The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mother Mary, serve the Church and their neighbor on a spiritual basis. It started in our parish on September 15 1953 by Late Fr Francis Ferrais. They follow the vision as “Mary, Refuge of Sinners”. The first President and Secretary of the association were Late Simon Crasta and Late Henry D’silva respectively.
The objective of the legion of Mary is the glory of God by personal holiness of its members developed through prayer, service and active participation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. The members of the parish make visitation of families and the sick, both in homes and hospitals. Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary. The unit of a legion is called a “Praesidium”. Every parish can have one or more Praesidiums. In our parish, the legion conducts its meeting on every Saturday after the morning Mass. At present, there are 25 serving members in the legion. The Parish priest or the delegate pays regular visits to the Praesidium during the meetings and helps them in serving better by giving required guidelines and teachings.
The essential means by which the Legion serves is the personal holiness under the guidance of Holy Spirit, focussed on Divine Grace as its moving principle and support and the Glory of God and Salvation of Souls as its final end and purpose. Through the visitation of homes and other means, the legion must establish a contact of some sort with every soul everywhere. Looking after and visiting the sick and the helpless is another vital part of the legionary apostolate. In our parish, the Praesidium follows all the required norms. They also try to attend any funeral. They pay visits to the old-aged homes and spend some time with the elderly. Once a year, they renew their promise to God.
Currently, Mrs Gracy D’Souza is the Serving President of the Praesidium.