News & Events

The Legion of Mary began by Frank Duff on 07 September 1921 completed hundred years on 07 September 2022. Due to COVID 19 pandemic the Diocese of Shimoga could not celebrate it on that date. The Parish level Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Shimoga celebrated the Centenary year but the Diocesan level celebration was kept pending. Legion of Mary - Mount Carmel Comitium organised this celebration on 22 May 2022. Most of the units of the Diocese gathered for this historical event at the Sacred Heart Cathedral to thank the Lord for his innumerable blessings through our Blessed Mother. Celebration began with Rosary at 8:30 am. At 9 am His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga presided over the solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga. The Diocesan Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary , Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga and Rev. Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Principal of Loyola High school were the concelebrants.

In his homily Bishop Francis Serrao SJ explained the importance of the Legion of Mary and its objectives. He also explained Mary's role in the mission of Jesus and in the mission of the Church.

The Legion of Mary thanked and honoured Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Fr Franklin D'Souza and Fr Lawrence D'Souza for their constant guidance and support in building up the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Shimoga. After the Holy Eucharist at 11am the members gathered at Church Hall for the celebration of the event. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ was the president of the programme. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Rev. Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, the Chancellor and the Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathi Nagar, Fr Biju Thomas, the Judicial Vicar and the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Church, Shantinagar, Fr Veeresh Moras, the Secretary of Mount Carmel Education Secretary and the Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Church, Gopala, Sr Pramila, SCB, the Superior of Mary Immaculate Convent, Shivamogga and Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Eliza, Sr. Benedicta, the Spiritual Animators, and Mr. Vijayaratna Kumar, the President of Legion of Mary, Mount Carmel Comitium, were present on the dais. Ms. Celina compered the programme. The Programme began with a prayer dance by the students of Mary Immaculate School. Mr. Anthony Dias welcomed the dignitaries.

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ inaugurated the celebration together with the dignitaries by lighting the lamp. Fr Franklin D'Souza explained the importance of the day in his preliminary talk. Then the Annual Report was presented by Mr Lawrence. President Mr. Vijayaratna Kumar and team honoured the dignitaries with shawls, garlands and a memento each. In his speech he also thanked God for helping him to lead the Legion of Mary for the last three years. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque and Fr Veeresh Moras in their messages appreciated the service of the Legion of Mary in the Parishes as well as in the Diocese.

Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, in his speech appreciated the role played by the members of the Legion of Mary in the building up the Parish community and their Prayerful support for the Diocese. He also told the members that Mother Mary is our role model in following Jesus. We should be the imitators of her. He appreciated and thanked specially the present team and their dedication and sacrifice to make this event a success. Fr Franklin D'Souza and Ms. Clotilda led the prayer. Mr. John Baptist thanked the dignitaries and everyone who worked for the success of this mega event. He also specially thanked Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga for his valuable support in organizing the programme.

Program
ended at 2 pm with fellowship meal shared by all present.

( Reported by Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza)