The Junior Legion of Mary in Rochester, New York
A talk by Fr. Peffley "Young People and 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.
Junior Legion of Mary members held a May Crowning of Mary's Statue in St. Jerome's Rectory Garden on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Many Parishoneers attended the ceremony.
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Members of the Junior Legion of Mary Praesidium Learn How to Make Rosaries from Senior Legion of Mary Member and Veteran Rosary Maker, Robert (Bob) George
The Junior Legion of Mary Returned to the Diocese of Rochester, New York after a 37 Year Hiatus
The Junior Legion of Mary grew in the Diocese of Rochester during the 1950's and 1960's with the support of Bishops James E. Kearney, Fulton J. Sheen and Joseph L. Hogan. In 1960 the Rochester Junior Curia was formed with 16 Junior Praesidia attached. The Junior Curia remained active in the Diocese until 1981 when it closed due to a lack of adult leadership.
With the support and encouragement of the current bishop, The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, the Junior Legion of Mary has restarted and is now active again in the Diocese with a new Praesidium at Archangel School located at 2400 Chili Avenue in Rochester.
A Little of our Past, and Our Hope for the Future
The following article printed almost 50 years ago in the Diocesan Catholic newspaper, the Courier-Journal, dated April 22, 1970, shows the Junior Legion of Mary Curia at Holy Rosary Church for their annual consecration ceremony (Acies) to the Blessed Virgin Mary. With the help of Jesus and His Blessed Mother, the Junior Legion of Mary of the Diocese of Rochester hopes to once again fill its ranks with worthy soldiers to fight Satan, save their own souls and help bring the lost and forsaken back to Christ.
The Following Quote from Venerable Edel Quinn's Biography was Addressed to Potential Junior Legion of Mary Members:
"Dear Children,
You must have heard of the Legion of Mary from your parents or at school. Perhaps you thought it was only for grown up people.
No, dear children, the Legion of Mary concerns you too, and I am sure you will be glad to have it explained to you. We can describe the Legion of Mary as an army of Catholics, enrolled under the banner of the Blessed Virgin, to fight Satan and his followers.
We all have to fight Satan, you as well as I. On the day of our Baptism, we became children of God; on the day of our Confirmation, we became soldiers of Christ and you know that the soldier's duty is to fight his country's enemies. Now this fight imposes some little duties on us"
Here she explains the rules and gives examples of works that can be done. She concludes by these words:
"I do not know if some of you are scouts or cubs. A scout or cub promises to perform one good deed every day. Why would not you who are Catholics try do do every day five or ten minutes of Catholic Action? Do not wait until you are older to be pious or to have a share in apostolic work. Begin at once. Get into the habit now of working for Jesus and His Holy Mother. They will bless you. You will be proud. Think about it, dear children. Do not say 'no' too quickly. Jesus loves you, Mary loves you, show that you love Them too. Work for Them.
Your friend,
E. Quinn"
Following is a Short Pamphlet further Describing the Junior Legion of Mary:
Some Members of the Junior Legion Christmas Caroling at Parkside Manor in East Rochester
Some Junior Legion of Mary Members Celebrating Christmas with Adult Members following their Praesidium Meeting.
