Senatus of Austria Reports show that in Vienna the development of the Legion in ethnic communities continues: the Croatian praesidium has nine members and the Filipino praesidium has six. One Curia in Vienna has eight prayer circles and four Patrician meetings. A praesidium with seven members carries out an apostolate to street girls and had an attendance of 15 girls at a retreat. A day long adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the intention of Youth was organised by Muehviertel Comitium. The University praesidium in Heiligenkreuz has three probation members. Over 70 people attended a retreat organized by the Guntersdorf praesidium in Hollabrunn Comitium. 60 attended the Nazareth Festival at which 12 Nazareth children's groups participated. The establishment of a new junior praesidium in Stetteldorf, brings the membership of the junior Curia to 9 praesidia. Zwettl Comitium organised an afternoon for Spiritual Directors at which 5 attended. Brengenz Curia had an attendance of 40 at a Congress. The Senatus has printed large prayer leaflets on the Servant of God, Frank Duff. 100 people attended a Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Schwarz, in commemoration of Venerable Edel Quinn.

12 members made their promise and 12 are on probation in the Bucharest Curia, which is now being affiliated directly to the Concilium. The Curia is translating into Romanian the prayer leaflets on Frank Duff, Edel Quinn and Alfie Lambe.

Chisinau Curia now has 7 praesidia following the establishment of two new praesidia, one senior and one junior. The Bishop and six Spiritual Directors, along with 50 legionaries were present at the Acies.

Zseliz Curia   has 11 senior and 1 junior praesidium and 12 probation members. Trnava Curia organised a retreat to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the definition of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Ljubljana Curia has a parish willing to accept a Peregrinatio Pro Christo project later this year.

Prague Curia was raised to Comitium with Klattau Curia attached to it. 50 attend a Patrician meeting. A book in the Czech language on Edel Quinn has been printed.

Zagreb Comitium 19 praesidia are attached. The Bishop of Krk has given permission for the Legion to start in his Diocese.

Kaunas Comitium reported one praesidium has 4 active members and 142 auxiliaries. 338 families were visited. As a result of visits one elderly lady received confession after 30 years, 1 parishioner was baptised and two parishioners received Holy Communion. One man returned to the Church with his wife and is having their four children baptised. Another praesidium with 9 members visit the hospital and sick at home. 845 patients went to confession. The Orthodox priest was brought to 10 people of the Orthodox faith.

Riga Comitium All three attached Curiae were represented at the Comitium meeting in April. A praesidium in Riga with 10 members carries out home to home visitation and street contact. A large number of those met on street contact have gone over to the Jehovah's Witness, faith. Miraculous medals and prayer leaflets are handed out and follow ups are done quickly to those who give their address.

Budapest Regia, which is now affiliated directly to the Concilium, heard reports from six attached praesidia, five Curiae and three Comitia. Extensive extension work is being carried out. A Curia was set up with 15 praesidia, including nine new ones. One legionary has entered the Convent. Praesidia in the Regia carry on a great variety of apostolic works, including the formation of Nazareth children's groups, baptism and pre-marriage education, the promotion of Eucharistic Adoration, night Vigils of Prayer, visitation of the sick and helping them to receive the Sacraments, an apostolate to prisoners and the homeless. The main activity of Nagyvarad Comitium is among the youth who choose the Church instead of a confused state of life.

Lublin Regia Works being done by legionaries in the Lublin Regia include home to home visitation, street apostolate, hospital visitation and an apostolate to prisoners, to the spiritually negligent, alcoholics and drug addicts. Also undertaken is the organizing of junior praesidia, Patricians, pilgrimages, Jericho Rosaries, Congresses and spiritual adoption of the unborn. The Legion of Mary had a special day during the 2nd Congress of Movements and Catholic Associations during celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the Lublin Diocese. The Comitia of Katowice and Zamosc were represented at the May Regia meeting. Officers from the new Comitium of Tarnobrzeg in Sandomierz were also present.

