Concilium Bulletin October 2025
REPORTS
Dublin Southside
Assumpta Curia
Family Rosary and Consecration of homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are encouraged and promoted in a praesidium that has recently revived home visitation. Miraculous Medals are offered and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is explained. Legionaries also carry out street contact, where they encounter many people who have mental health difficulties and problems with alcohol and/or drugs. Many non-Catholics accept Rosary beads and Miraculous Medals, and both are explained to them. Legionaries prayed with a homeless couple escaping a violent family situation and encouraged them to return to Mass and the sacraments. A lady whose son was being bullied at school was urged to pray the Rosary. A fifty- two (52) seater bus was organised for the annual pilgrimage to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.
Annunciata Curia
A praesidium with four (4) full members and thirty- five (35) auxiliaries reported. The main works of the praesidium are home visitation, public Rosaries, and visitation of auxiliary members. Thirty- five (35) copies of Maria Legionis are delivered each quarter. Legionaries promote the Miraculous Medal, the Joy of Confession, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the three causes during home visitation. People met are reminded of the value of the Mass, both spiritual and social, and the great gift of the Eucharist. The reception is generally friendly. Public Rosary is held every Friday before feast days of Our Lady. During the year legionaries visited the local school to introduce the First Communion ceremony. Nine (9) Curia members, four (4) visitors, and one from Ancilla Domini visited Frank Duff’s grave in August, prayed all Legion prayers, and ended with a hymn.
Ancilla Domini Curia
The title of the recent Patricians was ‘Venerable Edel Quinn: Model Missionary’. The subject was presented by Sr. Anne Nagle and included a PowerPoint presentation. There were fourteen (14) present - a big increase on previous meetings. A great effort had been made to promote the event. The title of the next Patricians will be on ‘The Rosary’. A praesidium organised a recruiting drive in Whitefriar Street Church recently. Legionaries spoke at three (3) of the Masses and met parishioners afterwards. Many good contacts were made. Some expressed an interest in joining the Legion of Mary and a number expressed an interest in auxiliary membership. Miraculous Medals were distributed.
Gloriosa Curia
The praesidium regularly conducts street contact at Tesco, Ballyfermot, praying the Rosary and distributing Miraculous Medals. On Good Friday, they set up a Way of the Cross in the car park. They also hold a weekly Rosary at Our Lady’s Grotto, Palmerstown, and a Procession between local churches in October. A documentary on Venerable Edel Quinn, shown on the one hundredth and eighteenth (118th) anniversary of her birthday, was attended by seven (7) people. Members engage in monthly Curia Outreach, and visitation to residential homes and a nursing home. Exploratio Dominicalis was carried out in Inchicore. The title of recent Patricians was ‘Angels: the good, the bad and the ugly’. Curia sponsored a young man to attend the Young Adult Conference. One Christmas Crib was set up in Ballyfermot last year. Curia plans to set up two Christmas Cribs this year.
Benedicta Curia
Curia has ratified four (4) officers for the new praesidium. The main work of the praesidium is street contact. Legionaries also visit the sick and distribute Miraculous Medals and journals. Another praesidium’s main work is home visitation where Miraculous Medals with explanation leaflets, cards for Consecration to the Two Hearts, three (3) causes leaflets, Maria Legionis and Jubilee 2025 pamphlets are distributed. The parish priest requested one hundred and fifty (150) Miraculous Medals for First Communion and Confirmation classes. All contacts are encouraged to become active or auxiliary members. A young Brazilian girl, three (3) years in Ireland, was encouraged to make contact with the parish where Mass is celebrated for the Brazilian Catholic community. Another praesidium which is involved in home visitation, hospital visitation and street contact work prays the Rosary weekly in a housing estate. They meet people from many different countries in the area around a hospital. Miraculous Medals, which are usually accepted, are explained. Non-Catholics are invited to consider the Catholic Faith. One patient confined to bed finally welcomed the legionaries to chat, having been too depressed over some months previously. Our Lady of Victories junior praesidium has seven (7) members, with two (2) seniors legionaries attending the meeting and some parents as well. The members distribute Miraculous Medals and journals, recruit, recite block Rosaries and carry out Pilgrim Statue visitation. Three (3) juniors attended the Young Adult Conference in August. Every praesidium recruits weekly. Thirty- four (34) recruiting efforts were made in September. Three (3) buses were organised for the annual pilgrimage to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.
Immaculata Curia
A praesidium with five (5) full members and twenty- three (23) auxiliaries reported works which include outdoor Rosary, nursing home visitation, home visitation, street contact and school visitation to classes preparing to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Curia recruiting takes place monthly. Curia Congress is planned for October 18th. Fourteen (14) attended the August Patricians, titled ‘Our Lady and St. Paul’. Ten (10) people attended the September Patricians which had the title ‘Names of Our Lady’.
