Acies a Time of Fellowship, Prayer
By Amanda Hudson, News Editor
April 4, 2019
WOODSTOCK—The annual Acies, a time for members of the Legion of Mary to renew their acts of consecration to the Blessed Mother, was held at St. Mary Parish here on March 30.
The day began with a rosary procession, which was followed by Mass, additional prayers, lunch and a talk. In his homily, St. Mary pastor, Father Burt Absalon, spoke about being consecrated.
God, he said, “is alone number one and first place in your life. ... He alone can make you happy. Consecration is being set apart to make God number one.”
Consecration is, he added, “more about the action of God. ... We are set apart, not for our own sake, but for the purpose of God ... for the sake of one another, for the people of God, for the Church.”
The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the leadership of Mary Immaculate, serve the Church and their neighbors in about 170 countries.
It was begun in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921 by Servant of God, Frank Duff (1889-1980).
Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary. The Diocese of Rockford has Legion of Mary Curia (communities) in Aurora, McHenry, Woodstock, Belvidere, Rockford and Wonder Lake.