Legion of
Mary
Melbourne Senatus
Prayer with Action
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Legion of
Mary
Melbourne Senatus Prayer with Action |
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PPC
4th
St Josephs Parish Rochester PPC Report September 2004 On Friday, 3rd September 2004, ten Legionnaires were warmly received at St. Joseph’s Parish in Rochester to conduct a PPC (Peregrinatio Pro Christo). The PPC was conducted on behalf of Fr. Peter Austin, who requested a census of the parish. About 2000 homes, 70 farms and all 400 homes in Lochington, Nanneella, Corop, Pine Grove, Kotta, Tennyson and Ballendella were visited. Approximately 300 Catholic homes were located, results that pleased Fr. Austin, who believes much good will has been created by the visitations. Numerous Miraculous Medals, Rosary beads, prayer cards and spiritual literature was distributed during the next eleven days and was well received. The children of the townships were especially interested in the cards and beads. All people; both Catholic and non-Catholic, were invited to come and spend time in the beautifully restored church. The legion's daily activities were as follows: Day 1- Saturday 4th September We commenced day 1 at 8.30am in Rochester at the Chapel where we joined father for the Divine Office. We celebrated Mass at 9am followed by the Rosary. This was to be our daily routine for the P.P.C. Father then blessed the Rosaries and medals. We then had our meeting. That day, 12 Legionaries began visiting homes on the Western side of Rochester. However, the Football Grand Final meant that not many people were home. In all we visited approximately 369 homes, with 183 giving no answer. Day 2- Sunday 5th September- Fathers Day The day began as yesterday with Mass and Prayers, before 10 Legionnaires set out, covering the Western area of Rochester, along the Northern Hwy. As it was Father's day, we made a special effort to speak to the fathers of the household. We visited 176 homes, with 78 not home and 23 Catholic. Day 3- Monday 6th September A large group of 20 Legionnaires covered the Northern end of the town of Rochester. It was quite a productive day, with up to 337 homes visited, 195 of which were not home, and 45 who were Catholic. Day 4- Tuesday 7th September 12 Legionnaires covered the Eastern side of Rochester. Work also began on the town of Lockington, approximately 15Km North of Rochester. 215 homes were visited, with 118 not home, and 26 of who were Catholic. Day 5- Wednesday 8th September - Day of Our Lady The day was spent covering the final streets in Rochester before moving to the outer farms and towns. Work also continued in the North of Lockington. 10 Legionnaires visited 117 homes, 65 who were not home and 15 who were Catholic. The Legionaries joined in a celebration dinner which was very special. A large cake in pale blue icing with candles and decorated with flowers and a small statue of Our Lady. Our Legion Altar was especially adorned with flowers. The table looked great. Fr. Austin came to dinner and the CWL ladies cooked a meal. We had a very happy night. Day 6- Thursday 9th September The rain began, and was welcomed by all. With the work in Rochester almost complete, the 10 Legionnaires continued work in the South of Lockington. Work also began on the surrounding smaller townships of Pine Grove, Ballendella, Tennyson and Kotta. Today, 193 homes were visited, with 93 not home and 27 of who were Catholic. Day 7- Friday 10th September The day continued as yesterday with heavy rain. While this caused some inconvenience, it didn't affect the work of the 7 Legionnaires who set out. Work continued in Lockington and visits were made to the township of Nanneella and surrounding farms. 94 homes were visited, with 37 not home and 18 of who were Catholic. Day 8- Saturday 11th September Heavy rain again was a factor in the day's proceedings. The day was spent mainly on revisiting missed homes during the first visit in Rochester. 292 homes were revisited, with 151 not home and 34 of who were Catholic. Also, 39 new farms were visited, with 12 not home and 5 who were Catholic. Day 9- Sunday 12th September The day was spent on revisits in Rochester, Lochington and surrounding farms. 6 Legionnaires revisited 99 homes, with 61 not home and 10 who were Catholic. Day 10- Monday 13th September Eleven Legionnaires set out to revisit farms and houses in Rochester. 111 homes were revisited, with 52 not home and 21 who were Catholic. This was to be our last full day of visits. About 70 farms were visited all together. Day 11- Tuesday 14th September Visits were conducted in Rochester, by 2 Legionnaires, with 24 homes visited, 19 not home and 1 who was Catholic. Time was spent in clearing and packing the goods to go back to Senatus. On our last morning we attended a funeral of an Auxiliary Member. The gentleman was 96 years and the first to be baptized in St Joseph’s Church. Father said his Tessera was so well worn. The Legionaries set up Our Ladies altar at the side of the main altar and put a Tessera on the casket. As this parishioner had such a love for Our Lady Father thought we should do something special. The CWL ladies were wonderful, preparing lunch for us each day. They came and cooked and some ladies bought food, prepared from home, we only had to serve ourselves each night. The families who billeted us were just so wonderful and we cannot thank them enough. I think the parishioners were wondering what legionnaires were like but soon found out we were just ordinary people. Father did everything possible to make time pleasant. Often we had a movie after dinner at night. The whole atmosphere Father created was one of a spiritual journey with the Holy Spirit and Mary. Every legionary felt the same, all expressing the happiness and spirit of faith within the group. Much thanks goes out to Father Austin and the members of the parish for the success of this spiritual journey they helped us undertake. Only time will reveal the good that will come from the PPC.
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