Grand entrance with banners of the Comitium, curiae and praesidia
By Agnes Chai
Sep 8 2022
OVER 600 Legionaries converged to mark the Centenary Anniversary of the Legion of Mary (LOM) at Church of Mary Immaculate, Bukit Padang Sep 3.
The centenary celebration was actually celebrated worldwide last year on Sep 7. However, when attacks on health by the COVID-19 and its variants continued unabated in Sabah, the Kota Kinabalu Comitium had to forgo plans to mark the occasion then.
After the nation transited to the endemic phase and the restrictions lifted this year, the local Legion of Mary gathered for their first physical.
As President, Kota Kinabalu Comitium, Margaret Ng remarked “We are so thankful that we are able to make it just before the centenary year ends!”
Archbishop John Wong presided the Mass, with Fr Gilbert Marcus, spiritual director for the LOM apostolate, Fr Paul Lo, and Fr Saimon William as concelebrants.
Present at the simple but joyous event were Mother General Frances Mani and the FSIC, members of the Kota Kinabalu Comitium, four curiae, 15 senior and three junior praesidia from across the Arch/diocese of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, and other invited guests.
However, Sandakan BM Curia, Tawau English and BM Curiae were unable to make it.
Margaret Ng, president, Kota Kinabalu Comitium
Margaret reminded the Legionaries to stay faithful to the apostolate and to “remember the importance of always following the will of God, just as Our Blessed Mother Mary did throughout her life.”
She explained, the objective of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the Church’s work.
Essential to the Legionaries is the Promise made when they join the ranks of the Legion, the heavenly army of the Blessed Virgin.
Margaret urged the Legionaries, “It does us well to return to our Promise, to continue to let it echo in our hearts, reminding us of our lowliness, our dependence on the Spirit and His Spouse… to continue to perform our duties as her soldiers.
“Let us strive to bring our Promise to mind daily as we go about our lives, to reflect on it frequently, and to let it shape our lives as Legionaries, reminding us that we are soldiers and the battle wages on,” she encouraged.
Archbishop John Wong giving his homily
In his homily, Archbishop John called to mind Jesus’ public ministry where He remains God-centred and other-centred. For Jesus, the people and their needs always come first as he reflected with the Legionaries the gospel liturgy on the Son of Man being lord of the Sabbath.
“Mary also follows her Son and is always God-centred and other-centred,” underlined the Archbishop, recalling her help for the wedding couple at Cana when they ran out of wine, and her willingness to allow the Word of God to become flesh in her at the Annunciation.
Reflecting on the occasion, the Archbishop asked of the Legionaries “How is your life now, after following Mary all these years? Are you like Mary in being God-centred, other-centred, and not self-centred?”
“Just as Mary said to the servants at Cana ‘Do whatever he tells you’, she is also telling us to do the same if we want to be God-centred and other-centred,” he suggested.
Archbishop also informed the LOM apostolate that Fr Gilbert Marcus has been appointed as their new spiritual director after the passing of the late Fr Alex Sipanul.
Fr Gilbert Marcus, spiritual director of LOM giving his speech to all the legionaries
Fr Gilbert, making his debut as spiritual director, shared their centenary joy and urged the Legionaries to “follow in the footsteps of Mary in her love and faithfulness to God as you continue your services in bringing the Good News to everyone”, and to “open your heart to receive God’s grace of renewed faith in your life” at the centenary event.
Archbishop John Wong poses after celebrating Mass for 100th Anniversary of LOM at Church of Mary Immaculate Sep 3
Before adjourning to share a light fellowship meal, Archbishop John thanked all Legionaries for their love and contribution to the Archdiocese as they continue to serve quietly behind the scene.
“May God continue to bless you as you carry on your apostolate as good and holy Legionaries,” he concluded.
One of the programs featured by the Junior Praesidia of Queen of Youth Tanjung Aru and Queen of Martyrs St Paul Dontozidon
Archbishop John Wong cutting the cake on stage to mark the 100th Anniversary of LOM. With him are the clergy and representatives from the Comitium and curiae