IRELAND
COMITIA
Navan Comitium
Works of the praesidium in Tullamore include maintaining the Alphie Lambe House, public Rosaries, delivering Catholic newspapers and organising buses for the recent pilgrimage to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Legionaries from Melbourne were also hosted. Our Lady of the Visitation praesidium in Navan visited six (6) residential estates, distributing Miraculous Medals and leaflets promoting prayer and the sacraments. The Rosary was prayed in nursing homes and hymns sung with residents. Street contact and book barrow apostolate were held at the shopping centre in Navan. Public Rosaries were recited on the Hill of Tara. The junior praesidium engaged in tasks suitably assigned to them and were brought on trips by senior members.
Derry Comitium
Derry City Curia has reduced to four (4) praesidia since covid though there are plans to reopen some of those. A new president has been elected. The Legion of Mary is promoted widely in rural Curiae. One new praesidium of seven (7) has started, with hopes of another in Bellaghy. Mater Dei Curia with eight (8) praesidia covers Tyrone-East Donegal. Queen of Our Homes has six (6) praesidia in Inishowen-North Donegal while Our Lady of Zion operates in North Derry. Works include home, school, hospital, and nursing home visitation, street contact, May altars, children dressing as saints on feast days, Rosary at the Grotto and Pilgrim Statue visitation. A few members went on Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC). A visit to Concilium and Frank Duff’s house took place and four (4) buses travelled to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine for the annual Legion of Mary Pilgrimage.
Raphoe Comitium
Attendance at Comitium currently averages fifty- five per cent (55%). The praesidium at Creeslough visits the local nursing home to pray the Rosary with residents, distributes forty (40) copies of Maria Legionis and organises the rota for, and promotes Eucharistic Adoration in Dunfanaghy. One member assists the praesidium in Falcarragh also. The praesidium in Letterkenny is strongly supported by the parish and recruits weekly. They run a Legion of Mary bookstand in the church and visit a hospital psychiatric unit where staff take care of the Statue of Our Lady for the Legion of Mary altar. Ten (10) to twelve (12) residents attend the praesidium meeting and receive Miraculous Medals or Rosaries as needed. Staff reported on smiling faces after visits. Public Rosary and home visitation took place in one estate.
Dromore Comitium
Our Lady, Queen of Peace Comitium mentioned family commitments being a challenge to Legion of Mary membership for four (4) legionaries, while a number of new members at Hilltop are due to take their Legionary Promise. Legionaries from Dromore travelled to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Pilgrimage for the annual Legion of Mary Pilgrimage.
Down and Conor Comitium
Amid regular Comitium activities, Our Lady’s Rosary Festival which was co-organised by The Legion of Mary and The Knights of Saint Columbanus and held in Belfast from 4th - 12th October 2025 surpassed expectations. Events, after which refreshments were served included The Camino of St. Michael the Archangel in Finaghy, a Family Day in Lambeg, “Ask a Catholic Priest” at St. Paul’s Parish Centre, “Gangland to The Promised Land” at St. Anne’s Church, Eucharistic Healing Service at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Moneyglass, “Be Reconciled” at St. Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, All Night Eucharistic Adoration at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on the Antrim Road, Youth Retreat at St. Paul’s Parish Centre and the Annual Rosary Procession from St. John’s Parish to St. Peter’s Cathedral attended by one thousand (1,000) people which included representatives of many Catholic groups.
CURIAE
Clonmacnoise Curia
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament praesidium, Mount Temple organises and promotes the facilitation of Eucharistic Adoration and carries out home visitation. A few recent contacts are due to join. Visitation is carried out at Clara nursing home where the Rosary is prayed and legionaries chat with the residents. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour praesidium has gained two (2) new members. A deceased member’s daughter publicly thanked the legionaries there for their good work. Prayer is requested for the Curia to be blessed with a new Spiritual Director. Athlone organised a Rosary and Procession on the Feast of the Assumption. Pilgrim Statue visitation is carried out, and new recruits gained. Three (3) members assisted at the Legion of Mary stall at the Ploughing Championships in Tullamore. Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom junior praesidium, comprising five (5) children and three (3) adults assist at Mass and promote First Saturday Devotions. Other activities include social nights and an art exhibition.
Armagh Curia
Our Lady, Crown of Glory Curia has nine (9) praesidia including two (2) junior praesidia and one intermediate praesidium. The praesidium at Ballymacnab has a Rosary group and a new children’s choir. In Armagh, the May Rosary continues at the request of residents. Two (2) care homes are visited weekly. Members had a prayer walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to mark the canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis in Rome. In Ballygally Miraculous Medals were given to primary school pupils. A weekly Hour of Eucharistic Adoration is facilitated and promoted, and Pilgrim Statue visitation is carried out.
Clogher Curia
There are currently fifty (50) active members at the eleven (11) praesidia at Clogher Curia, with two (2) having been recruited recently. The Legion Census, ongoing, shows that Clogher has maintained all praesidia in recent years. Works include visits to people who are homebound and care-homes, and administering Holy Communion including on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Members accompany the elderly to appointments as needed. The members of the Legion of Mary in Enniskillen broadcast the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet each evening over the Parish webcam at 6 p.m.