Seoul Senatus: The Senatus is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Legion of Mary into the Seoul Archdiocese. A weekend training session for presidents of youth praesidia had an attendance of 159. Praesidia in the Catholic University and the Seokang University are doing good evangelising work among the students. Both Suwon Regia and Incheon Regia, among other Councils, showed an increase in both active and auxiliary membership. Suwon Regia had an increase of 70 senior and 6 junior praesidia while Incheon Regia had an increase of 26 senior and 12 junior praesidia. Reaching out to people who have not got the Catholic faith is a major work for all Councils. Wonju Regia reported 11,366 visits made in this regard and 1,451 were enrolled in catechism classes. Legionaries help with catechism classes and also care for newly baptised Catholics. They also visit Catholics away from the Church and this Regia reported 977 returns to the Sacraments.

Gwangju Senatus: Conversion work is very much a priority for all legionaries. The Athumda Comitium on JeJoen-dong parish, which has a total of 800 members, reported the conversion of 400 non-Christians. In regard to recruiting, while one Comitium had a decrease of 10 members, another increased by 40.

Daegu Senatus: A series of lectures in preparation for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Legion in Daegu has been organised. The Comitium of Waegwan, which is the birthplace of the Daegu Legion of Mary, was commended for the quality of the legionaries and their activities. The Comitium has 5 junior praesidia. After experiencing some difficulties, three Curiae in Namsan parish were consolidated into one, which is functioning well. The Gimcheon Comitium reported a high proportion of baptisms among people for instruction. Legionaries in the Curia in the Daegu Catholic University are active in presenting the faith to the non-Catholic students there. Both active and auxiliary membership increased during 2004 in the Andong Regia.

Hong Kong Comitium: This Council is composed of 7 senior Curiae and a junior Curia. Works of evangelisation include catechetical instruction for young people as well as for the elderly in institutions, bi-monthly meetings for non-Catholics and street contact at tram stops and book fairs. Meetings are held for newly baptised persons and luke warm Catholics. Sunday school and lunch hour Bible sharing are also organised and the Rosary is promoted.

Singapore Senatus: Attached to this Senatus are 8 senior Curiae, 1 Tertiary and a junior Curia. There are also 2 Comitia - Kuching with 12 Curiae and Kota Kinabalu with 9 Curiae. Plans are in progress for the attachment directly to the Senatus of Curiae in the State of Brunei. The junior Curia has 28 praesidia. Work mentioned were leading Morning and Assembly Prayers, Stations of the Cross and Lenten Vigils. During the course of contact work, a listening ear is provided for friends experiencing difficulties with schoolwork. Assistance is also given with the registration of non-Catholic youths interested in learning more about the Catholic Church.

Taiwan Senatus: Active membership increased by 6% in the 15 months to May 2003 and there are now 1923 active members, 1815 auxiliaries, 181 Praetorians and 105 Adjutorians. The average membership in praesidia is 11.

Kuala Lumpur Regia: Visitation of homes, hospitals, the lapsed and bereaved families is undertaken. Catechism is taught in Sunday School and programmes for Bible study and RCIA courses are facilitated. The Rosary is promoted in homes in May and October.

Jakarta and Malang Senatus are being visited currently by two representatives of the Concilium.

Osaka Senatus: Praesidia are engaged in the visitation of the elderly and preparation for wedding ceremonies. A String Ensemble of legionaries visits terminally ill patients to entertain and comfort them with music. Very useful contacts have resulted in people trusting the legionaries and requesting Baptism. The Senatus governs 2 Regiae, 1 Comitium and 2 Curiae.

Buenos Aires Senatus: Excellent reports are presented each month which give vivid accounts of heroic work. Praesidia promote True Devotion to Our Lady to legionaries and non-legionaries. Great efforts are made to increase praetorian membership; where members cannot undertake daily Mass they are encouraged to try to fulfil the Praetorian obligations at least once weekly. Among works undertaken are visitation of state run hostels for drug addicts, helping to run a parish help line for people in crisis and the legionaries use the opportunity to promote devotion to Our Lady of the Smile. In an area of high rise flats over 6000 homes are visited, Holy Mass was organised in each tower block.

Salta Senatus: Many praesidia are making special efforts to attract young people to the Legion. The life of Alfie Lambe "El Corderito" has been widely distributed among legionaries. Alfie Lambe founded the Legion in the Salta area. Praesidia with problems receive extra visits and are also helped and supported by neighbouring praesidia.

