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The Legion of Mary: Soldiers at the Service of Our Lady’s Love Homily Sunday, April 30, 3rd Sunday of Easter at St. Joseph Parish, Detroit
I. Introduction A. Recap what’s happened in the Liturgy and parish life since January B. What’s coming up: 1. Next week, we will have our Alumni Mass at 10:30am 2. The week after, Mother’s day, at 11:45, May Crowning (Fr. Mark encouraged it, to my delighted surprise!) a) let the 10:30 Mass crowd stay longer, let the 12:00n Mass people come a little early b) consecration of the Children, and consecration of our youth and young adults C. My own consecrations to Mary; my renewal in Guadalupe this coming summer D. My thoughts turn to Mary; and as I promised to discuss some of the parish societies, etc., today, the Legion of Mary II. Development A. Scripture 1. Who is she that looks forth as the morning, beautiful as the moon, brilliant as the sun, terrible as an army in battle array? (Song of songs, 6:10) 2. Briefly comment B. Catechesis 1. The Legion of Mary a) A pious union in the Catholic Church b) An association of Catholics, formed into an army for service in the spiritual warfare which the Church is perpetually waging against the evil forces in the world c) Purpose (interior finality): sanctification fo the members by a solid interior life or prayer which forms the mainspring of a very definite, active cooperation in spiritual work for the Church d) Purpose (exterior finality): Raise the spiritual level of the entire community through direct contact with and interest in every member and potential member of the Mystical Body of Christ e) Structure (1) Active members and auxiliary or praying members (2) Uses some of the Roman Legion’s terminology (a) Praesidium (b) Several Presidia in a city make a local curia (c) Several curia in a region form a senatus (d) Then there’s the world-wide governing body of the Legion of Mary called the concilium 2. Discuss: Spiritual Works of Mercy, as opposed to corporal works of mercy; together they form a great tool for planning which apostolate you or your group will do for God and souls: a) Corporal works of mercy: (1) To feed the hungry; (2) To give drink to the thirsty; (3) To clothe the naked; (4) To harbour the harbourless; (5) To visit the sick; (6) To ransom the captive; (7) To bury the dead. (Anecdote of Vietnamese seminarian) b) The spiritual works of mercy are: (1) To instruct the ignorant; (2) To counsel the doubtful; (3) To admonish sinners; (4) To bear wrongs patiently; (5) To forgive offences willingly; (6) To comfort the afflicted; (7) To pray for the living and the dead. C. History 1. On the Feast of Our Lady’s Birth, September 7, 1921, a priest, a layman and fifteen women gathered around a table with a statue of our Lady. The layman suggested they form a little association to do spiritual works of mercy, and they began to visit the hospital in Dublin. His name was Frank Duff, and he is the founder of the Legion of Mary 2. From this humble start, the Legion of Mary has expanded to more than a thousand dioceses throughout the world, its Handbook which guides the spiritual lives and spiritual works of mercy of the Legion. D. Events E. Participation 1. All practicing Catholics are eligible; you need to want to bring the faith to others 2. It’s not easy: if it were, I would not recommend it to you. Every society in this parish isn’t “easy.” (Anecdote of fellow who suggested that if priestly life were “easier,” we’d have more priests.) Things that are worth the time and effort are never easy: look in your own lives, families, marriage and careers and tell me whether you agree? 3. No dues 4. Daily prayers, one of which is the rosary 5. Weekly 2hrs apostolate in collaboration with the pastor; I want everyone in this parish to eventually reach this goal 6. Yearly consecration to Our Lady called the “Acies” 7. Weekly meetings, both for prayer and business, highly regimented so use of time is at a max 8. Recommended yearly “get together” for enhancing acquaintance between members F. Motivations for why to join 1. How strongly I encourage you all to join the Legion of Mary, yes, all of you; if you don’t want to, please let it be for a good reason, and not, “this will nip away at my TV time,” or “I’m too lazy,” or “I live my Catholicism in a delightfully tepid mass-once-a-week way, so leave me alone.” 2. If you’re wondering whether the Legion is for you, come speak with me, or I can easily put you in contact with other Legion of Mary members 3. Think of the graces you will receive, and the special love and consecration to Mary which will lead you through the vicissitudes of this life to the unending contemplation of her divine Son in heaven! III. Conclusion A. How the world in which we live is dying for love of Christ B. Let this May, 2006, be like no other in our past, in growth of love for the Blessed Virgin Mary |