Page 179 - 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 174

174 FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 30
stand a large-size replica of the Legion vexillum, which is
described in chapter 27.
The proceedings commence with a hymn, followed by the
opening prayers of the Legion including the Rosary. An
address by a priest on the significance of the consecration to
Our Lady follows. Then the procession towards the statue
begins. The Spiritual Directors go first in single file. Then the
legionaries, also singly, except in the case of great numbers
when they may advance in pairs. On reaching the vexillum,
each one (or each pair) pauses; then, placing the hand upon
the staff of the vexillum, he repeats vocally, as an individual
act of consecration, the following words: “I am all yours, my
Queen, my Mother, and all that I have is yours.” This done,
the vexillum is relinquished, the legionary bows slightly and
passes on. If the number of legionaries is large, the making of
the individual act of consecration will occupy some time, but
the impressiveness of the ceremony will gain rather than lose
by that fact. It will help if an organ be played during the
procession of the legionaries to and from the statue.
It would not be in order to use more than one vexillum.
Such expedient would shorten the proceedings, but it would
destroy their unity. Moreover, the note of haste would be
discordant. The special characteristic of the Acies should be its
order and dignity.
When all legionaries have resumed their places, an act of
con secration to Our Lady is said aloud by the priest on behalf
of all present. Following this, the Catena is recited, all present
standing. Then follows, if at all possible, Benediction of the
Most Blessed Sacrament; after which the concluding prayers of
the Legion are recited, a hymn is sung, and the Acies terminates.
It would be in order, of course, to have Holy Mass
celebrated on the occasion of the Acies, in place of the
Benediction, the other details of the ceremony remaining the
same. The Celebration of the Paschal Mystery would absorb
into itself and present to the Eternal Father, through the “one
Mediator” and in the Holy Spirit, all the con secrations and
spiritual offerings which are placed in the mater nal hands of
“the generous associate and humble handmaid of the Lord.”
(LG 61)
The above formula of consecration: “I am all yours, etc.”
should not be mechanically or thoughtlessly pronounced.