Leitrim/ Longford Curia
Our Lady of the Eucharist Curia elected a new president. There are currently six (6) active praesidia at the Curia, the assistance required for the seventh (7th) being duly considered. The three (3) local priests support The Legion of Mary and its work. Accommodation was arranged for those who travelled to participate in Maria et Patria (MEP) Projects of Longford and Granard. Members made many contacts at Croagh Patrick and at Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine which they visit regularly. A paper delivered on St. Joseph was well received at a Patrician Meeting. Regular street contact and home visitation continue with Miraculous Medals, Rosary beads and leaflets about Confession and recruiting being distributed. A supply of Holy Family pictures donated are being offered while stock lasts.
Dundalk Curia
The Curia hopes to have a new Spiritual Director following the death of Fr. Bede McGregor O.P. R.I.P. Members assisted with a recent exhibition on Saint Carlo Acutis. Legion of Mary materials were given to children from local schools. A busload from two (2) parishes went on the annual Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Knock International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Marion Carroll, wonderfully cured at Knock Shrine, is to visit the Curia soon. Elections are due in November.
Drogheda Curia
The Thirty- Three (33) Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus through Mary carried out in Duleek concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass, hosted by the new praesidium. Plans are in place for nursing home visitation to begin. Rosary and Legion of Mary prayers were prayed at the grave of envoy Kathleen Allen. An Ethiopian priest visited in July. A Retreat and book barrow apostolate took place in Drogheda. Six (6) members attended the forty (40) hours of Eucharistic Adoration at the Regina Coeli hostel.
EUROPE
AUSTRIA
Austria Senatus
Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC) was organised to Bruneck, Czechia, Hamburg and Ukraine. Works reported included park apostolate, prison visitation, preparation for First Holy Communion, formation of a men’s Rosary group, and book barrow apostolate. Patricians Meetings for adults have been held, as have Patrician meetings for young people. A Columban drive was undertaken, and visitation was carried out to the homes of recently baptised children.
BELARUS
Minsk Comitium.
Contact work is done at transport stops and hospitals, and Miraculous Medals are distributed during this time. The Veterans home is visited weekly and one person returned to the sacraments after a long time. Legionaries welcomed visitors and tourists to the Church and talked to them about God and prayer, and to the importance of exercising faith in everyday life.
CROATIA
Petrinja Comitium: We look forward to hearing from you in your next report.
Zagreb Regia
The last Regia meeting reported on had an attendance of under forty (40) legionaries. A Congress is planned for 25th October. Pilgrim Statue visitation is carried out to homes, and nursing homes are visited. An eighty- three (83) year-old lady was prepared for Baptism, and her daughter is now receiving instruction. Another person returned to the sacraments after twenty- seven (27) years. Mother of the Church Comitium in Split has eight (8) praesidia and four (4) Curiae. Three (3) parishes are being visited to recruit for the Legion of Mary. Our Lady of the Way Curia in Sarajevo has five (5) praesidia of twenty- eight (28) members.
HUNGARY
Budapest Regia
Recruitment efforts and extension continue at the Regia. A praesidium in Csömör which has nine (9) members has completed the Thirty- three (33) Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus Through Mary. Legionaries there drive people who are sick to Mass, visit people who have limited mobility, pray the Rosary upon request before funerals and regularly participate in various works for the Church. The praesidium at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, has six (6) active members. They take an active role in preparing and conducting the winter school. On 8th December, they pray a street Rosary at the Statue of the Immaculate Conception in front of St. Rókus Chapel. They carry out an apostolate in hospitals and nursing homes, hold spiritual conversations, and give gifts of the Miraculous Medal. The Curia in Szolnok has nine (9) praesidia attached. They pray together with the residents in the Home for the Elderly, teach them songs, promote the Miraculous Medal, and present them with holy images. They also visit patients in two hospitals.
LATVIA
Riga Comitium
The Comitium has seven (7) directly attached praesidia and two (2) Curiae. Visitation of praesidia and Curiae featured in all minutes. A praesidium in Riga with five (5) active members and eight (8) auxiliary members visits the oncology ward in the hospital, and carries out street contact. Patients discharged from the hospital are visited in their home and religious material is brought to them. In some cases, legionaries accompany the priest to visit them also. Curia Rezekne has eight (8) praesidia attached. The Curia has been busy over the summer months holding recruiting drives and trying to build up praesidia.
LITHUANIA
Kaunas Comitium
The Comitium has twelve (12) directly attached praesidia and six (6) attached Curiae. Legionaries reported carrying out street contact, visiting the hospital and nursing home and holding public Rosaries. A praesidium in Vilnius with nine (9) members reported managing a book stall at the entrance to the church and met a lot of people from different countries. All types of membership of the Legion of Mary are promoted. Times of Masses, confession and Eucharistic Adoration are given to people also.
