Renew and Deepen Your Devotion: Join the Legion of Mary's ACIES Event
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Purpose and Meaning of the Arceus
- Importance of Attending the Arceus
- Consecration to Mary: The Essence of True Devotion
- The Demanding Nature of Consecration
- The Infinite Blessings of Mary's Maternity
- The Life-Changing Power of Consecration
- The Feasts of the Annunciation and the Yes of Mary
- The Transformational Journey of Saying Yes
- Conclusion
The Arceus: Renewing and Deepening our Consecration to Mary
In the Legion of Mary, the Arceus holds a significant place. It is an annual function where legionaries gather collectively to renew their devotion and consecration to Mary, Queen of the Legion. The Arceus serves as a solemn expression of union and dependence on Mary and plays a profound role in the Legion's purpose and meaning.
Purpose and Meaning of the Arceus
The Arceus is the Great Central Annual Function of the Legion, as stated by the founder, Frank Duff. It emphasizes the importance of attending the event for every legionary. The purpose of the Arceus is to renew and deepen the legionaries' consecration to Mary at least once a year. This consecration is the heart of a vocation in the Legion, rooted in the practice of true devotion to Mary in the spirit of Saint Louis de Montfort.
Importance of Attending the Arceus
The Arceus is a vital opportunity for legionaries to publicly express their commitment to Mary and renew their consecration to her. It is essential for every member to attend the event, as it is the solemn manifestation of the union and dependence on Mary, the Queen of the Legion. Frank Duff emphasizes that legionaries who can attend the Arceus but fail to do so lack the spirit of the Legion. Attendance demonstrates one's genuine connection to the Legion's mission and devotion to Mary.
Pros:
- Publicly expressing commitment to Mary
- Renewing and strengthening the consecration
- Manifesting union and dependence on Mary
Cons:
- Non-attendance indicates a lack of spirit in legionaries
Consecration to Mary: The Essence of True Devotion
Consecration to Mary lies at the heart of a legionary's vocation. It means belonging entirely to Mary and withholding nothing. Legionaries offer everything they are and possess, both spiritually and materially, to Mary. This total belonging to Mary aligns with the true essence of devotion.
The essence of true devotion to Mary, defined by Saint Louis de Montfort, involves giving oneself entirely to the most holy Virgin and becoming her slave. This surrender allows one to belong fully to Jesus Christ. Frank Duff's work on true Devotion to Mary emphasizes that the Legion's foundation is Jesus through Mary.
The Demanding Nature of Consecration
Consecration to Mary may seem demanding at times, as it requires constant dedication and a never-ending workload. Legionaries may experience exhaustion from the ongoing tasks and responsibilities that accumulate each day. However, authentic love for Mary eases this burden. Legionaries must remember Frank Duff's reminder that whatever they give to Our Lady through the Legion is infinitely outweighed by what she gives in return.
The Infinite Blessings of Mary's Maternity
Mary's maternity should never be taken lightly. Legionaries must acknowledge the immense cost it had for her to be the mother of each one of us and the depth of her love. Frank Duff encourages legionaries to consider the incredible love Mary has for us and her role in our salvation. Making a total consecration to her should be seen as inevitable and delightful.
The Life-Changing Power of Consecration
Frank Duff's life was greatly transformed through his devotion to Mary. Legionaries can follow his example and experience a similar transformation by embracing the Marian synthesis found in the handbook's appendices before the Arceus. Total consecration to Mary opens doors to unimaginable blessings and opportunities, as seen in Mary's own journey after saying yes to God's plan for her.
The Feasts of the Annunciation and the Yes of Mary
The Arceus is held close to the feasts of the Annunciation, commemorating the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to become the mother of the Son of God. Mary's yes, her complete surrender, and acceptance of God's will led to her exalted position as fourth in command after the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Transformational Journey of Saying Yes
Mary's unwavering yes serves as an inspiration for legionaries to embrace their own journey of saying yes to God's call. Just as Mary's life unfolded unexpectedly and led her to unparalleled heights, legionaries should trust that saying yes to Mary will guide their path in ways they could never predict.
Conclusion
The Arceus represents the Legion of Mary's commitment to renew and deepen their consecration to Mary, Queen of the Legion. Attending this annual function is of utmost importance as it demonstrates dedication to the Legion's mission and the practice of true devotion to Mary. Legionaries are encouraged to remember the transformative power of consecration and the infinite blessings that come from belonging to Mary.
Further updates can be found by subscribing to our channel and clicking on the bell icon.
Resources:
