Legion of Mary
Melbourne Senatus
Prayer with Action
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Legion of Mary
Melbourne Senatus Prayer with Action |
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Munster REPORT ON P.P.C. IN MUNSTER - PERTH From 17th February to 3rd March, 2007.
Team Leaders Report
Twelve legionaries from Victoria listed to go on the P.P.C. in Munster Perth, arrived at Perth Airport at various times on 16th February. The two from Adelaide arrived the following day. We were greeted on arrival by Br. Harry Albuquerque and Br. Tony Pitchford who transported us to St. Jerome’s Catholic Parish where we were welcomed by Fr. Johnson Malayil and a few ladies of the parish, who had prepared breakfast for us. Fr. Valerio, the Parish Priest, came in and we were introduced to him. Fr. Johnson briefed us about life at the parish. After spending most of the day at the parish centre studying the maps and deciding our approach to the P.P.C., we were billeted to our various homes which were very comfortable and homely.
The Officers were as follows: President Sr. Antoinette Waite Vice-President Sr. Alison Buman Secretary Sr. Maureen Pawley Treasurer Br. Philippe Hennequinn PPC Co-ordinator Sr. Marie Callander
The daily time-table: Breakfast at 7am; Legion Meeting at 7.45am; Mass at 9am; Home visitation at 10.30am; Lunch from 1 - 2pm; Home visitation 2 - 5pm; Dinner at 6pm. There was a slight change in the 2nd week in the afternoon for our home visits which now were from 3.30pm to 6.30pm because we would be more successful in meeting more families at home at that time which proved to be very correct.
The first few days work was hampered by a lack of transport. Br. Harry unfortunately had to attend to his sick wife, so we had only one vehicle, thanks to Br. Thomas Sebastian. We had to therefore hire a vehicle, with permission from Senatus, from Tuesday 20th February to Sunday 3rd March at a cost of $325.00. Br. Thomas also allowed us the use of his vehicle while he was at work, for which we were very grateful. The cost of the vehicle, petrol, and a few miner expenses all came out of the secret bag collection and at the end of the P.P.C. the balance of $400.10 was presented to Fr. Johnson together with all the necessary paper work.
The final figures: Home Visits Not Home Not Catholic Catholic 1st Visits 5,777 3,039 1,371 1,367 Re Visits 366 158 90 118 Total 6,143 3,197 1,461 1,485
It was not all smooth sailing. We had the hot weather conditions, a bit of rain at times and of course the wind (The famous Fremantle Doctor) which we all had to cope with. A few of us had to run behind our papers that blew away in the wind. Sr. Alison lost her purse the first week on Ash Wednesday. Sr. Marie lost hers the following week. It was a very worrying time for them as they had to cancel all their various cards and of course arrange to have some form of identification to travel back home. Sr. Maureen had to see a doctor for a troublesome rash and swelling of her feet. Sr. Sylvana had to see the dentist to have a filling done. On our day off Monday 26th February, Sr. Alison missed her footing on a step while going to the chapel for Mass, leaving her with a black eye for a week. It could have been worse, but we took it all in our stride. We all felt as though we were under attack, but like true soldiers of Mary we had to overcome all obstacles. We felt like gold tested in fire. With Our Lord on our side and our Blessed Mother’s protection who could be against us! Nothing could, stop us from doing what we were sent to do.
On Thursday afternoon 1st March, Sr. Marie and myself were invited by a parishioner who runs a Portuguese radio programme to a prepared interview on the Legion of Mary and the P.P.C. There was also to be a write up in the local newspaper “The Record” of our presence in the parish and the P.P.C. My heartfelt thanks to all the P.P.C. members for their patience, tolerance and understanding of each other and their endurance to make the P.P.C. the success it has been, for without them we would not have accomplished what we did. Fr. Johnson and Fr. Velario were very pleased with our work, and it is through the group working together as a whole, that made it possible.
We had our rewards as well. On our time out most of us visited various places of interest, but the most rewarding was on Saturday 3rd March, “A Day with Mary” sponsored by the Franciscans of the Immaculate. A whole day of prayer and devotion, starting at 9is finishing at 5pm. The main celebrant of the Mass was the Most Rev. B. J. Hickey. He also gave the afternoon sermon on the Eucharist, with exposition and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. What more could we ask for. We came away at 4pm to complete the last few home visits. “A Day with Mary” was a fitting way to end two weeks of hard work and lots of walking. The aches and pains in our bodies tell the story.
Sunday our last day at the parish: A Mass of thanksgiving was at 10am. At that Mass we were invited to sing in the choir. After communion we were all called up to the front of the church where each of us was presented with a gift of appreciation, much to our surprise.Fr also read out the results of the P.P.C. visitations. We were also asked to sing at the Sunday evening Mass. We were honoured to be asked to sing at the two Sunday Masses and to think that it all came about through Fr. Johnson hearing our sing - a - long one evening. A B.B.Q followed the 10am Mass for all those who hosted us and all those who helped in so many ways from our early breakfast to our late dinners. The meals were delicious and plentiful, and we were assisted by legionaries who helped us in every way. Each P.P.C. is a new experience and this one gave us a great learning experience and lots of fun.
A special thank you to Br. Eddie Holland who transported 7 members to and from Melbourne Airport. We thank God for all the graces and blessings received through the intercession of Frank Duff.
