Legion of Mary Acies ~ 50 Years in Lincoln, Nebraska

The Legion of Mary was established in Ireland in 1921 and took root in the Lincoln Diocese in 1957, officially beginning in 1959. This lay apostolic group assists pastors in performing spiritual works in their parishes. Last night at St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska we celebrated the Extraordinary Form of Mass (Latin Rite) with the assistance of the priests and seminarians of the FSSP and laity from St. Francis Catholic Church (a FSSP Oratory) and took vows of total consecration to Our Lord Jesus Christ, through consecration to the Most Holy Mother of God. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz presided and a reception followed. I believe I was the only Melkite member of the LOM present, and for my dear husband, who is Greek Orthodox, it was his first Latin Mass. A memorable evening!




In 2001, the Legion of Mary had 146 active members in twenty praesidia across the Diocese and 2,458 auxiliary members. Legion active members visit shut-ins, new-comers, lapsed Catholics, and Catholics in health care institutions, colleges, and correctional centers; assist with RCIA and CCD; maintain literature racks in church; and promote the rosary, Sacred Heart enthronement, Perpetual Adoration, and the Miraculous Medal. They seek union with Mary and imitate her humility and faithfulness in serving Christ.





Legion auxiliary members practice a disciple of a committed prayer life, praying for the Church and for the Legion of Mary.



Closing prayer from the Catena Leginois:


Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of faith in You and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world. Grant us a lively faith, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of You, and ever to see You and serve You in our neighbor; a faith, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life; a courageous faith which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls; a faith which will be our Legion's Pillar of Fire - to lead us forth united - to kindle everywhere the fires of divine love - to enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death - to inflame those who are lukewarm - to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; so that - the battle of life over - our Legion may reassemble, without the loss of any one, in the kingdom of Your love and glory. Amen.