Legion of Mary (Tidewater Virginia Curia) to Hold Acies on March 18th at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA, January 29, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Acies will be held on March 18th at 3:00 p.m. at St. Matthew. St. Matthew Catholic Church in is located at 3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach, VA.

The word Acies is Latin, and means “an army ranged in battle array.” At Acies legionaries as a body assemble to renew their fealty to Mary, Queen of the Legion, and from her to receive strength and blessing for yet another year's battle with the forces of evil.

The Acies is the great central annual function of the Legion, so that it is necessary to stress the importance of attendance on the part of every member. Each praesidium is asked to announce the date and location of Acies at every weekly meeting from now until March 18th, and to take every effort to inform their auxiliaries of the event, and ensure that a system is in-place to provide transportation to Acies for any home-bound auxiliaries or non-drivers who wish to attend.

At the Acies, legionaries shall assemble at St. Mathew Catholic Church, where their will be a statue of the Immaculate Conception, suitably decorated with flowers and candles. In front of the statue will stand a large-size replica of the Legion vexillum. After a hymn, followed by the opening prayers of the Legion including the Rosary, an address by a priest on the significance of the consecration to Our Lady follows. They are pleased to announce that Most Reverend Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond, is currently scheduled to give the address.

Then the procession towards the statue begins. The Spiritual Directors go first in single file. Then the legionaries, also singly, (except if the number are too great, then they may go in pairs). On reaching the vexillum, each one (or each pair) pauses; then, placing the hand upon the staff of the vexillum, he repeats vocally, as an individual act of consecration, the following words: “I am all yours, my Queen, my Mother, and all that I have is yours.” This done, the vexillum is relinquished, the legionary bows slightly and passes on.

When all legionaries have resumed their places, an act of consecration to Our Lady is said aloud by the priest on behalf of all present. Following this, the Catena is recited, all present standing.

Next, there will be benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament; after which the concluding prayers of the Legion are recited, a hymn is sung, and the Acies is then officially complete -- however, they will hope everyone will then join them in the St. Matthew’s School Cafeteria for a reception with some food, light entertainment, and fellowship.

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