Concilium Bulletin March 2025
DUBLIN NORTHSIDE
Exaltata Curia
Exaltata Curia has nine (9) praesidia and a total membership of seventy (70). Curia members gathered at the grave of now Servant of Frank Duff for Rosary and Legion prayers on the last Sunday of the month. Acies was held on Sunday 9 March. A predominantly African praesidium hosted the first Jubilee Year recruitment drive in February outside Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. The main works of the praesidium are street contact and home visitation. They have a special interest in approaching lapsed African Catholics who have joined the Evangelical Churches.
Consolata Curia
Curia Annual Retreat, given by Fr. Anthony Kavanagh O.P. was held recently, with an attendance of thirty- five (35). Acies ceremony is planned for Saturday 22 March in Malahide. Frank Duff prayer meeting is held monthly. Mass was celebrated on the anniversary of the death of Servant of God, Alfie Lambe, in January, after which, prayer leaflets were given to parishioners. Legionaries also distributed the Alfie Lambe prayer leaflet to commuters at the train station. Curia street contact- as Concilium recommended to all councils to carry out on at least one Saturday of each month of the Jubilee Year of Hope- will be held on Saturday 15 March. Contact work with Book Barrow is done weekly in Swords. A praesidium recruited four (4) new members, three (3) have taken their promise and there is one probationary. Skerries and Rush praesidia join together for the weekly meeting. The main works of the praesidium in Skerries are home visitation with the Rosary Statue and visitation to a nursing home. Legionaries pray a decade of the Rosary and chat with the residents. When asked to visit patients who were dying, the legionaries prayed the Divine Mercy with the patients and their families. Legionaries visit the parish graveyards during the month of November and pray for the Holy Souls and deceased members of The Legion of Mary. Recent Patricians Titles were “What’s positive about fasting”? (attended by four (4) legionaries and four (4) patricians, and “Pilgrims of Hope. Why is this interior journey important today?” (attended by four (4) legionaries and three (3) patricians). Our Lady of Mercy, junior praesidium delivered their annual report. Their main works include distribution of Miraculous Medals and explanatory leaflets and the Three Causes prayer leaflets. They prepare bottles of Holy Water which they leave in the church and they collect used stamps for the Missions. Religious magazines are delivered into the homes. Juniors attend all Legion of Mary functions.
Porta Coeli Curia
Curia has four (4) praesidia which carry out a variety of works. Recruiting cards are placed at the back of various churches and parishioners are asked to join the Legion. A new member was recently recruited. Works include nursing home visitation and visits to sick parishioners, which involves helping with shopping and household tasks. The Rosary is recited with one such person. As a result of hospital visitation, the number of patients attending Mass in the hospital oratory, has significantly increased. Holy Communion is taken to the housebound.
Veneranda Curia
Veneranda Curia has eight (8) attached praesidia and a total of forty- two (42) members. An introductory meeting to the Legion of Mary was held in Ballymun parish recently, following a request from the parish priest to start a praesidium in the parish. The new praesidium in Ballygall parish is growing rapidly and is full of enthusiastic legionaries. A praesidium with four (4) full members has ninety (90) auxiliary members. Works include auxiliary visitation which includes delivery of Maria Legionis subscriptions, assisting in the church bookshop, and nursing home visitation. The parish priest has asked legionaries to visit homes in the parish to update the parish data base. Legionaries also visit former legionaries who are in nursing homes. Acies will be held on 22 March.
