Page 138 - 聖母軍團員手冊（英文版，2014年5月-2022年1月更新版）

Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 136

136 THE PATRONS OF THE LEGION CHAPTER 24
It is true that the toleration of special invocations would
not in itself be a large departure from common usage. Yet
therein is contained the germ of a divergence in system, and
the Legion dreads even that germ.
Again, the soul of the Legion is shown forth in its prayers,
and it is fitting that the latter, by a uniformity most exact,
shall typify — in whatever language they may in time be said
— the complete unity of mind, heart, rule and practice, to
which the Legion exhorts all who may anywhere serve
beneath its standard.

“As you are the children of Christ, so be you children of Rome.”
(St. Patrick)
“The things I pray for, dear Lord, give me the grace to labour for.
(St. Thomas More)

24

THE PATRONS OF THE LEGION

1. ST. JOSEPH
In the Legion’s prayers, St. Joseph’s name follows the
invocations to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as he ranks next
to them in the Court of Heaven. He was head of the Holy
Family, fulfilling in regard to Jesus and Mary a primary and
altogether special part. The same — no more, no less — this
greatest of saints continues to render to the Mystical Body of
Jesus and its Mother. The existence and activity of the
Church, and therefore of the Legion, are sustained by him.
His care is unfailing, vital, possessed of parental intimacy; is
second only in influence to the mothering of Mary, and is to
be so appreciated by the Legion. If his love is to be potent in
us, we must open ourselves fully to it by a behaviour which
reflects the intense devotion which he lavishes on us. Jesus
and Mary were ever mindful of him and grateful to him for all
he did for them. Similarly, legionaries must be attentive to
him in a constant sort of way.