Cordoba Senatus: The Senatus are pleased to report that they are growing spiritually and they plan to celebrate 84 years of the Legion with a Jubilee Year from September 2005 to September 2006. There seems to be a renewed spirit in the Senatus as many members are interested in doing extension.

Corrientes Regia: The Regia has organised Missions, Eucharistic Adoration and processions in many places. Talks on the Servant of God, Frank Duff, Venerable Edel Quinn and the Servant of God, Alfie Lambe were held. Reports record marriages regularised, Baptisms arranged and prison visitation.

Rosario Regia: An attached Curia arranged talks on the Eucharist from February until July in different parishes and held a Day of Adoration for the Year of the Eucharist. Among works listed in reports are prayer groups organised, visits to centres for orphans and abandoned children; street apostolate; occasional visitation of a red light area; catechism classes and visitation of the sick.

Sao Paulo Senatus: Tribute to the Legion was paid at a special sitting of the Legislative Assembly of Sao Paulo on 13 May at which two plaques, one in honour of the Legion of Mary and the other to mark the 50th anniversary of the Legion in Sao Paulo were presented. The Senatus held a Congress for it's own praesidia in May. The Legion Conference centre has been named "The Frank Duff House of Formation". A meeting of officers of most of the Senatus and Regiae in Brazil was held on the occasion of the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in June. Among items discussed were the Legion magazine, a national meeting of Spiritual Directors in 2007, a national meeting for young legionaries and a national day of prayer for youth.

Belo Horizonte Senatus: In the town of Uberlandia almost 400 auxiliaries and 84 active members were recruited recently. Extension in the Senatus area included a praesidium in a rural area, a Curia and a Comitium plus 4 new praesidia. In one area the Legion conducts a monthly hour long radio programme. Children and adults are prepared for the Sacraments and 8 families were brought back to the Church. Home visitation led to the holding of 81 meetings of family groups with Bible reflections and commentary on the weekly liturgy. Finances are being managed according to a system advised by the external auditor.

Rio De Janeiro Senatus: Reports of Rio city praesidia highlight visits to the sick with prayers and guidance about Baptism, work among the homeless; an alcoholic who was helped to recover has become an active member. A city Comitium reports an apostolate to about 200 beggars, involving catechesis, prayer and health care. In Petropolis 3 suicides and 3 abortions were prevented.

Salvador Senatus: Efficient administration is evident with visits to distant Councils and local city Curiae. Several reports refer to promoting the Hierarchy's pastoral programme entitled "Ecumenism". In some reports junior praesidia account for up to 40% of the membership. Apostolate to the sick involves home nursing and house cleaning. Abandoned children are cared for until adopted. Preparation for Baptism courses for parents and godparents are organised.

Brasilia Regia: Council reports record the recovery of several drug addicts. On visitation the Rosary is recited with Biblical reflection. An apostolate to young people who have received Confirmation seeks their perseverance in the Church and Legion membership. Cenacle meetings were organised among shopkeepers in the commercial centre, some members had misgivings about such prayer meetings, and the correspondent recommended that the wishes of the local Church authorities should take priority.

Sao Luis Regia: The Regia has made progress in administration of the Legion in the State of Piaui. A Peregrinatio Pro Christo lasting 12 days in a remote area of the Diocese of Viana resulted in 6 praesidia being set up. An apostolate to street girls takes place in the port area of the city.

Fortaleza Regia: A 2 day meeting for officers of 13 Comitia in the Regia area covering 3 states was held in March. Many topics including extension, works, reports, duties of officers, etc. were discussed.

Belem Regia: Praesidia reports show a variety of work including accompanying the priest in administering the Sacrament of the Sick, teaching catechism, visitation of both Catholic and protestant families and members of sects. Some Curiae have been raised to Comitium status and many new praesidia were set up.

Senatus of Kenya: Six legionaries from the Senatus took part in a very successful holiday apostolate and visited 4 parishes in Meru Diocese and were joined by legionaries from Meru. The Bishop requested a return visit. The Senatus recently organised a youth seminar on drug and substance abuse and 86 students were present. Legionaries from Uganda and Tanzania attended the May Senatus meeting where excellent reports were presented from Kisumu Regia, Machakos and Makueni Comitia. About 70 legionaries attend the monthly prayers at Venerable Edel Quinn's grave.

