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Welcome
Welcome to the website of the Rochester Comitium council of the Legion of Mary. On this website you will find information about the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Rochester, located in the central portion of New York State. You will learn about our history, purpose, activities and functions both locally and around the world, as the Legion of Mary is the largest organization of Catholic lay people carrying out apostolic good works in the Catholic Church, with over ten million members in almost every country of the world.
Through this website we hope to share with you the joy of glorifying the Lord with Mary by participating with her in God's plan of bringing salvation to every human being.
Our apostolic works, combined with our daily prayer, carried out in a spirit of union with our Blessed Mother Mary, help us to keep focused on God in a world that strives to turn us away from Him.
Our hope is that this website helps to bring you closer to God, through the intercession of Mary, so that you may come to know Him better and enjoy the love and mercy He desires for everyone.
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News and Events
Please check out the new "Resources" Section of this Website that you may access by hovering above the "Resources" Tab located on the menu bar. Click on any of the topics that interest you, such as 'Legion Spirituality', 'Biographies of some of our Legion Heroes', 'Writings of Frank Duff', Maria Legionis Magazine Articles or 'Local Documents' designed to help you have more effective Praesidium and/or Council Meetings. Hopefully you will find the Section of benefit to your own spirituality and/or the growth of your Praesidium.
Note: Look under the "About Us" Tab for the most recent edition (January 1, 2024) of the Legion Handbook.
Approximately 65 People, including 2 priests, attended the 2025 Acies Ceremony on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Church of the Holy Spirit located at 1355 Hatch Road in Webster. Father Michael Merritt gave a homily about the Annunciation and how it is really about Jesus. After the ceremony, all socialized while sharing a delicious meal.
The Rochester Comitium held their Annual General Reunion Sunday, December 8, 2024 at
St. Joseph's Learning Center, located at 43 Gebhardt Rd., Penfield, NY. Approximately 40
Legionaries, including two priests, attended. Michael Sauter, Director of the Department of Pastoral Services for the Diocese of Rochester was the featured speaker.
Several members gave testimonies regarding their membership in the Legion of Mary.
A new Junior Praesidium is currently under development at Archangel School located at 2400 Chili Avenue in Rochester, New York. Betty Beauchamp, a member of Mary Our Queen/Stella Matutina Senior Praesidium, is the President of the newly formed group.
The Rochester Comitium Annual Summer Picnic was held Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Quinzi Lodge in Eyre Park located in East Rochester, New York. Approximately 50 people attended.
Approximately 70 People, including 2 priests, attended the 2024 Acies Ceremony on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the Church of the Holy Spirit located at 1355 Hatch Road in Webster. Father Michael Merritt addressed the Legionaries giving a beautiful homily about the Blessed Virgin and how Jesus gave her to us as our own Mother while she was present at the foot of His cross. In addition to the religious items, Sr. Jan Caretta provided a delicious meal of chicken, sausage, macaroni, vegetables, salad and varied desserts and drinks after the ceremony for all to enjoy.
At the November Comitium Meeting, Fr. William Leone, the Comitium Spiritual Director, suggested we pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena shown below from November 30 (the feast day of St. Andrew) to December 24 (Christmas Eve). Instructions are shown below.
The Rochester Comitium held a Day Of Recollection Saturday, October 21, 2023 at St. John Bosco School & St. Jerome Parish Center in East Rochester. Approximately 29 people attended.
The Day of Recollection began with the Rosary and Legion of Mary Prayers, led by Fr. Leone, followed by a commentary by Fr. Leone on an article from the Fall 2023 "The Fatima Crusader" titled 'An Attack Upon Christ and His Holy Sacrifice' written by Fr. James Mawdsley, a former priest of the "Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP)". A copy of the article is attached below as a PDF file. Lunch, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed.
The Rochester Comitium combination Summer Picnic & Annual General Reunion was held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Quinzi Lodge in East Rochester. Approximately 35 people attended.
Fourteen members of the Rochester Comitium and seven members of the Southern Tier Curia of the Legion of Mary went on a Pilgrimage to Mt. Saviour Monastery on Sunday, June 11, 2023 in Pine City, New York. After attending the Liturgy of the Hours, chanted by the monks at approximately 1:00 pm, they toured the Monastery's underground crypt that was originally used as a bomb shelter during WWII. In the crypt they observed many artifacts including a 13th century statue of the Blessed Virgin and a huge 3-section, 14th century religious painting. After visiting the Monastery's spacious and well stocked gift shop, they were treated to a wonderful lunch at the home of Jane Stalica, the Secretary of the Southern tier Curia. Despite the 4-hour drive those from Rochester had to make to attend the event, a wonderful time was had by all.
