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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 126

126 THE LEGION SYSTEM INVARIABLE CHAPTER 20
23. The praesidium is a “Presence” of Mary. The advices of
this section have in view the more perfect consolidation of the
individuals into a body for comprehensive use in the official,
pastoral apostolate of the Church. The relation between that
communal apostolate and the individual apostolate might be
likened to the relation between the liturgy and private prayer.
That apostolate is united to and sustained by the
mothering of Mary “who gave to the world the Life that
renews all things, and who was enriched by God with gifts
appropriate to such a role” (LG 56). She continues to fulfil
that role through the ministry of those willing to help her. A
praesidium places at her disposal a group of loving souls eager
to help her in that office. It is certain that she will accept that
aid. Therefore a praesidium may be imagined as a sort of local
presence of Mary through which she will display her unique
gifts and reproduce her motherhood. So it can be expected
that a praesidium which is true to its ideals will bestow
around itself life and renewal and healing and solutions.
Places with problems should apply this spiritual principle.
“Bend your shoulders and carry her, and do not fret under her
bonds. Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all
your might. Search out and seek, and she will become known to you;
and when you get hold of her, do not let her go. For at last you will
find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you. Then
her fetters will become for you a strong defence, and her collar a
glorious robe. Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds a purple
cord.” (Sir 6:25-30)

20

THE LEGION SYSTEM
INVARIABLE

1. Members are not at liberty to vary rules and practices as
they choose. The system described is the Legion system. Each
variation, however slight, makes others inevitable, till
presently a body is in existence which indeed bears the name,
but possesses little else of the Legion; and which the Legion
would not hesitate to disown, even though work in itself
valuable were being done.

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