Lauretta Lendore of Point Fortin introduces to readers the work of the Legion of Mary in Point Fortin

I think that I should introduce myself to you. Please look at the picture. I am on the left. The other lady is my twin sister, Elaine Francois.

Elaine and I are active members of the Praesidium, Our Lady, Virgin Most Prudent, in Mahaica, Point Fortin. Elaine has been in the Legion of Mary for a long time, “since Adam was a lad”. I joined ten years ago, when I retired from my job in the private sector.

By now you must have realised that we are well past the allotted “ three score and ten”.

A few years ago, I heard an allocutio that emphasised that the Legion of Mary is not merely an organisation. It is a way of life. I realise now that this is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. A look at the entries of a week in my diary will prove the validity of this statement.

Lauretta Lendore (left) and her twin sister Elaine Francois

My legionary Sabbath begins on Saturday evening with Holy Mass at St Anthony's.

On Sunday morning I return to Mass as an RCIA catechist.

Three legionaries, Ceta, Viana and I work with three parish catechists, Dean, Victor and Gloria as members of the RCIA team. On Sundays our thrust is lectionary-based catechesis.

This continues after Mass until noon. Monday is most important. I am President of the Praesidium and Elaine is the Treasurer. So the meeting is planned and conducted. We have nine members, Gwendolyn, Lilia, Lystra, Monica, Joan, Veda, Annie, Elaine and myself. The works undertaken by this praesidium include:

•  Distribution of Holy Communion to the sick and the aged

•  The RCIA Process

•  The St Therese of the Child Jesus Chapter of the Third Order (Secular) of Our Lady of Mount Carmel .

•  Training of lay ministers and catechists

•  Catechesis for one class at Point Fortin Senior Secondary School

•  Prayer Meetings, Wakes and Thanksgivings

•  Guidance and Counselling

Sometimes we have other duties, but we can summarise by saying that Old Mc Donald has nothing on us.

Here a prayer,

There a prayer

Everywhere a prayer, prayer

Our praesidium deals with prayer

E-I-E-I-O

On Tuesday a few of us conduct Marian Devotions in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. On Ash Wednesday the candidates and catechumens have a group session in doctrinal catechesis. I render service there.

On Thursday most of us participate in the parish Praise and Worship. Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration usually take place on Friday. Before I know it, it's Saturday again.

I am grateful to the Legion for giving purpose to my life. People have said that the Legion of Mary is dead and that the meetings consist of a few ladies saying the rosary. I know better.

For many active and auxiliary members in our country the Legion of Mary is really a way of life. Perhaps this is too difficult for some Catholics. Then, relax and emulate the few ladies who say the rosary. If more of us were saying the rosary, little Sean Luke might be still alive.