Queen of Peace Curia
Since its establishment last November, the Curia has grown steadily from thirty (30) to forty- three (43) members. During January–February, eight (8) new contacts attended their first meeting and actively participated in street outreach. Among the new recruits were a mother and daughter from Swaziland, a postgraduate student from South India, and a woman from Dublin, all encountered during street contact. Additionally, a third-level student from Wicklow and a man from Nigeria were met at St. Saviour’s Church. The Wicklow student, after attending three meetings, is preparing for his first Legion work at the Morning Star, while Peter from Nigeria, who has attended multiple meetings, continues to engage with the Legion of Mary. Other interested contacts include a man from Sandymount, a Brazilian man, an Italian man, and a man from Mauritius who took part in Dublin Day. The Curia remains dedicated to recruitment as it strives to increase Dublin’s membership from six hundred (600) to one thousand (1,000) this year. Monthly visits to Cuan Mhuire in Athy have been marked by warm welcomes, moving testimonies, and the distribution of rosaries and Miraculous Medals. At the Morning Star Hostel, legionaries volunteer in the kitchen on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings and lead musical sing-alongs at the Men’s Shed. In further apostolic work, a patient who was terminally ill at a hospice was visited by the Legion of Mary; after some initial family hesitation, the Legion brought a Dominican priest who administered the Anointing of the Sick a short time before the patient died. Meanwhile, legionaries assisted a Palestinian Muslim man seeking help for his family and their immigration status. The man was introduced to Cross care and he is now attending Mass as a visitor and keen to learn more about the Catholic Faith. Legionaries were approached by a young person who was suicidal. They made contact with a family member who facilitated the person to begin treatment for addiction.
Bethlehem Curia
Curia has six (6) attached praesidia and a total membership of twenty- five (25). Monthly street contact is being done, according to Concilium recommendation and a book barrow is set up in Mountjoy Square weekly. The February Frank Duff prayer meeting had an attendance of six (6) and Frank Duff promoters’ meeting was also held in February. Venerable Edel Quinn promoters meeting is organised for 12 March. Street contact was carried out around Bus Áras station on the anniversary of Alfie Lambe in January. A praesidium with four (4) praetorian members distributes thirty (30) journals each quarter. Contact work is done in Fairview Park and outside The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fairview. Miraculous medals and explanatory leaflets are distributed as well as other legion literature. Members visit a retired Spiritual Director and bring him to appointments.
Presentata Curia
Curia has fourteen (14) attached praesidia and over one hundred (100) members. In January, Curia organised ‘33-day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus, through Mary’, on WhatsApp so legionaries could join in. Traditional Music night is organised for 15 March. Mass for now- venerable Edel Quinn will be celebrated on 10 May. Seven (7) people attended the February Patrician meeting entitled “St. Valentine”. A praesidium’s main work is street contact. Members also volunteer at the Morning Star hostel, where they help in the kitchen and men’s shed. They also look after the maintenance of the hostel. The praesidium held a retreat recently for legionaries & family members. They have a bite-sized book club. Members also assist with Shadows on the Wall, Mary Day and Call to Arms Day. Another praesidium’s main work is working in the Morning Star hostel kitchen, dining area and reception. Members bring residents on trips where they build strong friendships and offer Spiritual support. Mass and Adoration are made available daily to the residents. Many residents went on the Knock pilgrimage last September.
IRELAND
COMITIA
Thurles Comitium
The annual reunion was held in the Anner Hotel on 1 December. Sixty- eight (68) legionaries and auxiliaries were in attendance. Thank you to Fr. Vincent, and to Deacon Kilian Henry who was ordained on December 8 and celebrated his first Mass on 9 December in Knockvilla.
Cashel Curia The praesidium in Clonmel has seventeen (17) members and two (2) probationers and Fr. Paul Spain as their Spiritual Director. The works are book barrow apostolate in Clonmel, Pilgrim Statue visitation, and nursing home visitation. The legion had a stand at the Plaza for the Rosary rally in May. In Tipperary Curia the works of a praesidium of seven (7) members and forty (40) auxiliaries includes visits to the primary schools in the Parish and three (3) Pilgrim statues to homes. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception praesidium has fourteen (14) members. Works include evangelisation days, weekly home visitation and visits to schools with the Miraculous Medal.
Cork Comitium
A praesidium of six (6) members and Spiritual Director organise a number of Church activities. They have twenty-one (21) auxiliaries on roll. Their work includes street contact during which they offer the Miraculous Medal. Another praesidium of ten (10) members carry out home visitation where parish information with Miraculous Medals and leaflets are offered.
The attached Coronata Curia has four (4) praesidia. A recruiting drive was held in one of the parishes. A praesidium of five (5) members engages in home visitation which includes one of the new housing estates. Two members went on Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC) in 2024.
