On Saturday 9 November 2024, the officials of the Regia accepted an invitation from the Concilium to attend a meeting in Ireland called for officials from all over Europe. A total of 110 legionaries from Malta, Central London, West Minster Cathedral, Scotland, France, the south of London, and the Senatus of Liverpool accepted the invitation. We learned about how active the Legion is in England, Europe and even the world. Interestingly, there were also “junior members” present.
In “The Monks of the West” by Sr Loirin, we found out how the monks came to Europe to evangelize - today the legionaries are doing the same. Frank Duff's book “Walking with Mary” is a very enlightening piece of literature. Sr Loirin mentioned that when she was in Malta she went to St Paul's Bay where St Paul had landed. She also spoke about the connection between the Maltese and the Irish (and this through the “Floriana Irish Boys” and the celebration of St Patrick's feast).
Sr Miriam maintained that we legionaries are in a struggle and therefore there is a need for committed officials. The system exists. Now it is our turn to work because Our Lady needs us. In her speech, Sr Miriam gave comments on the “Lay Apostolate – Hope for the Church” and spoke about how the Legion preceded even the Vatican with regard to an apostolate.
A project aimed at bringing 300 people into the Legion on the occasion of the Jubilee was launched in Dublin in order to add to the four million legionaries around the world.
Bro Augustine stressed that the particular characteristic of Legion work is “soul to soul”. Maintaining friendships is a means to become saints. The Legion offers you responsibility. So we pray and keep up our work.
Sr Loirin explained a “video” called “A Call to Arms – Europe Rediscover your Root”. This is about street contact, where miraculous medals have been distributed. Brother Ian stressed that street contacts have become more difficult since COVID-19. Sr Fabiola said that when recruiting, “eye to eye contact” is needed, while Bro Robert maintained that “Mary is calling you”, and we are to pass on this spirit to those we meet. Bro Siobhan stressed, "do what Our Lady wants me to do" and tell contacts the name of our Praesidium, as well as the day and time of the meeting. Br Declan spoke about the motivation and disposition of members to work: “Our Lady is crying out for you, go and preach the Gospel today." Br Philip from Brentwood said we do not see many immediate results but we have faith in the miraculous medal. “God loves his mother through us," he maintained.
The Vice President of the Regia of Malta, Bro Anthony Debono, spoke about “the Legion in this day and time” and how the media's orientation influences many people. People say they have no time to pray during the day. The devil does his part so that we do not continue our work. We should make use of modern technology, he added.
Bro Tony from Liverpool spoke about “My Legion experience” and how the Legion welcomes every class of people from every walk of life.
Sr Zara and Sr Dima, “juniors” from central London, spoke about their experiences in the Legion; about how they made new friends and increased their prayer and Legion work.
Fr Peyton was online. He is the spiritual director of the Praesidium in Birmingham. We should evangelize with Mary's help and try to invite people to work in the Legion, he said.
A photo of the occasion was followed by a visit to Frank Duff's home, Frank Duff's tomb, Regina Coeli and the Morning Star. The latter are places for men and women who are homeless, those who have a problem with alcohol or drugs, and for pregnant women. These places are managed professionally by volunteer legionaries.