Telsiai Comitium
The junior praesidium ‘Queen of the Rosary’ carries out a lot of activities. Four (4) boys serve at Holy Mass on Sundays, and on First Fridays they all take part in Adoration of Blessed Sacrament. Visitation to the nursing home is carried out. The children’s day centre is also visited and children are invited to join the praesidium. Six (6) children visited the praesidium, one of whom joined. One brother entered the seminary, but still attends meetings during his vacations. The main work of another junior praesidium is evangelising friends and young people in everyday situations, helping sick and elderly people. They helped twenty-six (26) young people prepare for the sacrament of confirmation, one sixteen (16) year-old girl prepare for Baptism, First Communion and confirmation, three sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year-old girls for First Communion and confirmation, and two seventeen (17) year-old girls for confirmation. The junior praesidium is helped by members of the senior praesidium.
POLAND
Warsaw Comitium
We look forward to hearing from you in your next report.
Warsaw Praga Comitum
A Curia in Wolomin has ten (10) praesidia with a total of eighty (80) members. People who are sick and lonely are visited, and legionaries help prepare for the altar for Mass in a nursing home and take the patients there. Many parish works are done. A Corpus Christi Procession was organised and over the course of the year six hundred and fifty- five (655) Miraculous Medals were distributed.
Lublin Regia
Two (2) Comitia, three (3) Curiae and one praesidium reported. Street contact and home visitation are carried out. Miraculous Medals are widely distributed with over three thousand (3,000) gifted to people by one Curia alone. Many people are enrolled in the living Rosary. Legionaries take care of roadside chapels. Homes for people who have disabilities are met monthly, as are auxiliary members. Pilgrimages are organised to Jasna Gora for the feast of the Assumption. Advancing age, health challenges and long distances impact on attendance level at meetings at times. Visitation to attached Councils is carried out.
ROMANIA
Satu Mar Regia
Approximately twenty- seven (27) attend the Regia meetings. Attached are twelve (12) praesidia, one Curia and two (2) Comitia. A retreat was held. Auxiliaries are visited regularly, as are people in nursing homes. Most praesidia are involved in works such as assisting at funerals, organising for the facilitation of Eucharistic Adoration and many other activities.
LATVIA
Riga Comitium has seven (7) directly attached praesidia and two (2) Curiae. Visitation of praesidia and Curiae featured in all minutes. A praesidium in Riga with five (5) active members and eight (8) auxiliary members visits the oncology ward in the hospital and carries out street contact. Patients discharged from the hospital are visited in their homes and religious material is brought to them. In some cases, the priest is present also. Curia Rezekne has eight (8) praesidia attached. The Curia has been busy over the summer months holding recruiting drives and trying to build up praesidia.
ASIA
HONG KONG REGIA
Fr. Francis Tan has concluded his term as Spiritual Director and has been replaced by Fr. Timothy Wan. One Curia has been reorganised to create an additional Curia because of high numbers. The minutes provided little information on the thirteen (13) directly attached praesidia, providing a monthly report instead. They were advised to revert to the Annual Report as recommended in the Handbook.
JAPAN
Osaka Senatus
The new Spiritual Director, Fr. de Guzman, a Filipino priest, is a former legionary, who has visited Concilium. Mother Immaculate Curia presented its report. It has three (3) praesidia at which Korean is spoken, and one praesidium at which Japanese is spoken and which totals fifteen (15) members. The works there are mainly parish related. Virgin Most Powerful praesidium, attached to Catholic Church in Kochi, has twenty- two (22) members, two (2) of whom are Patricians and fifty- four (54) auxiliaries, all female. Seven (7) adjutorians are on roll also. The Eucharist is brought to people who are sick and homebound. Food is also prepared at the parish centre and café. Age related issues limit the work that can be carried out. Mother of Cana praesidium, mainly involved in music ministry, has recently had five (5) visitors, and hopes to grow in membership.
KOREA
Seoul Senatus
A report from Daejeon City Regia referred to praesidia in each of two (2) prisons holding an Acies and a Reunion. A praesidium made up of adults with a disability also reported. The establishment of eight (8) new junior praesidia was mentioned. Among many conversions reported was that of a former Protestant missionary, whose legionary sister helped her to overcome her problems with Catholic devotion to Mary. Her mother is now receiving instruction. Another report mentioned the conversion of a shaman, (witch –doctor).
Gwanju Senatus
Latest minutes record legionaries carrying out an extensive apostolate including street evangelisation. Fifty- six (56) active members were recruited.
Daegu Senatus
Minutes recorded many conversions, returns to the sacraments and Baptisms being arranged. One thousand, five hundred and seventy (1,570) catechumens were recruited. The Regia organised a ‘Night of Mary’ at the Marian Shrine, on 1st May. In spite of heavy rain throughout the evening, over one thousand, one hundred and ten (1,110) legionaries took part. The Spiritual Director was moved to remark that attending with such devoted legionaries and in such circumstances deepened his own devotion and convinced him that with such faith the Legion of Mary could accomplish anything.