Cloyne Comitium
The positions of president and secretary expired in February. A praesidium in Mallow with eleven (11) members visits two nursing homes in the area and bring packs to the school for classes preparing to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation. A praesidium in Mitchelstown with six (6) active members carries out home visitation and promotes the Miraculous Medal. Three (3) members took part in the Maria et Patria project in Limerick. One member took part in two PPC projects during the year.
Kerry Comitium
A praesidium in Killarney has nineteen (19) members and ten (10) probationers. The Spiritual Director of the praesidium supported by the legionaries prepared five (5) people in the Catholic Faith. They were received into the Catholic Church at a special Mass on 7 December. Legionaries in all praesidia continue with home visitation and Pilgrim Statue visitation. Altar boys are recruited and trained. A children’s liturgy group is organised by legionaries each Sunday at Mass at 11 a.m.
Curiae Reports
East Clare Curia
The praesidium in Ennis with seven (7) members recently started home visitation in Clarecastle on Saturday mornings. Two ladies were met on this work who wanted to be baptised and their details have been passed on. The parish priest is very happy with the work being done.
Lismore Curia
Currently the number of praesidia attached to the Curia is low, and it is hoped that the number will increase. The praesidium is Lismore has thirteen (13) members. Their apostolate includes sale of Catholic papers and organisation of various activities in the church. The legionaries also attended the Rosary Rally at Lismore grotto in May and the Rosary procession in Dungarvan.
Limerick Curia
The praesidium in Castletroy gained one new member. Following a recruitment drive in Newcastle West the first meeting with fourteen (14) members and a Spiritual Director was held. A Maria et Patria project is planned for 24- 25 April. Assumpta House will be the base, and there are plans for home visitation in the area and it is planned that Night Fever planned will take place in the Church. The chaplain of Limerick Prison rejected the request to visit foreseeable future.
Birr Roscrea Curia
The attendance at the Curia meetings is low at this time. It is hoped that the attendance there will improve. There are six (6) praesidia in the Curia. Our Lady of the Rosary praesidium in Citeaux Hall gave their annual report. There are six (6) active members and fourteen (14) auxiliaries.
Nursing home visitation is the main work being carried out there currently. Two retreats are organised in Spring and Autumn. Many works of service are carried out for the housebound. The Acies will take place on 22 March in Roscrea. The praesidium in Nenagh are having difficulties with accommodation for their meetings. We pray that a suitable venue will be secured for them soon.
Waterford Curia
A new praesidium is in the process of being set up in Waterford City. Legionaries prayed the Rosary and prayers at a spot called The Quay near Tramore where many people have lost their lives. Bishop Cullinane is very supportive of the Legion of Mary and he has again asked the legionaries for help with a project he is undertaking.
Ross Curia
Our Lady of Good Council praesidium in Darrara is a relatively new praesidium. There are seven (7) members there. All members are active in carrying out nursing home visitation, organising various activities in the church, and they lead the Rosary in the cemetery in November.
ASIA C
PHILIPPINES
Western Visayas Senatus
One Regia, six (6) Comitia, three (3) senior Curiae and one junior Curia reported. The junior Curia supervise nine (9) praesidia and works reported are campaigning for Mass attendance, encouraging modesty and involving youth in parish activities. The three (3) senior Curiae reported home visits, the validation of twenty (20) marriages, and baptism of eight (8) adults and eight (8) children. The six (6) Comitia have twenty-one (21) Curiae and all reported works of home visitation. Other reports included twenty- three (23) early baptisms, twenty- two (22) conversions, church weddings and children prepared for the sacraments.
Regia of Negros Occidental supervise six (6) Comitia, six (6) senior Curiae, one junior Curia and nine (9) praesidia directly attached covering three (3) Dioceses. Other reports include eighteen (18) house blessings, fifty- three (53) baptisms, one thousand six hundred and eighty- eight people (1,688) being catechized, the validation of nineteen (19) marriages, and the revival of six (6) praesidia.
Bicolandia Senatus.
The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Curia has twelve (12) praesidia with fifty- one (51) members. While most work is done in the Seminary in leading Mass, Rosary and various Novenas, they also carry out home visitation and teach Catechism. Cacares Comitium has seven (7) directly attached praesidia, eight (8) Curiae and three hundred and eighty- seven (387) active members of which ninety (90) are praetorians. One hundred (100) members are juniors. The Senatus is visiting its attached Councils and there are still some praesidia and Curiae not yet re-opened after covid and due to ageing membership.
