Legion of Mary

Melbourne Senatus

Prayer with Action

PPC Inglewood

Fourteen members were listed to go on this PPC. Nine arriving on Friday afternoon with the others joining the group on various days. A further member who was due to arrive during the second week was cancelled due to the early completion.

On arrival we were met by Fr. McGrath who was extremely happy with our presence in the parish. He briefed us about life in the parish and surrounding districts, supplying us with maps, so we could familiarise ourselves with the area in readiness for our first meeting. The name given to the Praesidium was St. Mary’s and officers were appointed as follows:

Looking at the map it seemed as a daunting task, but as true Legionaries, we had to tackle it with courage, patience and understanding of what is expected of us. It was a PPC with a difference, very challenging as we had to travel long distances to the various towns which took up a lot of time. Most of the farms were a few kilometres from the main road, some among trees and on gravel roads. Many of the homes were far apart and as a result the ins and outs of the vehicle made it very tiring indeed. Besides Inglewood we visited seventeen other small towns stretching from Laanecoorie (near Maldon) in the South, to Boort in the North West, and Pyramid Hill in the North East.

We were accommodated at the Inglewood Motel, two or three to a room with continental breakfast in our rooms. Sandwiches were the order of the day for our lunches. Most of our dinners were enjoyed at the local Hotel. Three were at the Parish House much to the delight of Fr. McGrath. Thanks to Sr. Pawley and Sr. Alison for looking after our lunches and three of our dinners. They did a marvellous job under limited and difficult conditions preparing those meals for twelve or more people. The proprietors of the Inglewood Motel put on a B.B.Q. for us, as well as the St. Mary’s Primary School and community. All members enjoying the lighter side of the evenings sharing many jokes and games and mixing with those present. 

We were also spiritually fed with daily Mass and Eucharist and Benediction on Saturday mornings. Thanks to Fr. McGrath. On Saturday evening 12th August we all joined the Bendigo Community at Quarry Hill to honour Our Lady of Fatima International Pilgrim Statue. It was a real spiritual uplifting evening.

On the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, we were invited to have morning tea with the school kids and the teachers, just for a short while. The school has only forty students. Fr. McGrath also arranged for us to join the children in their paraliturgy time at 3 pm on Friday 18th (which was our day off).With the teacher and Father’s advice the children were given appropriate prayer cards according to their classes. Each child was also given Frank Duff's prayer card, and one member told them a little about the Legion.

We had only one mishap. On Saturday 19th, one member, while visiting a home at Wedderburn missed her footing causing her to gash the right side of her head on a tank. On returning to Inglewood she was taken to the hospital where she was given a tetanus injection and received three stiches.

On Wednesday 23rd August at about 11am, we presented Fr. McGrath with all the information collected. He was extremely thankful for what we did and gave us his blessing.

The final figures were:

                Homes Visited:                     1,466      

   Not Home:                                751

               Not Catholic:                            521      

   Catholic:                                   194

I wish to thank all members for their participation in this P.P.C. Their co-operation and willingness was a great witness of God's love. Thanks also for all your prayers through the intercession of Frank Duff, without which we would not have achieved what we did.

 Antoinette Waite. Team Leader.

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