Many new Legionaries took their Legion Promise during May, the Month of Our Lady. Shown below from left to right are Joanna and Carolyn Schillaci from Mary, Mother of Mercy Praesidium, St. Jerome Parish, who took their Promise on May 1, 2023. To their right are Suzanne Maxfield and Janet Guarino from Mary, Seat of Wisdom Praesidium of Holy Trinity Parish, who took their Promise on May 2, 2023. In the second row, Ruth Connelly (with purple blouse and scarf) from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Praesidium of St. Joseph/Holy Spirit Parish, is shown receiving a blessing from Fr. Sadhanala after taking her Promise on May 2, 2023. Shown last is Kathryn Burke of Mary, Mother of Mercy Praesidium of St. Jerome Parish, who took her Promise on May 15, 2023.
Approximately 60 People, including 2 priests, attended the 2023 Acies Ceremony on Sunday, March 27, 2023 at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity located at 1460 Ridge Road in Webster. Father Timothy Horan addressed the Legionaries giving a beautiful homily about our Blessed Mother Mary and how legionaries ought to imitate her the best they can. In addition to the religious items, Judy Harris and her band of helpers put on a beautiful reception of pizza, cake, cookies, veggies, cheese and more. "Through the Roof Music" provided entertainment.
The Rochester Comitium recently decided to try its hand at street evangelization by setting up a table at the Rochester Public Market. Legion literature, general Catholic literature, Rosaries, Scapulars, miraculous medals and Pro-life "Silent No More" literature were offered to anyone interested. Conversations were held with Catholics and non-catholics.
The Rochester Comitium combination Summer Picnic & Annual General Reunion was held Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Wegman Lodge. Approximately 70 people attended.
The following video is a sampling of the music provided by "Through The Roof Music" at the above mentioned Summer Picnic. The lead singer is Cynthia (St. Thia) Walker a member of the Legion at St. Jerome Parish in East Rochester.
Members of the Legion of Mary attended the launch of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival on June 19, 2022. After Bishop Matano presided over 10 a.m. Mass at Corpus Christi Church in downtown Rochester, he led a Eucharistic procession through the neighborhood around Corpus Christi Church, part of Mother Cabrini Parish.
Rick Duncan, President of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Praesidium at Holy Trinity Parish in Webster, NY is seen here with Bishop Salvatore Matano, Bishop of Rochester. Rick carried the Legion of Mary Banner
(or processional Vexillum) in the Eucharistic Procession. The Vexillum, visible near the end of the procession above and in the photo with the Bishop, represents the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the Dove) coming to the world through Mary.
A Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, NY was held Sunday, June 12, 2022. Those present attended Mass, recited the Rosary, toured the facility, ate lunch and attended Benediction. It was an enjoyable, educational and grace filled experience.
Approximately 60 People, including 3 priests, attended the 2022 Acies Ceremony on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the Church of the Holy Spirit located at 1355 Hatch Road in Webster. Father Sriram Sadhanala addressed the Legionaries and presented an inspiring Power Point presentation on how legionaries should strive to be the best that they can.
In addition to the religious items, Jan Caretta and her band of helpers put on a feast of Chicken cutlets, macaroni and sauce with two kinds of meat, salad, potatoes, broccoli, cake, punch and more. Our bodies, minds and souls were well taken care of that day!
The Legion of Mary held it's first retreat in over 2 years at St. Jerome Church in
East Rochester on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The theme of the retreat was 'Marian Consecration' based on Father Gaitely's book, "33 Days to Morning Glory".
Over 50 people including two religious, attended the Legion of Mary's Centenary on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the North Greece Fire Department Pavilion. The Celebration began with a 12:15 Mass, followed by a catered buffet and various other activities.
Approximately 35 People attended the 2021 Acies Ceremony Sunday, March 21, 2021 at
St. Jerome Church in Rochester, NY. Bishop Salvatore Matano Addressed the Legionaries
Holy Trinity Praesidium 1st to Resume In-Person Meetings Since Start of Pandemic in March 2020
Social distancing and mask wearing was mandatory and disinfection of the room was performed both before and after each and every meeting. As of the first of July, 2021 Covid-19 restrictions have been removed and meetings are now back to pre-Covid times
Approximately sixty people including three priests attended the Annual General Reunion (and 80th Anniversary) of the Legion of Mary in Rochester N.Y. on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at the River's Edge Banquet Center
Approximately seventy-five people attended the third annual Legion of Mary Summer Picnic on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Wayne Spies Conference Center at Camp Eastman
Six members of the Rochester Comitium and five members of Southern Tier Curia made a Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Victory Shrine and Basilica in Buffalo on June 23. 2019
Patriotic Rosary Celebrated by St. Monica's two Legion of Mary Praesidia on June 2, 2019
14 Legionaries attended the Enclosed Retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee May 10 - May 12, 2019
95 People, Including 4 Priests, attend the 2019 Acies Ceremony Sunday, March 24, 2019 at St. Cecilia's Church in Rochester, NY
Bishop Matano sends a letter to the Legion of Mary in Rochester, NY in response to receipt of its 80th Annual Report to the New York Regional Senatus.