Cebu Senatus.
Talibon Regia has ten (10) Comitia, twenty (20) praesidia and ten (10) Curiae attached. Apostolate is home and jail visitation and teaching catechism. Dumaguette Regia has fifteen (15) directly attached praesidia, eight (8) Comitia and four (4) Curiae. Ninety (90) members there are juniors. A convert had his children baptised and his marriage regularised. Maasin Regia has six (6) senior and two (2) junior praesidia, six (6) Curiae and thirteen (13) Comitia. Five (5) praesidia are in the Seminary. The Regia has over five thousand (5,000) active members with two hundred and ninety- five (295) probationary members, over one thousand eight hundred (1,800) juniors and seven thousand, six hundred (7,600) auxiliaries. Works reported include home visitation, hospital visitation, visits to clinics and marriage validations. A non-Catholic converted.
Mindanao Senatus.
Officers are working hard to build up the membership post covid, through visitation and recruitment drives and on visits to attached Councils they are recommended to undertake Exploratio Dominicalis in areas where praesidia and Curiae are no longer functioning. This visitation led to legionaries taking care of an elderly man who was neglected by his family. They cleaned and fed him and arranged for him to receive the sacraments before he died. A twelve- year-old boy was baptised after many visits to his grandmother who had first refused for this to happen.
Senatus of Northern Philippines
In November last a Eucharistic celebration with an exhibit was held in the Cathedral to mark the death anniversary of now Servant of God Frank Duff. The Regia of Lipa covers seventy (70) out of two hundred and fourteen (214) parishes and five (5) dioceses. Four born-again Christians converted, one Curia, two (2) senior praesidia and thirteen (13) junior praesidia were revived following Exploratio Dominicalis. Three (3) provincial Comitia held a Congress, recruitment drives, and extension work. This resulted in revival of senior and junior praesidia. Home visitation to promote the sacraments, Rosary and organisation of parish activities are regularly occurrences. Backyard catechism and contact to street vendors, store owners and crowd contact in the park is undertaken.
Caretake the following.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Regia of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea reported the Legion of Mary has presence in seventy- eight (78) of the one hundred and eighteen (118) parishes. The growth of the junior membership is well observed. Due to distance attendance at Regia is low. Port Moresby Regia in Papua New Guinea reported extension to two (2) dioceses resulted in revival of senior and junior praesidia. Madang Senatus is just a couple of months old and has been assigned a correspondent on behalf of Concilium. Works reported include block Rosary and transfer of the image of Blessed Virgin and Bible sharing is done with the families. Legionaries were instrumental in helping some village youth to surrender from smoking marijuana and alcohol. Forty- five (45) young legionaries joined the senior ranks. Attendance at Senatus and Curia needs improving and communications can be difficult due to internet shortage. Guam Island has Legion of Mary presence in fifteen (15) of its thirty-seven (37) parishes. Two (2) Curiae are attached, one in Saipan with six (6) praesidia and the other is a Curia where Korean is spoken. A praesidium in the republic of Palau carries out Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and visitation of the bereaved, sick and housebound. The Tagalong Handbook has had the approval of Bishop Ontioco and is now ready for printing.
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne Senatus
Attendance is quite low at Senatus meeting. Annual Audit for 2024 received. Report from 3 curiae has 8,9 and 3 praesidia and 2 junior praesidia with memberships of 55,47 and 23 members with 29 juniors. Recruitment drives and Congress held. Perth Comitium held a torchlight Rosary procession at Lake Monger and attended by 140. Rosary making is a big apostolate and they are distributed to the Aboriginal Chaplaincy. Adelaide Comitium. Christmas and Easter flyers are distributed in the market. Other reports held Rosary in the park, in schools, Exploratio Dominicalis and a men’s discussion group
Sydney Senatus.
The Senatus meeting was suspended for 3 months and fresh elections are to be carried out. Regular praesidia and curia meeting were held and all are preparing for the Acies.