Senatus of Uganda: Kabale Comitium was raised to Regia on 14 May and has 18 Comitia with 12,856 seniors and 7,663 juniors. Their main work is home visitation where they meet the lapsed and those in irregular marriage situations. Hospitals and prisons are also visited and adult literacy classes are organised. The Schools Curia with 20 Schools is due to split into 3. In a prison with 7 praesidia, a Curia has been formed. The refugee camps are being visited and where possible the Legion is being established.

Blantyre Regia: The Regia officers and correspondents are carrying out regular visitation of attached Councils in all the Dioceses in Malawi and help and advice is given. Membership continues to grow. There are 25,325 legionaries in Lilongwe Diocese and the 3 Comitia in Mzuzu Diocese govern 35 Curiae. The appointment of a National Spiritual Director to the Legion has been welcomed by the Regia. The annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Michiru in May attracted more than 3000 legionaries. Five priests officiated.

Kaduna Regia: Juniors figured in the May minutes and Kano Comitium held a Congress. Nine Councils attached to the Regia took part in a "Search for Souls" in different parts of Ijebu-Ode over a weekend. About 900 legionaries took part including 246 from one Comitium. Nine senior and 2 junior praesidia were set up. One Comitium reported that 121 people undertook the True Devotion to Mary.

Abuja Regia: A Curia in Mpape was encouraged to deal with the problems of remote villages and a Curia at Karu reported 51 new recruits.

Ibaden Regia: A praesidium reported 13 marriages blessed.

Benin City Regia : A Curia at Ewallo had 22 marriages regularised. Fifteen non-Christians were brought into the Church and 17 lapsed returned to practice. Similar reports were received from a number of Curiae and one of them encouraged more visitation of prisons. Warri Comitium created a new Curia. Jos Regia: Praesidia are being encouraged to start junior praesidia. A Curia at Naf Base helped prepare 521 for first Holy Communion and 421 for Confirmation

Enugu Regia: Reports show 117 conversions, 308 lapsed returned to practice, 11 adults baptised, 14 Block Rosary centres established and 170 members recruited.

Ikot Epene Regia: This Council and the others due to be visited by the Concilium visitators were looking forward to and making preparations for the visits.

Lusaka Regia: The Legion is growing and a second Regia is being suggested. Evangelisation efforts are excellent with great outreach to youth. There are many returns to the Sacraments and more praesidia were established in prisons. Many non-Christians met on home visitation are taking instructions and being baptised.

Kasama Regia: Extension continues in all Dioceses.

Dar-Es-Salaam Comitium: Quotations have been received for the printing of the Swahili Handbook and Tessera.

Rombo Comitium: A successful Congress was held. The Vice-president represented the Comitium at the commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the death of Venerable Edel Quinn. Works of service are carried out for the disabled.

Bukoba Comitium: The Legion is set up in all 29 parishes with Curiae in 22 of them.

Mtwara Comitium: Works include counselling unmarried couples, stewarding, etc. at Sunday Mass, visiting the sick at home and in hospital, teaching children prayers and catechism and starting and supervising praesidia for children and students.

Mbinga: For the Year of the Eucharist the members are making more efforts to promote adoration and the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Monrovia Curia: Regular meetings are held and the people are pleased to see the legionaries when they visit. The Acies was held. They set up 2 praesidia in Bomi County. A praesidium was also set up in another county where the prayers are recited in their native language Krahn.

Secretariat of State

First Section - General Affairs

N. 1565    From the Vatican, 4 July 2005

Dear Ms O'Connor,

I am writing to acknowledge the copies of the Legion of Mary Bulletin which you kindly send to the Secretary of State.

May the Lord continue to bless the efforts of all the members to share in the proclamation of the Gospel.

With prayerful good wishes, I am

   Yours sincerely,

signed

Leonardo Sandri
Substitute

Ms Anna B. O'Connor
Assistant Secretary
Concilium Legionis Mariae
De Montfort House
Morning Star Avenue
Brunswick Street
Dublin 7