Pope Francis: Messenger of God's Mercy and Forgiveness

Pope Francis will remain known for many things and initiatives he has carried out during his pontificate. But we will definitely remember him first of all as the Pope who showed us how great God's mercy is towards men and women. Among his first words on this subject is that God forgives always, and it is we who should pray for forgiveness. In a world shattered by hatred and strife, it is such a current message that the world needs.

He is the Pope of the peripheries, paying attention to the poor and the marginalised. Because man, rich or poor, in power or not, and even when he does not live in conformity with the Gospel, possesses an inalienable dignity. The Pope set an example with his life, living in simplicity and without glamour. He paid 47 visits to various countries during his pontificate, but his preference was for countries on the periphery, both existentially and geographically. He spoke out strongly against social injustice and inequality in the economies of the various countries. A friend to the poor and the rejected, his first trip was to Lampedusa where he welcomed a large number of refugees, and one of the last trips was to Mongolia, where Catholics make up 0.04% of the population.

He was also the Pope of the environment, who urged everyone, Catholic or not, to care for this common home of ours, so that the next generation will enjoy it as we have enjoyed it. He showed that climate change first affects small and resource-poor peoples.

Francis – the common man's Pope and the Pope of the people. He made the Church more open and created a closer connection to the world. He loved to say that in the Church there is a place for everyone, because the Church, as on the battlefield, heals the wounds of modern man. And he wanted a Church not to be closed up in the sacristy but to take to the streets of the world to meet the men and women of the 21st century.

We will certainly feel the absence of his charismatic figure, and above all of this man of God. But we believe that he is now praying and helping the Church from a place near the Lord. Our duty is not to let his legacy be lost.

‘Europe Day’ in Ireland

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.

Zebbug youths produce brochure

LOM Zebbug youths produced an attractive brochure with the help of EU funds, as well as European services in Malta and EUPA.

The group holds weekly meetings and encourages everyone to participate in discussions to help them grow in their faith and personalities.

It also engages in various activities to foster the creativity, ideas and skills and talents of members. These activities include hikes, BBQs, Q & A sessions, plays, treasure hunts, live-ins, water games and team building activities, among others.