The Legionaries and Synodality

Viktor A.

The Legio Mariae (2014 edition) offers the fundamental dispositions of the Legion in their commitment to support the Parish's journey toward being a Synodal Church.

1. Humility: The Handbook stresses the importance of humility in the Legionary's approach to their work, stating, "The spirit of the Legion of Mary is that of Mary herself. Especially does the Legion aspire after her profound humility, perfect obedience, angelical sweetness, continual prayer, and universal mortification" (Chapter 3, paragraph 1). A humble disposition makes a perfect instrument in the hands of God. It helps one to focus on the Church’s mission rather than one’s agenda.

2. Listening: The Handbook emphasizes the importance of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, stating that "It is significant that the first corporate act of the Legion of Mary was to address itself to the Holy Spirit by his Invocation and Prayer, then proceeding by the rosary to Mary and her Son" (Chapter 7, paragraph 1) and "Shall not such an organization be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) and shall there not be "many wonders and signs." (Acts 2:43)" (Chapter 5, paragraph 4). The "legionary distrusts the promptings of her/his inclinations and in all things listens intently for the whisperings of grace" (Chapter 6, paragraph h). It also encourages Legionaries to be attentive to the needs of others and to "aim initially at listening instead of talking. Having listened patiently and respectfully; they will have won the right to be heard." (Chapter 37, paragraph 5).

3. Collaboration: The Handbook stresses the importance of collaboration between the laity and the clergy, stating that "Collaboration in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish and so help to bring every soul in some manner into the protective network of the Church, thus securing the safety alike of the individual and the community." (Chapter 37, paragraph g). 

4. Participation: The Handbook emphasizes the importance of active participation in the life of the Church, stating that "The active work of the Legionary is a participation in the official apostolate of the Church. Praetorian membership aims at immersing him still deeper in the corporate life of the Church. It must prescribe Mass and Holy Communion because these are the central ceremonies of the Church, renewing daily the paramount Christian act. 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 close to that corporate voice the Father must hear. That is why an Office, not meditation, is a condition of praetorian membership" (Chapter 16, paragraphs 2-3). The emphasis on prayer shouldn’t be surprising because this is the primary commitment of a legionary, that is, to be disciples of Jesus who are confirmed and strengthened by prayer.

5. Respect for Tradition: The Handbook stresses the importance of fidelity to the teachings and practices of the Church, stating that "The association establishes a tradition, begets a loyalty, enjoys respect and obedience, and powerfully inspires its members." (Chapter 11, no. 4, paragraph 3). 

6. Prayer: The Handbook emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of the Legionary, stating that the primary degree, "named the auxiliaries, is one wing of the Legion's praying army. Its service consists of the daily recitation of the prayers in the Tessera: the invocation and prayer of the Holy Spirit; five decades of the rosary and the invocations which follow them; the Catena; and the prayers described as "concluding prayers." These may be divided throughout the day, as convenient." (Chapter 16, number 2). The higher degree, namely, the adjutorians: "This is the other wing of the praying Legion. It comprises those who will (a) recite daily all the prayers of the Tessera and, in addition, (b) agree to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion daily and to recite daily an Office approved by the Church. (Chapter 16, number 2).

Fostering a Synodality Church will significantly move forward when all its members recognize the importance of humility, listening, collaboration, participation, respect for tradition, and prayer.