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31 May 2024: The Visitation of Our Lady

Spiritual Reading: Legion Handbook Chapter 33.3 - 33.5


Today’s reading talks about the great importance of the furnishing of our reports during the Meeting. So much so that it mentions that each report is like a brick in the edifice; just one faulty or rushed report, and it may bring the whole meeting crashing down. This very much aligns with the next point, of having a notebook to jot down our contacts, and especially to allow us to be able to follow up and remember our contacts. By being able to report our works well, the reading mentions that other members in the presidium will be able to be inspired from these reports.


Next, it reminds us of the importance of confidentiality of the works discussed. This is emphasized in our Legionary Duties and our standing instructions: Fourth absolute respect for the confidential nature of many matters discussed at the meeting or learned in connection with the legionary work. Why is this emphasized so much? Frank Duff, our founder, exemplified an unwavering commitment to confidentiality within and outside the Legion. Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and laity from all walks of life entrusted him with their deepest secrets and concerns. He provided them with an attentive and sympathetic ear, and they knew he could be trusted implicitly. His dedication to confidentiality stemmed from his profound respect for the dignity of each person and the requirements of true friendship. Frank Duff was fully convinced that his entire apostolate and influence hinged on his ability to honor the confidential nature of the information shared with him by those who opened their hearts to him.


Confidentiality is crucial as it ensures that each Legionary is trustworthy, and that there is always an environment of trust in the meetings. If we divulge this information to others, how can anyone be able to confide in us? How are we able to do our contact work effectively?


Today being a special feast day, I would also like to speak about the visitation of our Lady. The Visitation illustrates Mary’s role as the first and greatest missionary, bringing Christ to others even before His birth. The whole story, I think, sums up so many great virtues of our Lady. After learning that her elderly cousin was pregnant, our Lady went with haste to visit her. Remember that Our Lady was also pregnant and there were no cars back then… She had to walk a VERY long and arduous journey to get to her cousin.  When St. Elizabeth saw her, her child, St John the Baptist, lept with great joy. St Elizabeth then proclaimed of the blessedness of Our Lady, and how highly favored she was, and how unworthy she was to be in the presence of the Mother of God. With such high praises, Our Lady did not choose to direct this praise or glory to herself. Instead, she exclaimed one of the most beautiful hymns of praise and glory, the Magnificat, which we recite every day in our catena. After this, Our Lady, even though she was pregnant at that time, continued to care for her pregnant cousin for 3 months.


As Legionaries, we are called to emulate Mary in her visitation. The handbook describes our mission as bringing Mary’s presence into the world through our actions and service. When we do our contact work, when we reach out to our friends, visit homes, hospitals or engage in any form of Legionary work, we act as instruments of Mary, bringing Jesus into the lives of those we meet. In any case, every contact work that we do is a new Visitation, bringing Jesus to others through Our Blessed Mother. 


A few points of reflection: do we approach our tasks with the same urgency and dedication that our Lady had, despite whatever crosses we ourselves might be facing? Do we perform our duties with humility and under obedience to authority? Is our service that of love, which brings joy and comfort to our contacts?


Our Legionary duties are not always easy. Like our Blessed Mother’s arduous journey to Judah, it will not be easy for us to approach souls. We may encounter rejection, indifference, or discouragement. However, like Mary, we must persevere, knowing that we are not alone. Our Lady is with us, and she wants us to do our works for her, so that she can work and act for the good of the soul. Every contact, every visit, every work that we do -  it is an opportunity to bring Jesus into someone’s life.

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