests every month. Nine praesidia were set up recently including one in a parish of Oriental Rite. A statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was installed in a Bus Station.
BRAZIL
Belem Senatus: A parish-based Curia in Belem reports the study of the True Devotion and ten returns to Mass along with several conversions of members of various sects. Because of Legion apostolate two Churches have been reopened. There were several conversions from Macumba spiritualism.
Belo Horizonte Senatus: The return of eight families to the Church, who are now all engaged in Church activities, was reported, also the conversion of one non-Catholic. Legionaries helped with 15 funerals and visited 41 bereaved families. The image of Our Lady was brought to 27 homes and legionaries organised weekly family Rosary Groups.
Fortaleza Senatus: One Council reported 2,376 visits to families, 25 visits to sick in hospital, preparation of 35 children for First Holy Communion, 17 for Sacrament of Confirmation, preparation of young people for Baptism and evangelisation of five youths who gave up drugs.
Ponta Grossa Senatus: A youth praesidium with 12 adolescents and two praesidia of young people with 30 members were started. The Senatus coordinated the fifth Meeting of Legion Spiritual Directors at national level. It was attended by 64 priests, 11 deacons, nine religious and two Bishops: Bishop Édson de Castro Homem and Bishop Sérgio Arthur Braschi. Tadhg McMahon was also present from Concilium.
Recife Senatus: Exploratio Dominicalis was carried out in an apartment complex and a further project is planned among families living in riverside shacks. There are now 16 correspondents.
Rio de Janeiro Senatus: In the well-known holiday resort of Copacabana a public Rosary is recited three times a week. There is also a special apostolate to taxi drivers and prayers for motorists; Rosary beads and leaflets on the value of the Mass are distributed. Two Senatus visitors to the western Amazonian State of Roraima report progress in that remote area in spite of its isolation. It is to be hoped that help can be provided to direct an apostolate to the many visitors this year in Rio for the Olympic Games and Para Olympic Games.
Salvador Senatus: A Curia reported that seven couples were helped to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony and some teenagers to receive Baptism. A Comitium reported visits to homes; counseling for distressed mothers whose children are on drugs; comforting people considering suicide attempts; in cemeteries they prayed and attended burials of Catholics and non-Catholics.
Santa Maria Senatus: In an effort to promote Praetorian membership the Senatus arranged for a talk on the Divine Office to be given by a member of a religious order, a former legionary. 23 members of the Senatus took part in a Peregrinatio pro Christo project in Uruguay, including seven youth members. Two Curiae were revived in Porto Alegre, the State Capital.
São Luis Senatus: Catechism classes included the preparation of 117 children for First Holy Communion and 73 youths for Confirmation. Extension work resulted in three new praesidia and one revived. The promotion of Christian marriage led to 27 couples being married in Church. They had 361 Baptisms.
São Paulo Senatus: Reports show large numbers of visits to homes and contact with Catholics and with people of other religions or none. One Comitium recorded 2,637 door to door visits. They do street contact also, including contact with street girls. 37 youths received the Sacrament of Confirmation and eleven children were baptised. 45 people returned to Mass and the practice of the Faith. Brasilia Regia: One praesidium recited 10,000 Hail Mary’s. Persons are contacted during public recitation of the Rosary at a square beside the Church, at bus stops and café’s. Many people contacted on visitation are Protestants.
EUROPE
BELARUS
Minsk Comitum governs 10 attached presidia and 11 attached Curia. Reports were received from 5 Curiae, 1 praesidium and one Curia visitation to a praesidium. A variety of apostolic works include: visitation to a war veterans home with a priest offering the Sacrament of Confession; contacting people and speaking with them about the faith and such topics as abortion; praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at a Church. Much interest is shown in juniors and efforts to recruit and set up other junior praesidia at requests of their priests. The Comitium is presently working towards the setting up of a 2nd Comitium.
CROATIA
Zagreb Regia (and councils under catertakership): Extension efforts are on-going, all 7 praesidia reporting visible results, many returns to the Sacraments, 2 marriages validated and 2 children of 10 and 11 years baptised. A lady of 101, who refused to see a priest later agreed, was anointed and died soon afterwards.
Zadon Comitum: Two senior and one junior praesidia were set up, a junior praesidium reactivated and a Prayer Group for 15–18 year olds established. Rijeka Curia: invited widows and widowers to attend Mass for their spouses on World Marriage day. Petrinja Curia established 2 senior and 2 junior praesidia.
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA: Sarajevo Curia has 7 praesidia affiliated. Returns to the Sacrament and new auxiliaries gained were recorded.
