The Legion’s basic unit is the praesidium, a parish-based group that gives a weekly apostolic task to members, who usually work in pairs. After a probation period, new members make the Legionary Promise, addressed to the Holy Spirit.
Farrell said that the Legion’s mission remained relevant in the 21st century.
“In a world that is often hostile to the values and vision proclaimed Christ — in particular, concern for the little ones, and their hope and dignity — the Legion apostolate continues to be relevant as a necessary tool for evangelization,” he said.
“Those who have never heard of the living Christ are told of him, the sick are consoled, those who have lapsed are encouraged. From Mary, the Church — all the baptized — learn the compassion, tenderness, and the care that every person desires.”
The Legion of Mary’s centenary will conclude with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Nov. 19, 2022. The association’s website said that the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome had informed it that an indulgence has been granted for the centenary.
Archbishop Farrell offered encouragement to Legion members in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, which has a population of around 1.43 million people.
He said: “The Legion of Mary in Dublin still has a strength about it that it may not have in other parts of Ireland.”
“Why? Because from the start the Legion in Dublin tackled serious social and pastoral problems which other groups shied away from. They had an apostolate to prostitutes, for instance, and set up the Morning Star hostel for the homeless.”
“In contemporary Ireland, the apostolic work of Legionaries can have formidable consequences — if lived with authenticity, gentleness, and courage — at the social, political, cultural, and economic levels. The values of the Gospel are not just ideas; they are radical actions on behalf of the poor, the homeless, and the refugees and migrants.”
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