Legion of Mary Melbourne Senatus Australia -Prayer with Action- Catholic Organisation

THE MELBOURNE SENATUS HAS ELECTED A NEW PRESIDENT. Once ratified, Brother Rick Hayes will be taking over the responsibilities of presiding from Brother Kevin Cross. Brother Cross has completed two full terms as president. He is, therefore, ineligible to continue in this role. He has assured members of Senatus that he will not disappear and is happy to continue to support the work of the Legion in whatever capacity our Lady determines. We also recognise that the other Mary in his life may have some things to say about all of this as well. Under Brother Kevin’s leadership the number of praesidia and curiae have continued to grow as has the number of Legionaries. This is a remarkable achievement, as there is a wide spread decline in the participation rates of in voluntary organisations. Brother Kevin has also been instrumental in developing and implementing a number of important administrative procedures to help the Senatus and other councils run more smoothly. This has also helped each of the praesidia as well. Many people are not aware of the extensive maintenance work that has been undertaken by Brother Cross during the past six years. This quiet work has saved the Senatus considerable sums of money and has allowed it to invest wisely in other areas. Brother Kevin and Sister Mary have been stalwarts in visitation and in providing support to members and officers at various levels within the Legion. They have also ensured that our Legion has gained an enviable reputation internationally as a body that can do its work and do it well. They are to be congratulated for their diligence and generosity of spirit. May our Blessed Mother continue to care for and guide them in their life together.

The Senatus Meeting held each month consists of many legionaries contributions in various capacities as these photos testify.

The Correspondents Meeting is held before the main Senatus Meeting to discuss all the minutes and works of the Distant Councils of the Senatus. From right to left Lydia Cathie, Jacqueline Savanagh, Kevin Cross, Caroline Fernandez, Jean Borg, Joan Davies, Michael Palma, (behind the camera) Christina Hayes (apology) and Maurice White (out of view)

The Officers listen to the first Report for the day from the Craigieburn Praesidium Vice President Sylvana Bodzay who also helps in the Store with the Assistant Treasurer Edil Enierga who is behind the camera and in the insert. From Right to left John McCarthy Treasurer, Fr John Winson Spiritual Director, Kevin Cross, Mary Cross Vice President, Rick Hayes Secretary , Jacqueline Savanagh Assistant Secretary.

Br Maurice White is the Correspondent to many Councils in the Pacific Islands. He has just returned from a three week visitation to the Councils in Republic of Kiribati. The use of the overheads gives great visual aid to identify with the Distant Councils .

The actual words of the ‘Report to the Senatus’ is displayed, enabling a commentary on the main points of the meeting. The Report is also published in the monthly Senatus Newsbulletin for all Legionaries to read and glean the works and ‘Spirit of the Legion’ in all areas of the Senatus.

Central to all Legion Meetings is the Allocutio given by Fr John Winson SAC. Senatus Spiritual Director.

“A BEAUTIFUL STORY TO BE TOLD”

The Legion of Mary in Oceania 1932 to 2005

Joachim O'Brien o.f.m

The astonishing expansion of the Legion founded in the midst of the Great Depression in Melbourne. Within twelve years it expanded to practically every dioceses in Australia. It moved offshore into Japan in 1950; into the Pacific islands 1954; was engaged in the extension of 'Catholic Action' and led an Australia-wide apostolate towards non Catholics. The Legion was actively engaged in the Vatican Council and its aftermath, all leading to the papacy of Pope John Paul II, the Jubilee AD 2000 and to the 'New Evangelisation'. This "Beautiful Story" is not only one of the Legion, but of the Church within these often eventful times 1932-2005…..$7.00 per copy.

Legion of Mary, Melbourne Senatus, 456 Queensberry Street , North Melbourne 3051 for $7.00 plus postage.

or From Legion of Mary, Arlington Regia 820 Gibbon St. #203 Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

Send mail to melbsenatus@legion-mary.org with questions or comments about this web site.