Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin DSouza

Shivamogga, May 24 : Legion of Mary , Mount Carmel Comitium held "Centenary Celebration" at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga on May 22, 2022.

The Legion of Mary was started by Frank Duff on 07th September 1921 completed  hundred years on 7th September 2022. Due to COVID 19, the Diocese of Shimoga could not celebrate it. The Parish level Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Shimoga celebrated the Centenary year.

Legion of Mary - Mount Carmel Comitium organised this celebration on Sunday, May 22. Most of the units of the Diocese gathered for this historical event at Sacred Heart Cathedral to thank the Lord.

Celebration began with Rosary at 8:30am. At 9am His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga celebrated thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga. Legion of Mary Spiritual Director Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga and Rev. Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Principal of Loyola High school were concelebrants.

In his homily Bishop Francis Serrao SJ explained the importance of the Legion of Mary and its functioning. He also explained Mary's role in the mission of Jesus and in the mission of the Church.

The Legion of Mary honoured Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Fr Franklin D'Souza and Fr Lawrence D'Souza for constant guidance and direction in building up the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Shimoga.

After the Holy Eucharist at 11am, members gathered at Church hall for the celebration. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ was the president of the program. Spiritual Director Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Rev. Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Chancellor Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque - Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathi Nagar, Judicial Vicar Fr Biju - Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Church, Shantinagar, Mount Carmel Education Secretary Rev. Fr Vincent Veeresh Moras - Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Church - Gopala, Sr. Premina - Superior of Mary Immaculate Convent Shivamogga, Legion of Mary Spiritual animators - Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Eliza, Sr. Benedicta and Mr. Vijayaratna Kumar, President of Legion of Mary , Mount Carmel Comitium were present on the dais.

Ms. Celina was the Emcee of the program. Program began with a Prayer dance by Mary Immaculate School Students. Mr. Anthony Dias welcomed the dignitaries.

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ inaugurated the celebration together with the dignitaries by lighting the lamp. Spiritual Director Fr Franklin D'Souza explained the importance of the day in his preliminary talk. Then the annual report was presented by Mr. Lawrence. President Mr. Vijayaratna Kumar and team, honoured the dignitaries with shawl, garland and a memento. In his speech he also thanked God for helping him to lead the Legion of Mary for the last three years.

Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque and Fr Vincent Veeresh Moras in their speeches appreciated the service of Legion of Mary in the Parishes as well as in the Diocese.

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, in his speech appreciated the role played by Legion of Mary members in the building up of the Parish community and their Prayerful support for the Diocese. He also told the members that Mother Mary is our role model in following Jesus. We should be the imitators of her. He appreciated and thanked specially the present team and their dedication and sacrifice making this event a success.

Fr Franklin D'Souza and Ms. Clotilda led the prayers. Mr. John Baptist thanked the dignitaries and everyone who worked for the success of this mega event. He also specially thanked Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga for his valuable support in organizing the program.

Program ended at 2 pm. Food was organised for all.