The Legion of Mary is an association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces, have formed themselves into a legion for service in the warfare which is perpetually waged by the Church against the world and its evil powers. Patterned after an army, particularly that of Rome, the Legion preserves the Latin names, as well as the practices of the first group of legionaries. (Legion of Mary Handbook) 

In PCJ, the Legion of Mary Praesidium—Refugium Peccatorium—is a happy blending of the old and the new, of tradition and innovation.  The praesidium holds fast to the vision, mission, and traditional practices of the Legion of Mary, but it has also been open to new trends.  One of the more “surprising” of these is the presence of male members, since traditionally, the legion has been regarded as a women’s organization.  There are only four male members as of now, but there will probably be more to come.

All four male members of the legion were attracted to the organization by its focus on both prayer and apostolate and by its quiet, self-effacing ways.  The organization does not trumpet its achievements, which does not mean they are not proud of them, for they certainly are.  Their apostolates include catechetical instruction, hospital and jail visitation, mass weddings, visits to developing communities.  Working closely with Fr. Rolly Agustin, parish priest, the Knights of Columbus, and the Lay Ministers of the Holy Eucharist, they also visit the sick and the aged, to bring the Eucharist to them, comfort them in their pain and loneliness, and help them make peace with their Father in heaven and prepare for their departure from this life.

The legionaries are one in their appreciation of the simple and humble ways of the organization.  They say that they are emulating the Blessed Mother, who worked quietly in Nazareth and loved and served her Son as He grew “and waxed strong, full of wisdom and the grace of God.” They serve as the hands and feet of the parish priest. 

The Praesidium of Refugium Peccatorium belongs to the Curia of Our Lady of Candelaria, Comitium of Paranaque.  Marlene Juson, President, and Letty Elayda, Vice-President, take pride in the rapid growth of membership of the Legion of Mary.  However, like Ed Cabrera and the other members and auxiliaries of the LOM, they are not too concerned with numbers and statistics for they have imbibed Fr. Rolly’s concern with formation and spirituality, quality rather than quantity. 

The parish is fortunate to have the Legion of Mary doing God’s work among His people, without fanfare, without “the sound and fury signifying nothing” that some leaders of the country and the world today seem to specialize in.  They will continue to be Mary’s army, “comrades true, dare and do, ‘neath the Queen’s white and blue” seeking the least of His brethren—the children, the prisoners, the poor and the sick, the aged and infirm--and bringing God’s love to them.- Marionette O. Martinez

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