Page 180 - 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 175

CHAPTER 30 FUNCTIONS 175
Each one should compress into it the fullest degree of
understanding and gratitude. As a help towards this, he
should study A Marian Synthesis, appendix 11. This
endeavours to set forth the unique part played by Mary in
salvation, and accordingly the extent of each one’s debt to
her. Perhaps the Synthesis could be made the subject of the
spiritual reading and of the Allocutio at a praesidium meeting
shortly before the Acies. It is suggested that it be also used as
the collective act of consecration at the ceremony itself.
“Mary is an object of terror to the powers of hell. She is ‘terrible as
an army set in battle array’ (Song 6:10), for, like a wise Commander,
she well knows how to dispose her power, her mercy, and her prayers
for the confusion of the enemy and for the benefit of her servants.”
(St. Alphonsus Liguori)

2. THE ANNUAL GENERAL REUNION
At a time as near as possible to the feast of the Immaculate
Conception a reunion of all the members shall be held. If
desired, this may begin with a church celebration.
There follows a social evening. If not already recited at a
church function, the full Legion prayers are to be said,
divided into three parts as at a meeting.
It is better to confine this programme to the contributions
of legionaries. In addition to lighter items, there should be
some addresses or papers of legionary interest.
It will surely be unnecessary to remind legionaries that
formality must find no place there. This is to be specially
guarded against where many legionaries are participating. It
must be the object to make all those present know each other
better. Therefore, the prog ramme should afford opportunity
for movement and conversation. Those in charge should
contrive that the members do not keep together in parties
and thus frustrate the main purpose of the function, which is
the fostering of the spirit of unity and affection in the Legion
family.
“Joyousness lent a sweet charm to the spiritual knighthood of St.
Francis. As a genuine Knight of Christ, Francis was inexpressibly
happy to serve his Liege, to follow him in poverty and to be like unto
him in suffering; and this blissful happiness in the service, the
imitation, and the suffering of Christ he announced as knightly
Minstrel and Troubadour of God to the whole world. Francis’ entire