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur Regia
Six (6) Curiae reported, most doing the same work. The correspondent has requested more information about some works to acquire a greater understanding of their apostolic elements. Good notice was given of a Congress to be held in September.
INDONESIA
Jakarta Senatus
A total of forty-five (45) legionaries took part in Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC) projects to remote areas in July. Frank Duff’s birthday on 7th June was celebrated on a webinar via Zoom between the (3) councils. One of his books was discussed by the participants. Works featured in reports include home visitation, teaching catechism, and providing sign language at Mass. Legionaries were encouraged to protect the environment by participating in waste management projects.
Kaupang Senatus
We look forward to hearing from you in your next report.
Malang Senatus
A Congress was held in June. As part of their apostolate, legionaries cleaned Marian grottoes in their parishes, where these existed.
Semarang Regia
There are three (3) Comitia, two (2) Curiae and nineteen (19) attached praesidia. A junior Curia has fifteen (15) praesidia and three hundred and eight (308) members.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Senatus
Reports show many activities. Legionaries visiting the homebound were advised to ensure their visit included faith and prayer. A junior praesidium staffed a booth at the Church Youth Fair, distributing Miraculous Medals and other sacramentals and engaged in recruiting efforts. Kota Kinabalu Comitium (Sabah, East Malaysia), celebrated its seventy-fifth (75th) anniversary on 21st September.
TAIWAN
Forty-eight (48) legionaries attended a recent Senatus meeting. Four (4) Curiae and one praesidium reported. Works included accompanying the priest to bring Holy Communion to people who are homebound, assisting catechumens in their preparation for Baptism, prison visitation, staffing hospital prayer rooms and acting as sponsors at Baptisms and confirmation.
AFRICA
BURUNDI
Senatus Gitega-Burundi
Guidelines for apostolates for the seventy- fifth (75th) Jubilee of the Legion of Mary in Burundi in 2029 have been recommended. ‘With Mary and the support of our auxiliaries and like an army set in battle array, allows the Holy Spirit to make us witnesses for Christ’ was the theme for young legionaries learning about the spirituality and mission of the Legion. Rev. Fr. Charles spoke on the importance of moral and Christian values for the youth of today. Comitium Nyarusange, established in 2015 has seven (7) Curiae (including one junior Curia), fifty- three (53) praesidia [including eight (8) junior praesidia], four hundred and sixty- two (462) legionaries [including one hundred and sixty-nine (169) juniors] and twenty- eight (28) auxiliaries [including three (3) adjutorians]. One thousand and sixty- six (1.066) people who are suffering from sickness were visited. One senior and two (2) junior praesidia, and twelve (12) legionaries were gained since last year at the Comitium. Ratification of Senatus officers elected in March 2025 occurred at the June 2025 Concilium meeting, and the Annual Financial Report for 2024 was received in April 2025. Elizabeth Charlotte Ndabahgamye R.I.P, one of the first legionaries in Burundi, died on 9th April 2025.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Senatus of LubumbashiApril 2025.
Hundreds of legionaries visited one thousand, three hundred and twenty- eight (1,328) homes. Those visited included seven hundred and sixty- nine (769) adults, nine hundred and three (903) widows and orphans, one hundred and eighty- eight (188) people suffering from sickness and seven hundred and eighty- two (782) young people. In August, an Exploratio Dominicalis project took place in Kasenga. One hundred and sixty- four (164) legionaries were involved in this. They reached out to many people of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox backgrounds, as well as non-believers. Ninety- eight (98) legionaries carried out much recruiting in September. During October they mainly promote the Rosary. They are also visiting their parish priests and vicars. Legionaries from the town of Kithusi were accompanied by Bishop Mons. Gaston Ruvezi of their diocese as they visit their parish priests and vicars. About four hundred and fifty (450) legionaries visited Lubumbashi Central Prison, in which two thousand, five hundred and eighty- four (2,584) prisoners are incarcerated. The Acies was celebrated in August in the cities of Lubumbashi, Kipushi and Likasi, showing participation of approximately one hundred and fifty (150), two hundred (200) and one hundred (100) members respectively. The work of officially printing the Manual of the Legion of Mary in Swahili, from the Ecclesiastical Province of Lubumbashi (Former Province of Katanga is already completed and is only awaiting the approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi, His Excellency Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, after amendments and the preface. The printing cost is estimated at ten thousand ($10,000) US Dollars for a batch of one thousand (1,000) manuals. Construction work for the meeting room of the Senatus is in progress.
Senatus of Bukavu
The Senatus is still shaken by the dire situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Added to this situation, natural disasters are affecting some legionaries. These mainly include floods, erosion and fires in wooden or thatched houses. The apostolate is focusing a lot on people displaced by war, victims of fires and other natural disasters, the sick, widows, orphans and all who have lost family members.
