Message of Trust Highlights Acies of Mary Celebration
Julio C. Ortiz of St. Edward Parish, Rockford, carries the staff and vexillum of the Legion of Mary in procession around St. James Church in Belvidere while other legion members recite the rosary. (Observer photo by Lynne Conner)
By Lynne Conner Observer Correspondent
April 24, 2015

BELVIDERE—A time of quiet prayer and rededication set the stage for the Acies of the Legion of Mary April 18 at St. James Parish, here.

The event drew Legion groups from Rockford, Belvidere, South Beloit, DeKalb, McHenry, Woodstock and Wonder Lake and featured a rosary procession around the church, a time for individual consecration, a Mass and prayers.

Pauline L’Heureux, of Holy Family Parish in Rockford and Rockford Curia president of the Legion of Mary, explained the importance of the Acies — pronounced “ah-cheese” — celebration.

“The Acies event is the highlight of the year for the Legion of Mary,” she said. “This is the time when we rededicate ourselves to the Blessed Mother once again as her servants.”

L’Heureux likened the Legion of Mary’s gathering to the assembling of army troops preparing to do battle on a spiritual front.

The Acies comes at the end of 33 days of preparation when Legion of Mary members undertake personal acts of service, Scripture reading, prayer and good deeds.

“It’s sort of like spring cleaning,” L’Heureux said. “Prior to the Acies today, I went to confession and during the 33-day preparation, one of the physical actions I did was to clean out a closet. We just want to grow closer to our Blessed Mother who, in turn, leads us to the heart of Jesus.”

Barb Olson of St. James Parish in Belvidere, said that her attendance at the Acies comes from a long-time dedication to Mary.

“I’ve had a very strong devotion to Mary for quite a while and her presence always draws me closer to her Son,” she commented.

Father Brian Geary, pastor of St. James Parish, celebrated Mass as part of the event and encouraged those in attendance to follow the example of Mary by trusting in the Lord.

“God’s mercy comes when we trust in Him,” Father Geary said. “Think about how many times in her life that Mary trusted in the will of God. Mary is our model of trust and she teaches us how to trust in Jesus and not be afraid.”

The Acies celebration ended with the Act of Consecration to Mary originated by St. Louis de Montfort, final prayers and a light lunch at the St. James Parish Center.