HUNGARY
Budapest Regia governs 24 praesidia, 10 Curiae and 5 Comitium. The praesidia attached to the Regia are in 4 Dioceses, 10 of them in the Diocese of Vac. Two Dioceses have no Legion presence as yet. Sr. Magdika Vyolezas was elected Regia President in October. Works undertaken tend to be mainly of consolation. Ujpest Curia helps disabled people, alcoholics and drug addicts and assists in religious classes for children.
LATVIA
Riga Comitium: In the city of Riga a praesidium of 5 members do street contact and home to home visitation. A junior praesidium visits the nursing home and shops for the residents. They promote the Miraculous Medal at schools and do contact work during lunch breaks. Jelgava Curia has 3 praesidia 2 Recruiting Drives have been held. Leipija Curia has 2 praesidia. Recruiting drives are planned. Rezekne Curia has 10 praesidia. The praesidium in Aglona, seat of the national shrine to Our Blessed Lady, has 8 members. They organise Night Adoration at the shrine once a month with an attendance of 40 to 50.
LITHUANIA
Kanus Comitium has 3 Curiae affiliated: as a result of recruiting drives 9 new members were gained. Vilnius Curia: On visitation to the local Day Centre legionaries promote the Miraculous Medal and attendance at Mass.
Telsia Comitium has 12 praesidia and 2 Curiae affiliated. The legionaries helped 176 people prepare for Confession, one after 40 years and one after 10 years. Two ladies in their eighties told legionaries that the last time they were at Confession was on their wedding day!
POLAND
Lublin Regia: Five new praesidia were established. Bishop Rylak, while conducting a Retreat for priests emphasised to them that “the Legion of Mary is a splendid movement, a leading apostolate, a movement with immense potential.” The Comitium in Radsin Podlaskee makes contact on the street and with alcoholics and reports 35 people brought to the Sacrament of Confession. Regarding the cause of Anatol Kaszczuk, the Regia Spiritual Director, Fr. Jozef Sarshinskee with Regia officers visited Rev. Professor Mishtow of the Lubelski University who directed them to run a process of information.
Praga Comitium (Warsaw): Medzeszyn Curia has 7 praesidia, 60 active members, 104 auxiliaries and 1 Praetorian. Works include visits to schools, hospitals and private nursing homes. In hospital and nursing homes legionaries pray for and with the sick and also organise social events. Crowd contact is done in the streets, shops and outside hospitals. Attention is given to alcoholics. The Pilgrim Statue and Miraculous Medal are promoted by many praesidia.
ROMANIA
Bucharest Curia has 8 praesidia attached comprising 60 legionaries: The membership is elderly and it is difficult to recruit young people. Two Austrian legionaries visited Bucharest Curia in May 2015 and plan to make a return visit. Satu Mere Regia: 7 praesidia reported. Membership is good and attendance is excellent. Legionaries are engaged in many parish activities as well as works of service. Efforts to recruit were mentioned. Oradea Comitium regularly visits 4 orphanages, organises Eucharist Adoration and helps with the work of Radio Maria. Carei Comitium established a Rosary Group for men.
AUSTRIA (and caretaker countries)
The Senatus organised a Day School on the Apostolate to Muslims, a Spiritual Director’s Conference and a Winter School for young legionaries. Praesidia reported patricians for the blind and animation of an African Mass by young legionaries. West Vienna Curia: a Spiritual Director contacted Muslims by playing football with them at a sports hall. All members of the Croation Curia have undertaken True Devotion to Mary. South and East Curia: A 70 year old woman was baptised. Reports from the various Comitia include: promoting and explaining the Holy Door as part of the Year of Mercy; a Congress organised on Mary, Mother of Mercy; a Retreat for the lapsed; wide distribution of Frank Duff prayer leaflets; visitation of and Retreats for the lapsed. Home visitation led to 2 Buddha statues being replaced by those of Our Lady.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague Comitium: Spiritual Director, Bishop Aerbst helped with the new praesidium in Kamenne Zehrovice. Extension is on-going in the Diocese of Keonigs Greetz.
UKRAINE:
60 attended the Summer School in Letitschev. Local legionaries joined the Austrian PPC project to Lemberg. The Austrian correspondent for Kiev spent 7 weeks visiting councils. An Austrian, along with a Nikolaev legionary spent 9 days in the Eastern Dioceses.
MOLDOVA: Chisinau Curia visited homes of drug addicts and alcoholics. Juniors accompanied the priest bringing Holy Communion to the sick.
SLOVAKIA: Trnava Curia: 200 attended their annual Pilgrimage. They attempted extension in 2 areas as also did Zselig Comitium.
BULGARIA: Officers of the 8 praesidia attended the Vienna Senatus meeting.
