
Father Francis Peffley, Legionary priest in the Arlington Archdiocese, has an excellent article on the Legionary work of crowd contact, and another one here which is a practical step by step guide to conducting a Book Barrow.
As Father says, the handbook gives advice on how legionaries should approach
Crowd Contact work:
"The same friendly, welcoming approach used on the Book Barrow is the
attitude to be present here. Since legionaries are called to be instruments of
God’s grace, speech and manner are to be considered, for they are the instruments of contact. Legionaries are to be “unassuming and deferential,” the standard qualities of a good legionary on any assignment. In discussions they are to avoid any words that would give the impression of arguing, or of “battling” with the other person. Preaching at them or coming across with a tone of superiority is not to be found there. Doing this work with humility, deference and respect is always to be as our Blessed Mother would be. It is then that she will enhance the legionary’s weakest words and give an almost infinite apostolic blessing to the encounter."
"The same friendly, welcoming approach used on the Book Barrow is the
attitude to be present here. Since legionaries are called to be instruments of
God’s grace, speech and manner are to be considered, for they are the instruments of contact. Legionaries are to be “unassuming and deferential,” the standard qualities of a good legionary on any assignment. In discussions they are to avoid any words that would give the impression of arguing, or of “battling” with the other person. Preaching at them or coming across with a tone of superiority is not to be found there. Doing this work with humility, deference and respect is always to be as our Blessed Mother would be. It is then that she will enhance the legionary’s weakest words and give an almost infinite apostolic blessing to the encounter."

In Rome, the Legion of Mary seminarian praesidia do street corner preaching--in Italian! They get to brush up their Italian, if it is not their native language, as well as get practice at public speaking. It is baptism by fire for many!!
If the Spiritual Director deems it appropriate, Junior Legionaries, especially older Intermediate age Legionaries, may be assigned to assist a Senior Legionary in Crowd Contact Work. The Junior/Intermediate Legionary perhaps would be distributing sacramentals like the Miraculous Medals and the pamphlet explaining what it is, or parish bulletins or some other Catholic pamphlets or literature, in some public place like a fair or bazaar or parade, along side the adult Legionary, where he can learn by observing. For the adult member, humility and friendliness are all that is required, and a genuine desire to invite others to know Jesus and His Mother, invting them to come home to the Church; or to learn more about the Faith. For the Junior member, a smile, a positive and attentive attitude is all that is required. And don't forget to mention the Knights of Columbus's FREE Online Catholic Catechism and Correspondence courses.



It should be noted, on the subject of the parish priest, that ALL LEGIONARY WORKS must be approved by the Pastor of the parish. The Legion is the "right arm" of the Pastor, serving the spiritual needs of the parish under the Pastor's authority and direction. Therefore, we are never to go on any assignment or work without the Pastor's express knowledge and approval.
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