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland Senatus
A new praesidium has been set up in the Cook Islands by a legionary from Malaysia who is now working there. Senatus has sent all the necessary altar equipment. St.Auckland Curia attached has twelve (12) senior praesidia and a junior Curia of eight (8) praesidia with one hundred and twenty- six (126) members. Works reported include Pilgrim Statue visitation and taking Holy Communion to rest homes. A recruitment drive resulted in the gaining of eight (8) active members and seventy (70) auxiliaries. Auckland junior Curia has five (5) praesidia and they are trying to encourage all senior praesidia to start a junior praesidium. Among other works, they accompany seniors with the visit to the rest homes, distribute the parish newsletter before Mass.
AFRICA A
GHANA
Senatus of Accra
The Senatus and many of its attached councils continue to organise monthly Frank Duff prayer sessions. Efforts are being made to revive the Legion of Mary in the Ho barracks. They meet every Monday at 6.30 am. A Curia in Madina has put together a plan to revive dormant praesidia.
MOZAMBIQUE
Maputo Regia is concerned about ensuring the Handbook reaches all legionaries. Tete Comitium conducted its annual activity planning and shared it with its Curiae. Quelimane Comitium: Pope Francis recently established the Diocese of Alto Molócuè as a suffragan of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nampula. Updates are awaited on the presence of the Legion of Mary in the civil districts of the new diocese.
The Senatus of Egypt
Fr. Yuhanna Fawzy who is a great supporter of the Legion, delivered a talk during a spiritual revival in the village of Al-Ezba which is home to three (3) Catholic churches. Many parishioners expressed interest in forming a new praesidium. A Comitium in Minya organized three (3) ‘Exile for Christ’ events, focusing on parish family visits, and initiated leader training programmes.
ANGOLA
Senatus of Benguela
The Senatus visits their attached praesidia regularly, reinforcing the importance of recruiting active and auxiliary members and participating in their activities. The Senatus officers make constant effort to ensure all positions are filled in the praesidia. During this period, both adult and youth praesidia were established. Home visits provide spiritual comfort to the sick, guidance, and information on parish activities, including Mass times and how to receive the sacraments. The Comitium, mainly comprised of young adults has sixty- four (64) praesidia and ten (10) Curiae, totalling one thousand, seven hundred and twenty- five (1,725) legionaries. They have organised and promote several retreats for young people. The Senatus of Benguela sincerely thanks the Concilium for authorising the printing of prayer leaflets on Frank Duff, Alfie Lamb, and Edel Quinn ensuring their prayers accessible to all.
Senatus of Luanda
We look forward to hearing from you in your next report.
Cape Verde Regi
Several praesidia conducted five (5) Exploratio Dominicalis projects, visiting one hundred and three (103) families. These efforts led to the enrolment of ten (10) children in catechism classes, two (2) adults for baptism, and many meaningful contacts with people of other faiths. Parents were encouraged to send their children to catechesis and Mass. Special attention was given to conversion work, including reaching out to prostitutes, alcoholics, prisoners, and those living on the streets. One Curia held a Congress. A retreat organised for confirmation candidates provided a good opportunity to recruit new candidates for the Legion of Mary.
Council under the care of Cape Verde Regia
GUINEA-BISSAU
Comitium Our Lady Queen of the Apostles is working on reactivating dormant praesidia and the reorganisation of Curiae.
Senatus of Lesotho
Attendance remains steady, including occasional visitors from Councils in remote areas. Works reported include visits to patients, prisoners and the elderly. Children and lapsed Christians are taught prayers and the catechism, particularly about the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. They also give guidance on baptism, matrimony, and avoiding alcohol and drugs, along with prayers for souls in Purgatory. At Maseru Central Prison, nineteen (19) prisoners participated in a prayer session seeking strength to transform their lives.
SOUTH AFRICA
Senatus of Cape Town
A praesidium visits a nursing home every second week of the month. Legionaries pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and other Marian prayers with the residents, and are sometimes join by non-Catholics. Another praesidium visits a home for adults who have cerebral palsy, and provides lifts for some residents to church functions and group meetings. They also visit bereaved families in their home and pray the rosary with them. They are constantly making efforts to recruit active or auxiliary members and through their efforts they have gained two (2) new members. A member of the Senatus wrote an article for the Maria Legionis publication, and sixty (60) parishioners attended a Rosary Rally organised by the Legion of Mary in October. The 33 Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus through Mary book was downloaded and sent to all legionaries.
