The annual Acies, the solemn ceremony during which Legion of Mary members renew their consecration to the Blessed Virgin, took place on March 14 at SS. Robert and William Parish in Euclid. About 250 members from across the diocese participated in the event, which included prayer, hymns, the rosary, a consecration ceremony and an allocutio – a spiritual talk – given by Father Kyle Rosser, spiritual director.
Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated Mass for the group after the Acies.
“I am grateful to be here with you today,” he told Legion members, noting his devotion to the Legion of Mary goes back many years.
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He said it was the first time he’d been able to join them for the event, which provides an opportunity to reset their direction in life to more closely follow Mary, who leads us to her son, Jesus.
In his remarks, Father Rosser, who also is parochial vicar at St. Albert the Great Parish, reminded the group that a legion can’t be formed alone. “We need the prayers and support of all together as a legion, a parish, a community and as one body of Christ … In our darkest nights and brightest days, he will always be there with us to guide us.”
Father Rosser led legion members through the prayers and the rosary before inviting them to come forward and recommit themselves to the legion’s ministry.
Mass followed the ceremony. Concelebrating the liturgy were Father Michael Stalla, SS. Robert and William pastor, Father Tom Kowatch, SS. Robert and William parochial vicar, and Father Dan Samide, parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish. Father Rosser was the bishop’s master of ceremonies.
“Everything we do is for the salvation of souls,” the bishop said. He also thanked legion members for recommitting themselves to Mary.
The prayers used at the liturgy focused on the Blessed Mother, illustrating her importance in the Church, the bishop explained. He reflected on the collect – the opening prayer – which began with, “Lord, our God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary you have shown us the example of a disciple who is faithful to the words of life.”
He also encouraged the group to listen to the Lord, who will guide them. “Breathe him in, just as Mary received him, so we can give him to others.” The bishop also reminded legion members that through our baptism we are “tabernacles with feet” and are obligated to share the good news of salvation with all.
“Being a Christian is life-altering … it’s not a part-time thing,” he said, urging them to “Be that little bit of yeast that rises … Personal holiness can bring about a rich harvest of holiness.”
The legion, the world’s largest Catholic lay apostolate, was founded in 1921 in Dublin, Ireland and has been active in the United States since 1931. There are about 4 million active members worldwide. There are more than two dozen active groups in the diocese. Click here for more information.