Senatus of Kinshasa
During the month of the holy Rosary, members visited many families and recited the Rosary with them for peace in Congo and all the other countries stricken by war. A High Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop for the Jubilee Year for all the Marian movements. Leaflets of the Legion of Mary were given to those in attendance. Each Council organised a summer outing, examples including visits from Comitium of Kinshasa to Matadi, Boma/Central Congo and Kinshasa. Masses are being organised for the repose of the soul of recently deceased Bishop Kinsonga R.I.P, former Spiritual Director of the Legion in Congo.
Senatus of Kisangani
The correspondent in Brussels thanks Concilium for their letter of congratulations and encouragement on the occasion of the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Senatus which will be commemorated at a special ceremony presided over by Monsignor Marcel Utembi, Archbishop of Kisangani. One thousand, four hundred and eighteen (1,418) people were contacted to enrol in catechesis in preparation for the sacrament of Baptism. Three hundred and fifty-eight (358) Christians were encouraged to attend catechesis in preparation for the sacraments of reconciliation and confirmation. Similarly, seventy- four (74) couples were invited to enrol in catechesis in preparation for the sacrament of marriage. Thirty-seven (37) of the three hundred and sixty- three (363) Catholics invited to join the Legion of Mary accepted the invitation. Six (6) couples were married. Forty-two (42) young males preparing to enter the seminary were contacted to introduce them to the Legion of Mary. One thousand two hundred and fifteen (1,215) legionaries visited six hundred and twenty- five (625) sick people in various hospitals in Kisangani. Six hundred and eighty- four (684) legionaries assisted their various parishes with maintenance work. Thirty- four (34) poor people in the city and hospices, and nineteen (19) families in difficulty were visited and assisted. One hundred and fifty- four (154) senior legionaries and six (6) juniors attended a retreat. Efforts are being made to bring back some legionaries who no longer attend meetings, and twelve (12) legionaries who had left have returned. Elections for new officers at Senatus will be held on 9th November 2025.
Senatus of Kananga
Numbers in the congregation for the opening and closing Masses of the Marian month of May were very high. The retreat in preparation for the Acies drew a very large attendance also. Senatus reminds legionaries of the necessity of regularly attending meetings and participating in legionary activities. Three hundred and ten (310) households and five hundred and eleven (511) people took part in the sacrament of reconciliation at Easter. Three hundred and eight (380) Catholics attended Eucharistic Adoration. Two hundred and fifty (250) households and four hundred and ten (410) individuals participated in the Way of the Cross. Two hundred (200) individuals and one hundred (100) Christian households took part in a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Malandji Makulu.
Regia of Mauritius/Rodrigues
Sixty- six (66) legionaries from the almost inaccessible nearby island of Rodrigues, accompanied by their Spiritual Director Fr. Jean-Rex Casimir, visited Mauritius. Highlights included the Jubilee Mass of 7th September, visits to various pilgrim sites and places such as those associated with Venerable Edel Quinn who brought The Legion of Mary to Mauritius, visits to Holy Cross cemetery where many Irish priests are buried, and the visit to the Shrine of Père Laval, a saintly priest who evangelised the slaves in years gone by. Many legionaries travelled from Reunion Island also. Concilium is considering the request of the correspondent that they be affiliated once more with Concilium, and her expressing an urgent need to visit Madagascar.
RWANDA
Kigali Senatus
Works include home, hospital and prison visitation. Auxiliary rallies held every three (3) months featured also, as did a Comitium with a Curia in a prison. There are many junior and intermediate praesidia at Senatus, including a Curia which has five (5) intermediate praesidia with one hundred and four (104) students and seven (7) junior praesidia with sixty- two (62) children. Nearly eight hundred (800) praesidia have legionaries who are under eighteen (18) years of age. A Comitium which has nearly five thousand and five hundred (5,500) adult legionaries and thirty- two (32) praesidia, has a total of over six hundred (600) legionaries who are under eighteen years of age. A third Comitium has nearly one thousand and seven hundred (1,700) legionaries under the age of eighteen (18). It is noted that the attendance of the newly established Regia in the last four (4) months is eight (8), seven (7), seven (7), and eight (8) officers at the last four (4) Senatus meetings.
ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires Senatus
Minutes showed positive reports as well as challenges being discussed and solved. New praesidia are being set up, and some that closed during the pandemic are being revived. Junior praesidia are increasing in number as are some praesidia largely comprised of young adults. An annual retreat for teenagers draws good numbers and setting up of junior praesidia follows. Their Legion of Mary work includes contact with Mormons, Jews and Evangelists. Visitation to hospitals is carried out, with prayer cards for the cause of now Servant of God Alfie Lambe being distributed. Many favours have been reported including cures from cancer. Close follow-up on these is happening.
Salta Senatus
The annual novena of Our Lord and Our Lady of the Miracle attracts thousands of pilgrims. A huge number of contacts are made with these pilgrims, many of whom come from towns which seldom see a priest. Preparation for the sacraments is given, and encouragement to start praesidia in the towns of those attending is given also. Many tourists are contacted. Special attention is given to the many Bolivian immigrants who live in the poor barrios.