Esigodini Comitium
Works reported include visiting prisons and hospitals and teaching the Catechism.
Matatiele Comitium
A praesidium with four (4) active members and eight (8) auxiliary members reports teaching the Catholic Faith to children and adults, encouraging good behaviour and regular attendance at Mass. They work a lot with children including children from other denominations. A Retreat was organised in February. In March they pray the Stations of the Cross and visit homes within the parish. In May they visit families and recite the Rosary and pray the Litany of Mary; they do this in churches, hospitals and homes. They distribute the Catena prayer to Sodality groups. Every month they hold Patrician Meetings. Marian Feasts are celebrated in August and September. In October they visit homes and recite the Rosary. In November they celebrate the Mass for All Saints and All Souls and maintain graves. They encourage others to do the same. When the need arises, they arrange a priest for the Anointing of the Sick. They support Exploratio Dominicalis projects in the area. As a result of their efforts, they report the following: seven (7) children were baptised, four (4) children made their First Holy Communion. One lapsed Catholic returned to the sacraments and four (4) people received the sacrament of the sick.
ZIMBABWE
Our Lady Queen of Peace Curia in Harare
There are attached praesidia attached to the Curia. We look forward to hearing more about the works done there.
We look forward also to hearing from Johannesburg, Durban (South Africa) and Hwange (Zimbabwe).
SOUTH AMERICA B
PERU
Senatus of Lima
Seven (7) Comitia, eight (8) Curiae, and three (3) praesidia reported. There are three hundred and thirty- five (335) probationary members at the Senatus. Works include Sacred Heart Enthronement home visitation, street contact, visiting the sick at home and in hospital, catechesis, book barrows, holding a number of Frank Duff Prayer Meetings, two Patrician meetings, an Exploratio Dominicalis project, and junior praesidia. Sometimes the Catechism is given in hamlets in the mountains. A praesidium has been set up in a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and drug addicts while efforts are ongoing to rejuvenate a praesidium in the women’s prison. Prayer leaflets and sacramentals are given out to those contacted in a soup kitchen. Evangelisation is done in rural areas, hamlets and parks. The Senatus officers continue visiting councils.
URUGUAY
Senatus of Montevideo
One Comitium, two (2) Curiae and one praesidium reported. Six (6) legionaries have made their promise and a further eleven (11) probationers have been recruited since the last report. Works include street contact and visiting the sick, nursing homes, hospitals, and two (2) prisons where they are trying to set up a praesidium. They teach Catechesis and have an apostolate in the cemeteries. They continue to revive praesidia and councils that closed during the pandemic. The Senatus is updating the handbook to include the 2024 changes with a view to printing a batch.
ECUADOR
Senatus of Quito
A lady who had left the Catholic Church, returned after her legionary neighbour explained the Faith to her. She is now an active member of the Legion of Mary. Several praesidia report helping with parish Catechism courses. A praesidium is responsible for organising a weekly Hour of Adoration in the parish and inviting parishioners. Two (2) legionaries, who are ministers of the Eucharist, bring the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound.
VENEZUELA
Senatus of Caracas
During January, Councils throughout the country celebrated the seventy- fifth (75th) Anniversary of The Legion of Mary in Venezuela with Masses, Processions and other functions. The national celebration will take place on 3 May in Caracas. Reports indicate the establishment of praesidia in different Curiae. A couple, of another faith, are undergoing instruction and will soon be received into the Catholic Church.
CHILE
Senatus of Santiago
A special meeting was arranged for former legionaries to update them on Senatus activities and inviting them to return. At Christmas homeless people were invited to attend the parish ceremonies and celebrations; all were most grateful for the interest taken in them. Assistance is given to the many refugees arriving in Chile; some were active legionaries in their own country and are invited to join again. As it is difficult to visit high rise apartments, legionaries who live there organise May Devotions for their neighbours. Legionaries accompany priests to evangelise in rural communities.
BOLIVIA
Senatus of La Paz
It was expressed that the many comments made on reports read at the Senatus meeting is a great way for legionaries to learn about the Legion of Mary. Good contacts are made when the Sunday Mass leaflet is distributed, even to those who are not currently attending Mass regularly. Exploratio Dominicalis is being used to help praesidia that have difficulties.
COLOMBIA
Senatus of Medellin
The Senatus consists of eight hundred and eighteen (818) active members, thirty- eight (38) probationers, three hundred and ninety- nine (399) praetorians, three thousand, two hundred and twenty- four (3,224) auxiliary members and eight hundred and fifty- six (856) adjutorians. Two (2) Comitia, four (4) Curiae and three (3) praesidia reported. Two (2) praesidia have closed, but three (3) new praesidia have been established. Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in homes is carried out. Extension was carried out using the Columban Drive method in the Cathedral of Girardota with a very good reception, both by the priests and the congregation. Various Councils have organised missionary days in neighborhoods with conversions reported. In response to an invitation to children undergoing catechesis, ten (10) children joined a praesidium for them.
COLOMBIA
Senatus of Bogotá
Five (5) Regiae, three (3) Comitia, three (3) Curiae and three (3) praesidia reported. The Regia of Cartagena extended in remote settlements while the Regia de Neiva undertook a missionary project to distant areas, setting up several praesidia. A Comitium sent a letter to all the priests of their area and included a copy of “Can we be Saints?” by Frank Duff and then visited them. Exploratio Dominicalis projects were carried out and were well-received. Catechesis is given in parishes, schools, prisons, and soldiers. Other works include visiting the sick and the elderly in homes and hospitals, home visitation, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rosaries in parks, inviting passers-by to take part and recruiting them to the Legion. They have many pre-junior groups through which they encourage the parents and children to attend Sunday Mass. A Comitium has succeeded in averting several abortions.
PARAGUAY
The Senatus of Asuncion
The annual Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC) Project for the Feast of the Virgen of Caacupé had forty- five (45) legionaries travel and resulted in two (2) senior praesidia and one junior praesidium being formed. A Regia reports six thousand, two hundred and thirty- seven(6,237) active, six thousand, seven hundred and ninety- four (6,794) auxiliary, sixty- three (63) praetorian and seventy- nine (79) adjutorian members, thirteen (13) Patrician Groups, ninety- four (94) children’s groups, and eleven (11) Rosary groups. Four (4) mission projects had forty- five (45), eight (8), thirty- seven (37), and thirty (30) legionaries taking part; the mission to Paraguarí resulted in seven (7) new praesidia. Praesidia and Curiae are visited before they present their annual report. Other works mentioned in reports include Exploratio Dominicalis, rehabilitation centre visitation, contacting police and those detained at police stations, street contact, visits to nursing homes, home visits, visits to the sick, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Catechism for children.
Some Handbook Reflections
This month we are reflecting on the penultimate part of the series about Standing Instruction on p. 12- 14 in Some Handbook Reflections:
STANDING INSTRUCTION (Third Part)
“Legionary duty requires from each legionary. - ...... Third, the performance of a substantial active legionary work, in the spirit of faith, and in union with Mary, in such fashion that in those worked for and in one’s fellow-members, the Person of our Lord is once again seen and served by Mary, his Mother.” (Handbook 18:7)
The following are just a few extracts from the wealth of material in the handbook dealing with the contents of the third part of the Standing Instruction quoted above:
SUBSTANTIAL ACTIVE LEGIONARY WORK:
“This work should be “substantial”, that is, the legionary should spend a couple of hours a week at it The work must represent some definite active duty assigned by the praesidium, not something dictated by the pleasure of the individual legionary. Prayers or other spiritual exercises, however considerable, do not satisfy this obligation, or even supply in part the place of active work.” (33:2(a))
IN THE SPIRIT OF FAITH:
“The Legion is built in the first place upon a profound faith in God and in the love he bears his children The legionaries’ essential mainstay must be this knowledge of the companionship of God, their good Father, in their twofold work of sanctifying themselves and serving their neighbour. Nothing can stand in the way of success except want of trust. If there be but faith enough, God will utilise us to conquer the world for him.”
