Legion Of Mary Senatus Sydney

Fr. Spillane Mary's Legion

 

  "Reading the Standing Instruction reminded us that so many things that are part of the Legion today have been there since Day One.  " Spiritual Director Fr. Spillane Other Allocutio's by Fr. Spillane Interior Life Dependence On Mary Liturgy Of The Word Ecumenism and Evangelisation

They invoked the Holy Spirit at the first meeting, decided it had to be a weekly meeting, that they should work in pairs, work in union with Mary and see Christ himself in those visited bringing about Mary's caring for her Son.  Almost at once they introduced the practice of reading weekly the four basic principles that inspire the Legion work.

Another thing I cannot help noticing how it was realized that the Legion was founded not by Frank Duff but by Our Lady herself

The Legion also seemed to be ahead in many ways, for example in the way it described the lay apostolate.  Frank Duff said that legionaries operate under the guidance of the hierarchy.  The Bishops have a lot of control but Spiritual Directors have control only in matters of faith and morals

There have been many attempts over the years to say, ‘you don't need a weekly meeting'; however, Frank Duff stood firm on this.

Work.  The reports of work at the meeting must be adequate and audible; the Catena must be said every day.

Apostolic work is co-operating with the Church's mission of crushing the devil in dealing with people.  The handbook doesn't lay it down as a strict rule that two hours' work must be done; it gives that as an example.  The work done must be hard and if there is sacrifice involved, all the better.  As early as possible, legionaries should be doing difficult work.

Work can be whatever the hierarchy want done, subject to the restrictions outlined in the handbook and the approval of the Concilium.  If the work they are asked to do is unusual, legionaries should consult their next highest council.  Section 37 of the handbook gives a good list of suitable works.

Confidentiality:  We must have an absolute respect for the confidential nature of many matters discussed at the meetings; this covers not only what we may find out on visitation but also things that are said at meetings; these should not be broadcast all over town.

As far as visitation is concerned, people allow me to visit them because they trust me not to talk about them to others.  They must also be able to trust legionaries.

I think there should be a fifth Standing Instruction, e.g., whenever you are in doubt as to whether certain work is Legion work consult the handbook.