Corrientes Regia
A planning meeting and a day of home visitation were held in a new area. This resulted in a new praesidium being set up. In August a report was given on the Youth Conference held from 24th to 27th July in the Shrine of Itatí, attended by thirty- three (33) youths, ten (10) adult organisers and helpers and four (4) Spiritual Directors. Activities included talks, questions and answers, a film on now Saint Carlo Acutis, a visit to a Home for the Disabled and street contact using sacramentals.
Rosario Regia
In August, Rosario Regia, through Santa Fe Comitium, held a Conference which was mostly attended by young legionaries, but was open to everybody. It was very well- attended. A praesidium is being set up in Rosario City.
BRAZIL
Belo Horizonte Senatus
Works include home visitation, hospital and nursing home visitation, and teaching of catechism. Visits to families, the sick, and the elderly at home are also carried out. Enthronement of homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary is promoted. Evangelisation work is also carried out among young people. As a result of the home visitation, many are returning to Church, and many received the sacraments.
Ponta Grossa Senatus
Thousands of visits were made to homes and hospitals. Holy Communion was administered on more than one thousand, four hundred and twenty- six (1,426) occasions in hospitals and homes. Twelve (12) Enthronements of homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus were carried out. Visitation of families estranged from the Church, accompaniment and guidance of people suffering from drug addiction through their rehabilitation occurred also. Street evangelisation was carried out and the Rosary was led in various locations. Five (5) youth praesidia were reactivated, with membership totalling fifty- seven (57) young people.
Recife Senatus
Twenty (20) couples were prepared for the sacrament of marriage and eleven (11) adults were prepared for the sacrament of baptism. Two (2) Curiae, four (4) praesidia, and eight (8) intermediate praesidia were founded. A meeting held in Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas was very well- attended by young people and adult legionaries alike. Five (5) priests generously gave of their time to minister to all there.
Rio de Janeiro Senatus
On 26th July 2025, the liturgical memorial of Saint Anne and Saint Joaquim, legionaries attended the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer to celebrate the seventieth (70th) anniversary of the arrival in Brazil of the young Alphonsus Lambe, Envoy of the Concilium Legionis Mariae, to take part in the thirty- sixth (36th) International Eucharistic Congress in July 1955, in Rio de Janeiro. Tourists and visitors to the Shrine were contacted and informed about the Legion of Mary and now servant of God Alfie Lambe, and invited to pray the Rosary and Legion Prayers and to Holy Mass concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Dom Thiago Stanislaw and Rev. Fr. João Damasceno Furtado Câmara, Vicar of the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer. Some photographs taken in front of the ninety- eight (98) feet high statue of Christ the Redeemer which overlooks Rio de Janeiro from the Shrine on the top of Corcovado Mountain were sent also.
Salvador Senatus
Legionaries continued with visits and return visits to families, jails, hospitals and police stations, Protestant families, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other religious groups. People were evangelised on the streets, at bus stops, and in schools. Visitation of homeless people, especially children and people suffering from drug addiction was carried out. Children, youth, and adults were guided to catechism classes. Forty- seven (47) couples received the sacrament of marriage, a Peregrinatio Pro Christo project was organised, and five (5) praesidia were founded. The report reported some challenges also including the deactivation of one praesidium. The attached Aracaju Regia held an Exploratio Dominicalis at which legionaries reached out to many people and evangelised a fishing community.
Santa Maria Senatus
Legionaries visit families in rural areas, and administer Holy Communion to people suffering from sickness at home and in hospitals. Homeless people are supported. Wakes are attended, and condolences are offered to grieving families. Two (2) new youth praesidia have also been founded in recent times.
São Luis Senatus
There were twenty- four thousand and one hundred and fifty- four (24,154) visits and eight thousand, seven hundred and fifty- six (8,756) return visits to families, during which twenty- one thousand, seven hundred and ninety- one (21,791) Rosaries were prayed, and The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary enthroned in one hundred and sixty- two (162) homes. Catechesis was provided by legionaries in preparation for reception of Baptism for three hundred and sixty- eight (368) people, First Holy Communion for eight hundred and thirty- one (831) people, confirmation for three hundred and forty- six (346) people, and in advance of twenty- one (21) marriages. One hundred and twenty- three (123) Rosaries were prayed in public squares also.
São Paulo Senatus
Home and hospital visitation, some prison visitation and a great deal of visitation to people who are sick and elderly at home are undertaken, and Holy Communion is administered to many of them. One Comitium reported administering Holy Communion one thousand and sixty- eight (1,068) times on such occasions. There is mention in some reports also of administering Holy Communion to residents of nursing homes. Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in homes is mentioned in some reports and also the visitation of the families of prisoners and bereaved families.
