Legion of Mary reached the shore of India at Mylapore – Madras through Sr Mackenzie Smith within 9 years of founding Legion of Mary in Scotland, United Kingdom during 1925. It was originally founded by Frank Duff in Ireland on September 7 1925 as Our Lady of Mercy Congregation, but rechristened as Legion of Mary later.
It took 15 years for Legion of Mary to come to Mangaluru from Mylapore – Madras. It took 2 more years to open units in Puttur, Milagres, Bendore, Bejai, Urwa and Valencia parishes. It was established in Valencia parish by Fr Montu Menezes, its first parish priest on August 12 1947 as Mary Help of Christians. With the divine graces and intercession of Mother Mary, it’s quite successful in its endeavor. It has been rendering yeomen service since 63 years. Martha D’Souza became its first president.
In the past 63 years, many clergies including Fr Monthu Menezes, Fr Aloysius Rebello, Fr Sewrine Rasquinha, Fr John P Miranda, Fr Antony D’Souza, Fr Lawrence Fernandes, Fr Francis Serrao, Monsignor Alexander F D’Souza, Fr Joseph Tauro, served as spiritual directors. It celebrated the golden jubilee during the times of Monsignor Alexander when he served as parish priest of Valencia. Fr Valerian Frank and Fr Paul Pinto also mentored the unit during 1997. They deserve the credit for celebrating sixtieth anniversary. Its during the golden jubilee celebration, the then parish priest Mangaluru diocesan vicar general Monsignor Edwin Pinto and Valencia’s first ordained priest Fr Fred Pereira felicitated Angeline for her 50 years of service, Nelly Saldanha for her 45 years of service and Eliz D’Sa for her 40 years service. Emma Fernandes, Agnes D’Souza and Mary Sequeira were felicitated during sixtieth year celebrations.
The Legion of Mary follows the virtues of Mother Mary, such as sacrifice, humbleness, love for fellowmen and unity in serving the parish community. They meet on every Wednesdays of week in mini hall. They pursue the mission to meet elderly and sick at their homes, hospitals, orphanages and old age homes, consoling them in their trials and tribulations. Its members help in the liturgical service and other parish activities. They also take up the civic issues such as garbage, deplored roads etc with the municipal authorities. Hope the legionaries get strength from Mother Mary to serve the less fortunate and urge other parishioners to join their unit.
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