A New Praesidium is Started at St. Luke the Evangelist in Geneseo
A new Praesidium has been formed at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Geneseo under the direction of the Pastor, Father Bernard Dan. Their first official meeting was held February 3, 2019. Father Dan had experience with the Legion of Mary while in the seminary and was quite anxious to bring the Legion of Mary to his parish. Meetings are held every Sunday from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at St. Mary's Parish Center in Geneseo. Additional members are desired. For more information contact Fr. Dan at fr.bernard.dan@dor.org or Leslie Nieves at leslie.nieves@dor.org or Andrew Shupinski at Progun0823@gmail.com
Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM, spent the weekend of October 6-7, 2018 in Rochester, NY with the Legion of Mary directing a 1-Day Marian Retreat and presenting the Keynote Address at their Annual General Reunion.
To view a video of the Keynote Address at the Annual General Reunion or to view any of the four sessions presented at the Marian Retreat, see the Rochester Comitium Gallery under the Photo & Video Gallery tab.
Local Legionary, Gerry Murty, Visits Myra House in Dublin, Ireland, the Birth Place of the Legion of Mary
Second Annual Picnic held Sunday August 19, 2018
Second Annual Pilgrimage held Sunday June 10, 2018 (Rochester Comitium & Southern Tier Curia Visit Mt. Saviour Monastery in Pine City, NY)
The Junior Legion of Mary Praesidium at St. Jerome's Church in East Rochester held it's first May Crowning of Mary's Statue in St. Jerome's Rectory Garden on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Many Parishoneers attended the beautiful ceremony.
Second Annual Enclosed Retreat held at Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, New York, April 27-29, 2018
75 People, Including 5 Priests, Attend the ACIES Ceremony on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at St. Jerome's Church in East Rochester
New Diocesan Junior Legion of Mary Praesidium at St. Jerome's in East Rochester learns how to Make Rosaries
Local Praesidium sends 1500 Rosaries to El Salvador
Our Mother of Mercy Praesidium at St. Jerome's Parish in East Rochester makes rosaries for their own use and that of the people they visit. Extra rosaries are also sent all over the world. The rosaries pictured here have been blessed by their Pastor/Spiritual Director, Rev. William Leone, and will be sent to El Salvador to help spread devotion to Our Blessed Mother, the Queen of the Legion.
Rochester Comitium holds its 1st Congress in Many Years at Notre Dame Retreat House Saturday, August 12, 2017
Catholic Courier publishes Feature Article on Legion of Mary in Diocese of Rochester
A New Praesidium is Started at St. Joseph's
& Holy Spirit Parishes in Penfield
The first meeting of a new Legion of Mary group at St. Joseph's and Holy Spirit Parishes was held Wednesday, April 19 at Saint Joseph's 'James Schwartz Parish Learning Center'. Eighteen people from both parishes attended. It was explained that members attend a weekly meeting of approximately one hour and follow a balanced program of prayer and service, performing the spiritual works of mercy according to the parish's specific needs. Members spend about two hours of work each week performing some apostolic work assigned at the meeting. The weekly meetings of this new group (now known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Praesidium) will be held at the Saint Joseph's Parish Learning Center, 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield, NY on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. Consider answering Mary's invitation to put your faith into action by attending a Legion of Mary Praesidium meeting in your area to see if the Legion of Mary is meant for you. Meeting days and times of other Praesidia in the Rochester area are listed in the 'About Us' Section of this Website.
Bishop Matano Sends a Letter of Endorsement to the Legion of Mary in Rochester
to Check out New Photos and/or Videos added to the Rochester Comitium's Gallery
to Check out the New Section in the Photo and Video Gallery on the Legion of Mary Around the World
Schubert's Ave Maria by Barbara Bonney
Note: When leaving this page you may wish to stop the music from playing by left clicking on the lower left hand portion of the above picture to prevent the music from interfering with other video content present on this website.
Tips for Navigating Website
Click on one of the red colored 'buttons' located both at the top and bottom of every webpage to navigate the website and go to the page indicated. Be sure to scroll down every main page as well as any sub-page that may be listed and selected for viewing by clicking on its title.
A list of active Legion of Mary groups in the Diocese of Rochester may be found in a sub-page about the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Rochester located within the 'About Us' page.
To get to any of the links listed in the 'Links' page, merely click on any link listed and that website will automatically be accessed.
Although this website may be viewed on a smartphone, it's format will look different and some of the features may not work properly. Navigation through the website is different, and navigation 'buttons' are located by touching the small white square box in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Touch each main page title to see if there are any sub-pages located within it. Tap whatever title you want, and that webpage should appear.
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