Brasilia Regia
Some legionaries attended a Conference for young legionaries in June. They, and many other legionaries visited a legionary, Brother Otaviano, who is ninety-six (96) years old a legionary for over seventy (70) years, and was one of the first founders of The Legion of Mary in Araguaina.
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Some Handbook Reflections
THE BREVIARY
(extract from p. 20- 22 in Some Handbook Reflections)
“Next in the Liturgy comes the Office, the corporate utterance of the Church, in which Christ prays. In any Office built upon the Psalms we use the prayers inspired by the Holy Spirit and thus get closer to that corporate Voice which must be heard by the Father. That is why an Office, and not meditation, is a condition of praetorian membership”. “As grace develops in us, our love must take on new forms”, said Archbishop Leen to his legionaries.” The reciting of the entire Divine Office for those in a position to do it, would represent such an expansion of love,”
(Handbook 16: 1)
“A Shorter Breviary” containing Morning and Evening Prayer from the Psalter of The Divine Office with selected texts for the Seasons, Feasts of the Lord and Solemnities and a supplement of prayers from The Proper of Saints, has been published for the Legion of Mary by Collins Liturgical Publications and is available from the Concilium.
The following is the Foreword to “A Shorter Breviary” by Bro. Frank Duff:
“Why should people say an Office? The special value of the liturgy is that it is the official prayer of the Church, the voice of the Mystical Body in which all our poor voices intermingle with the voice of Our Lord and take on the quality of His prayer. This places liturgical prayer on an eminence above our own individual prayers.
But there is another vitally important aspect. In itself, and quite apart from the other official value possessed by it, the Office is a supreme form of pure prayer. It puts us facing God, using the words of the Holy Spirit. The office is made up for the most part of the Psalms and extracts from the Scriptures, interspersed with lovely hymns, including the supreme canticles - the Te Deum, Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis.
Some of the verses are set in the mouth of God and some in the mouth of the person addressing God. Therefore it is a case of dialogue between God and that person. There we have the ideal form of prayer: a conversation with God.
Secondly, as the words are those of the Holy Spirit, we can rest content with them. We have not to distract ourselves by having to work out phrases of our own. We lie in the arms of God, just as a child would in the arms of a beloved parent, holding our effortless chat with Him.
Every line of The Psalms affords food for thought and love. There is literary beauty in them, not that this represents an ingredient that can be called vital; nevertheless, it is of help. All the emotions and the trials of life are covered. All the time we can readily apply the words to our own personal circumstances. Either we are pleading with God in regard to our necessities or we find He is replying to us about them.
The whole course of the Divine history is reviewed. The names of all the special persons and places recur. As we proceed we encounter the items of prophecy concerning the redeemer and the Woman who is to be His co-operator.
Taking all these aspects into consideration, I suggest that this Legion Breviary wonderfully offers us all the ingredients of a perfect prayer. It does another thing. It commits us to a half hour of it daily. This commitment is psychologically important. It tends to ensure the fulfilment of the duty with regularity, fitting it into the daily schedule and not permitting it to be elbowed out by all sorts of secondary things. It establishes its own place in the life.
But a primary consideration must never be lost sight of. It is that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit and an inseparable part of the plan of salvation. As the Council terms her, she is Helpmate, Advocate, Co-operator, Mediatrix. It is His will to do all things in union with her and to bestow through her His gifts and graces. If we desire to draw fully from that treasure we must be attentive not only to Him but to her also.” (Frank Duff)
Recommendations from Concilium for legionaries throughout the world for Jubilee Year 2025.
1. All legionaries (active and auxiliaries) are recommended to take on the Thirty- three (33) Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus Through Mary proposed by St. Louis- Marie de Montfort during the Jubilee Year 2025. Auxiliaries and active members need to be informed. Concilium has just published a new production of the Thirty- three (33) Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus Through Mary. Some Councils might wish to carry it out together with their legionaries over the thirty- three (33) day preparation period.
2. All Councils are recommended to carry out some street contact each month for the Jubilee Year to focus on apostolic activity and personal contact and to teach the master/apprentice system of formation.
3. In Dublin, and throughout Ireland, a Jubilee task force will focus on recruitment for the Jubilee Year. Other Councils may wish to follow this recommendation to address the need for Recruitment during the Jubilee Year and address the need for more active members following the covid lockdowns across the world.
4. All are asked to take on the Jubilee Year recommendations.
Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC) Conference 2025
The Annual Peregrinatio Pro Christo conference will be held on Saturday 25th October 2025.
De Montfort House, Morning Star Avenue, Dublin 7.
Part 1 for organisers only starting at 10.00 a.m.
Part 2 for all peregrini starting at 2.00 p.m.
Annual Mass for servant of God Frank Duff
Annual Mass commemorating the death of Servant of God Frank Duff will be celebrated this year on Saturday 8th November at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Marlboro Street, Dublin 1.
Writings of Frank Duff
Some of the writings of now Servant of God Frank Duff, Founder of the Legion of Mary are available at www.frankduffessays.com.