Antoinette Waite Team Leader. 21 March 2007
PPC Coordinators Report
A brief account of what else was a highlight for me; On Saturday 14th March, Archbishop Hickey, Officiated at the ceremonies connected with the Walk with Mary in St. Jerome’s parish. After the final mass at which we were presented to the congregation, The Archbishop had asked to meet us ,personally ,and so came among us, a very tall, slim, genial figure, asking questions and commending our work. As he came closer, I smiled back at him and responded sincerely that it was a privilege to work in the missions: he pressed my forearm gently, and said aloud,” Keep up the good work”.
The work was hard: Many vials of special oil and embrocation on feet and shin, knee and neck, and pain relief tablets will bear witness to the serries of steps and steep slopes we climbed!
On our day off, we set off to see Perth. We did see the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the maritime Museum of Fremantle, but of Perth? The entire City sightseeing bus route and the transport terminus. The latter is as well organized as a city train station! That used up all of day we had left.
Marie Callander PPC Co-Coordinator
PPC Team Liaison Officer Perth Peregrinatio pro Christo- a journey for Christ. The preparation for this journey started more than a year ago. Six months ago notices were given in the Senatus Bulletin, about the date and location of the PPC and called for volunteers. A couple of months before it was clear 15 would attend the PPC unfortunately one fell ill and only 14 made it.
Those who attended the PPC are Marie Callandar Co-ordinator, Antoinette Waite President, Alison Buman Vice-President, Maureen Pawley, Secretary , Phillippe Hennequinn , Treasurer. Tony Sully kept track of completed areas .Jaques Buman, Ione deSilva, Leonard Hardes, Vita Lo’Presto, Irene Morais, Sylvana Bodzay, . Patrick Greenrod and Michael Lawless the last two came from Adelaide for a week only
Our next hurdle was accommodation; Our Lady came to our rescue. We did get accommodation for all, but not all in the Parish, not the ideal. We had to do extra driving. We accommodated 7 in the Parish and 7 outside the Parish.
We are very grateful to Frs. Valerio Fenoglio and Johnson Malayil. They made us at home and fed us well, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Legionaries worked with enthusiasm and hard work. . For the Legionaries on PPC, the day started before 7am and ended at 8.30pm the time being spent on the Praesidium Meeting, Mass, allocation of work, door-knock , recording the visits etc. The number of visits they made were 0ver 5,700. They met over 1,500 catholic families. Over half the homes no one was at-home; a letter was left informing of the visit
Our Lady had other plans in mind, to bring two Marian groups together. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate had planned a “Day with Mary” on the 2nd last day of the PPC. The Legion decided to join them. It also happened that the Archbishop Barry Hickey joined them in the celebration. He said he was aware of the Legion of Mary organizing a PPC in the Parish and he commended their good work. Sylvia Defendi, a journalist for the Record spent half a day with the Legionaries, getting a first hand experience of door-knocking and wrote a interesting article in the record called “Good news spread at doorsteps”
Special thanks for all those families who cooked and served meals during the PPC, A big thank you to those Legionaries who door-knocked those who prepared lunch, and especially those who did both. Over 25 Legionaries helped in some way or the other. May God Bless you
Harry Albuquerque PPC Team Liaison Officer Perth
West Australian Catholic Newspaper-The Record dated March8th 2007-03-30
Good News spread at doorsteps • By Sylvia Defendi
Spearwood parish has gone out of its way to bring the Good News to the entire parish area this Lenten season. Inviting the Legion of Mary to conduct a Peregrinatio Pro Christo (PPC), which essentially means Travelling for Christ, the parish was able to update its records while evangelising the parish area one door at a time. Groups of Legionaries scoured the 15 km2 parish area knocking on doors. Each group was armed with parish Mass times, Rosary beads, miraculous medals and prayer cards. "We undertake to knock on every door and get in touch with every soul," said Marie Callander, a Legionary from Melbourne. Approximately 14 people, most of who travelled from Melbourne and Adelaide, took part in the 14 day PPC which began on February 17. The PPC group visited 5780 homes in total and were able to provide parish priest Fr Valerio Fenoglio with a good understanding of his growing parish community and those who were interested in the faith.
Antoinette Waite, a Legionary from Melbourne, who participated in the Spearwood parish PPC, said knocking on doors was difficult and took a lot of courage. "Legionaries seek to imitate our mother Mary's humility, obedience, heroic patience, self sacrifice and courageous love of God and faith," she said.
Each day the Legionaries met at 8am for communal prayers, followed by Mass. The Legionaries spent five hours walking the streets of the parish each day, returning in the afternoon to meet those who were not home in the morning. "God wants everyone to be saved, even the most lost. God does miracles with our cooperation. He will do the rest," said spiritual director of the Spearwood presidium, Fr Johnson Malayil. Legionaries were cared for by the parish community, who provided homes, beds and food.
With over 17,000,000 members worldwide the Legion conducts many PPC’s throughout the year, allowing any active legionary over the age of 18 to participate.
One Legionary, present during the Spearwood PPC, was 87 years of age and had participated in over 43 PPC’s. Experience is not necessary though, Mrs Waite said, "however it does prepare you to face adversity". "Sometimes residents confuse us with other religious organisations and we don't have any time to introduce ourselves before the door is shut on us," she said.
Despite the difficulties, Fr Fenoglio said he was grateful to the Legion for the work they had successfully done throughout the parish. "We decided to host a PPC in order to know how many parishioners were within the parish surrounds, to alert those who have an interest in. the faith of opportunities -within the parish community and most importantly to create a renewed interest in those who may have strayed,".Fr Fenoglio said.
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