Ave Maria! Legion of Mary To Celebrate 100 Years

The Legion in the Diocese of Lincoln will join the worldwide celebrations of the apostolate's centenary. I'll relate my own story on the anniversary date.

From the Southern Nebraska Register

By Mary Kroner

LINCOLN (SNR) – The Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Lincoln will join members from around the world to celebrate the organization’s centennial anniversary Sept. 7.

Founded by Frank Duff in Dublin, Ireland in 1921, the Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with more than 3 million active members worldwide.

The main role of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members, who support parish priests by performing the spiritual works of mercy for those in the parish community. Members seek union with Mary and imitate her humility and faithfulness in serving Christ.

Some activities of Legion members include visiting shut-ins, newcomers, lapsed Catholics, and Catholics in health care institutions, colleges, and correctional centers. Members also provide transportation to Mass, assist with RCIA and CCD, lead Bible studies, maintain literature racks in churches, and promote the Rosary, Sacred Heart enthronement, Perpetual Adoration, and the Miraculous Medal.

The Legion of Mary has had a significant impact since its founding, especially in light of the Second Vatican Council and its Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity.

“The Legion of Mary was really a system that was ‘ahead of its time’ one hundred years ago, and it is possibly more necessary today than ever, especially as we continue to see people drift from Christ,” said Father Jeremy Hazuka, one of the spiritual directors for Our Lady of Good Counsel Curia.

The Legion of Mary was established in 1957 in the Lincoln Diocese and is currently comprised of 14 praesidia, or active units. Of the total members, 100 are active, and 1,099 are auxiliary praying members. The spiritual directors for Our Lady of Good Counsel Curia are Father Hazuka and Father Evan Winter.

Sandy Payne, president of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Curia, reported that among the works accomplished in the Diocese of Lincoln over the past year, hundreds of rosaries were led, thousands of religious articles and literature were distributed, and hundreds of home and prison visits were made.

“It’s Mary that draws us to these people,” Payne said. “We plant a lot of seeds. But only Mary knows what we accomplish.”

To encourage Catholics to consider joining the Legion of Mary, Payne said, “Our Blessed Mother is a great warrior in this ongoing battle of spiritual warfare. She gave us a powerful weapon, the rosary, to help her defeat Satan. Please consider becoming a soldier in Mary’s army by joining millions across the globe in praying the daily rosary and Tessera prayers.”

With the support of the pastor, anyone who desires to live more fully as disciples of Christ may establish a Legion of Mary praesidium at their parish.

“I believe most pastors would love to have an active Legion of Mary in their parish with members striving to grow in holiness and assisting the pastor to fulfill his work as shepherd of the parish,” Father Hazuka said.

The centenary celebration of the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Lincoln will occur on the anniversary date, Sept. 7, at the John XXIII Diocesan Center. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the rosary and Tessera prayers, followed by Mass at 6 p.m. with Bishop James Conley, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, and Bishop Robert Finn concelebrating.

A speaker, light refreshments, and time for fellowship will follow. All are welcome.