Dear Editor, I was delighted to read in The Irish Catholic that five of the recently ordained priests stated they “were inspired in their vocation by the Legion of Mary”, having just read the book From Navan to China giving details of the success of the work of the Legion of Mary in China, where it was established and promoted by the late Fr Aedan McGrath, who was imprisoned there for almost three years.
What an inspiring story of courage and selfless devotion through imprisonment for many, and persecution of so many others. It is some accolade for the Legion that the Communists, when they came to power, described it as ‘Enemy No. 1’. We in Ireland do not seem to realise the tremendous work done by the Legion, not just in Ireland but worldwide and that, in fact, many countries have seen the Catholic Church grow there and expand because of it.
Frank Duff, who founded it, was honoured by a standing ovation at the Second Vatican Council, and what about the example of Legionaries like Edel Quinn and others who spent their lives in the spread of Christianity through their work in the Legion? It is indeed an instrument of evangelisation which has resulted in the sanctification of its members and through them the sanctification of so many others.
Yours etc.,
Mary Stewart,
Donegal Town.