Annual celebration by the Legion of Mary, both individually and collectively
Purpose: To renew their fealty to Mary, Queen of the Legion, and receive strength and blessing for another year's battle with evil
Purpose and Meaning
Examination of Relationship to Mary
Practice of true devotion to Mary inspired by Saint Louis de Montfort
Renew and publicly express consecration to Mary
Simple yet profound dedication: "I am all yours, my Queen and my Mother, and all that I have is yours."
Importance of Acies
Essential in the life of the Legion
Founder Frank Duff emphasized attendance
Manifestation of union and dependence on Mary
Non-attendance without valid reason indicates a lack of commitment
Consecration to Mary
Heart of a Legionary's Vocation
Continual renewal of devotion
Belonging totally to Mary without holding back
Complete dedication of all aspects of life to Mary
Reason for Total Dedication
Wisdom of Saint Louis de Montfort: "Consists in giving ourselves entirely to the most holy Virgin and in the quality of her slave in order to belong fully to Jesus Christ."
Jesus through Mary: Core belief
Challenges and Rewards
Struggles and exhaustion are part of the journey
Frank Duff's assurance of the perpetual exchange: What we give to Mary is infinitely outweighed by what she gives in return
Reflection and Preparation
Before the Acies
Ponder the Marian synthesis in the Legion handbook
Reflect on Frank Duff's article on our debt to Mary
Transformative Potential
Example of Frank Duff's life transformed by reading Montfort’s "True Devotion to Mary"
Potential transformation for legionaries who follow this path
Connection to the Feast of the Annunciation
Significance of 'Yes'
Acies is held close to the feast day
Reflects Mary's unexpected yet affirmative response to Angel Gabriel
"Be it done to me according to your word": A model of consent to God’s will
Importance of saying 'Yes' to God's call, following Mary's example
Conclusion
Call to Action
Encouragement to embrace and renew the consecration to Mary
Invitation to see where God's plan will lead through a Marian devotion
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