Tản mạn: SAINT PETER - A PATRON OF THE LEGION OF MARY

In the concluding part of Tessera, the name of Saint Peter was called, and He is a patron of Legionaries. Did you or do you wonder about this? Why do Legionaries choose Him as a patron among patrons? Which message do we want to understand?

The work of the Legionary is based on quality rather than quantity. Each member is called to remember: “The secret of all success with others lies in the establishment of personal contact, the contact of love and sympathy” (Chapter 4, No. 4).This personal contact flows from a readiness to give oneself entirely. Therefore, Legionaries are encouraged to value the quality of their apostolic actions over the number of tasks accomplished.

When Jesus asked Peter, “Will you lay down your life for me?” (Jn 13:38), He invited Peter to reflect deeply on the true meaning of discipleship. Jesus posed this question because Peter’s idea of following Christ was connected to ideas of success, glory, and honor, rather than sacrifice and suffering. Peter did not yet understand the full extent of what would happen to the Lord, and Jesus wanted him to seriously consider the cost of true commitment.

Today, the Legion of Mary is present throughout the world, recognized as a strong organization with established systems, offices, and plentiful resources. Yet, it is important to remember that all these material things will eventually pass away. Houses, money, and offices were never the focus of the first Legionaries; their hearts were set on loving service and self-giving (cf. Chapter 10).

Visible Foundation of the Church: Saint Peter, chosen by Jesus Christ as the first Pope, was entrusted with the authority to guide and faithfully develop the Church according to Christ’s teachings and the will of the Trinity. The Roman Catholic Church is always united with the Pope and his successors.

According to the Legion of Mary Handbook (C.10, No.4), Saint Peter and the Apostles were the first to proclaim Jesus Christ in Rome, planting the seeds of the Mother Church that Saint Peter and Saint Paul would soon officially establish. 

What does this mean for the Legion of Mary? As Prince of the Apostles, Saint Peter is the pre-eminent patron of an apostolic organization like the Legion. Firstly, God pours out His graces upon His people through the Apostles. Secondly, as the Handbook reminds us, “In invoking St. Peter, we express once again the Legion’s loyalty to Rome, the centre of our faith, the source of authority, discipline, unity” (C.24, No.9). This is why Saint Peter’s name holds a special place in the Legion’s list of invocations.

St. Peter – Pray for us…

Author: Little Stream

Photo: Ho Dao Hoa Thanh Fanpage