‘All yours, my Queen, my Mother’: Legionaries renew consecration

By Heather Excell

“I am all yours, my Queen, my Mother, and all that I have is yours.”

These were the words prayed by members of the Legion of Mary from across Tasmania on the 21 March as they gathered for their annual Mass and Acies ceremony.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Tony Ireland.

Founded in 1921, the Legion of Mary is an international association of lay Catholics devoted to prayer, evangelisation, and works of charity, including visiting the sick, the lonely, and those who have fallen away from the faith.

As the most important event in the Legion’s calendar, the Acies ceremony is held close to the Feast of the Annunciation each year. ‘Acies’ is a Latin term meaning ‘an army ranged in battle array’. Recalling Our Lady’s Fiat, the legionaries renew their consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary and their commitment to prayer and apostolic service.

In his homily, Archbishop Tony reflected on the trust shown by Mary, encouraging members to place their lives confidently in God’s hands.

“To stand before Mary is not simply to honour her,” he said. “It is to place our lives into the hands of God, trusting that even when we do not see clearly, God is faithful.”

He noted that the work of the Legion is often quiet, but important in the life of the Church.

“You are not called to dominate the world, but to leaven it, and you do this in ways that are often hidden,” he said. “Your service speaks not loudly, but persistently of God’s enduring care.”

Helen Emery, the president of the Legion’s Hobart Curia, said there are currently 26 active members in Hobart, with the Acies ceremony strengthening them in their commitment.

“Legionaries renew their consecration to Our Lady to give them spiritual strength to carry out her work for the coming year,” she said. “They visit people in their homes, promote the Rosary in schools, distribute Catholic literature, rosary beads and Miraculous Medals.”

For many members, the annual consecration is a moment of personal faith renewal, and an opportunity to reflect on their mission.

Jennette Santos, who joined the Legion in 2024, said the renewal is for her a reminder to rely on Mary’s guidance.

“It is a quiet but meaningful way to reaffirm my desire to serve God, with Our Lady as my guide,” she said.

For long-time Legionary Tess Cadornigara, the consecration continues to deepen her faith.

“Renewing my consecration to Mother Mary makes me closer to her and to her Son, Jesus,” she said.

John Brereton, who has been involved with the Legion for many years, said the annual renewal strengthens his commitment to its mission.

“It is a yes to Our Lady, and it encourages me to continue the work we do in the parish and community,” he said.

Archbishop Tony concluded by encouraging members to remain faithful in small acts of service, trusting that through them, God continues his work in the world.