Legion of Mary works: Crowd Contact and Book Barrows


St Peter proclaiming the Gospel in the public square.

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."

A Catholic college student inviting tourists in New Orleans' Jackson Square to come inside St Louis Cathedral (behind him) for Mass.

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.

Book Barrows are another form of Crowd Contact, where a portable book table or barrow is set up in a fair or bazaar or at the parish. Items on offer are free to the public--these are usually pamphlets on the Faith, and donated books and magazines, as well as sacramentals. People love free stuff--so they are usually welcome to an invitation to Mass, or even to Confession. As the Legion of Mary handbook says, all that is needed is a sincere and humble heart, and the Holy Spirit does the rest. Catholics Come Home founder Tom Peterson says that when it comes to sharing the Faith, "people won't care what you know until they know that you care." The Legion of Mary has always known this to be true. Love and genuine concern for souls is first and foremost in all evangelization work. Usually there are not a lot of questions in such contacts, but if there are, honest answers are the best. If you know the answer, great. If you do not, tell them you will get the answer for them. Usually there is a pamphlet or book or website you can recommend that will help them with their question. Handing them a bulletin and inviting them to the RCIA class or the parish phone number for the priest is another alternative if all else fails!

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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