(5) IN UNION WITH MARY:
“As no one can even attempt the service of his neighbour other than in the company of Mary, similarly no one can discharge this duty worthily except by entering to some degree into the intentions of Mary. It follows that the more close the union with Mary, the more perfectly is fulfilled the divine precept of loving God and serving one’s neighbour. (1 Jn 4:19-21 )” (9:2)
IN THOSE WORKED FOR AND IN ONE’S FELLOW-MEMBERS THE PERSON OF OUR LORD IS ONCE AGAIN SEEN AND SERVED BY MARY, HIS MOTHER:
“At the very first meeting of legionaries the supernatural character of the service, which they were undertaking, was stressed. Their approach to others was to be brimful of kindness, but their motive was not to be that merely natural one. In all those whom they served they were to see the Person of Jesus Christ himself. What they did to those others - even the weakest and lowest - they were to remember that they did it to Our Lord himself, according to his own words: “Truly, I tell you, Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40) As at the first meeting, so ever since. No effort has been spared to bring home to legionaries that this motive is to be the basis of their service, and likewise that the discipline and internal harmony of the Legion rest chiefly upon the same principle. In their officers and in each other they must recognise and reverence Christ himself. In order to ensure that this transforming truth will remain impressed on the minds of the members, it is incorporated in the Standing Instruction which is read monthly at the praesidium meeting. In addition, the Standing Instruction emphasises the other legionary principle that the work must be done in such a spirit of union with Mary that it is she, working through the legionary, who really performs it.” (9:1) “Always will the legionary bear in mind that he is visiting not as a superior to an inferior, not as one equal to another, but as an inferior to his superior, as the servant to the Lord.” (39:17) “ ... it is most certain that Mary wills that there be shown to the Mystical Body of her Beloved Son just such another love as she lavished on his actual body. In this she will help her legionaries. Where she finds in them the gleam, the readiness to love, she will fan it to a consuming flame.” (39:18)
A reminder about the 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 during any Saturday for 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.
We remember that “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
March 28 and Last Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
Regina Coeli Hostel, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
All Welcome.
Sacred Heart Men’s Sodality
March 28 and Last Friday of every month at 7:45 p.m.
Morning Star Hostel, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
All Welcome.
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Remembering the Miracle of Monto
1925- 2025
A Legion of Mary Event
Our Lady of Lourdes Church Seán Mc Dermott Street D01 AD73
Saturday 29 March 2025
5:30 p.m. Holy Hour. Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament.
6:00 p.m. Procession behind the Monto Crucifix
6:30 p.m. The Story of Monto by Terry Fagan
7:00 p.m. Holy Mass
All Welcome.
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Talk in Waterford
Servant of God Frank Duff (Founder of Legion of Mary)
TALK BY
Fr. Michael Kennedy P.P.
Thursday 3 April @ 7:15 p.m.
Jim Grant Room
St. John’s Church, Parnell St. Waterford.
Mass 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome.
(Light refreshments served).
Fr. Kennedy who knew Frank Duff
has been associated with the Legion for many years.
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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
Starts with Holy Mass at 9 p.m. on Friday
Concludes with Holy Mass at 8 a.m. on Saturday
Morning Star Hostel, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
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‘Come apart to a quiet place and rest’
You are invited to a day retreat on Good Friday18 April 2025
@ St. Saviour’s Priory,
Dominick Street, Dublin 1
(On the Luas Green Line)
10:30 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m.
Bring a packed lunch (tea supplied)
Suggested contribution E10.
Promoted by The Legion of Mary
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Mass to Commemorate
the Anniversary of Venerable Edel Quinn
Saturday 10 May at 11 a.m.
At. Saviour’s Church, Dominick St, Dublin 1.
The Rosary will be prayed before Mass.
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General Correspondent’s Meeting
Saturday May 17 @ Legion of Mary Headquarters, Dublin 7.
Further details to follow.
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33 Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus through Mary books
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 during 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.
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Columban Drive Cards
These are available from Concilium, and are found to be a great resource in recruitment
drives.
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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.
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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.
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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).
How could any council, but promote with intensity this awesome work?
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.
