Tản mạn: THE PICTURE OF LEGIO OF MARY (PART 2)

 

Why is it the Rosary? Why don’t we replace it with other prayers? As we observe, the Rosary is completed every day as a compulsory devotion, and it is always prayed first in each weekly meeting. The handbook teaches us: “Mary’s consent to the Incarnation made her alike Mother of God and Mother of Divine Grace; so, her legionary children bind themselves to her with her Rosary” (Chap. 25, No. 3).

The image of the Legion of Mary also refers to this event—the Annunciation—when Mary responds “Fiat” (Yes, Lord!) and the Only Son of the Father becomes human in her womb. “Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!”

Looking at the lower part of the picture, beneath Mary’s image, we notice two colors: grey and white. The white group carries the Holy Cross (referring to Jesus) and the Rosary (referring to Mary). St. Louis-Marie de Montfort explains: “the sacred names of Jesus and Mary in their hearts and the modesty and mortification of Jesus Christ in their behaviour.” (Chapter. 25, No.5).

This symbolizes the calling of every Legionary (the white figures): to sacrifice their lives and to sanctify others in every corner of the world (the grey figures). As we observe, some of the grey figures turn their faces toward Mary, some are falling, and some turn away. In this situation, “the Legion is depicted as a host innumerable, advancing in battle-array under the leadership of its Queen and bearing her standards” (Chapter. 25, No.5). Generation by generation of Legionaries, we are living under the leadership of its Queen and bearing her standards.

To conclude this topic, we contemplate several lines from the Concluding Prayers:

- Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of faith in you and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world.

- ... a faith which will be our Legion’s Pillar of Fire, to: lead us forth united; enlighten, inflame, bring back life…

- “... the battle of life over, our Legion may reassemble, without loss of any one, in the kingdom of your love and glory.”

Author: Little Stream

Photo: https://www.picclickimg.com/Bq8AAOSwZMFkh19o/1940-Legion-Of-Mary-Prayer-Card-Holy-Catholic.webp