The Legion of Mary in Rochester, New York
The Beginings of the Legion in Rochester:
The Legion of Mary came to the Diocese of Rochester about 85 years ago. An Irish student at Cornell University helped set up the first Praesidium (the Latin name given a parish unit of the Legion) in Rochester. The first unit was at Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1939. The next three were at St. John's, Clyde and at St. Anne's and St. Monica's, Rochester. The unit at St. Anne's was called Comforter of the Afflicted, which specialized in hospital visitation, particularly at the Monroe County Home and Infirmary (now called the Monroe Community Hospital).
In 1947, Fr. John Merklinger became acquainted with the Legion of Mary and the above mentioned Presidium while he was Chaplain at the above mentioned institution. The loyalty of the members to their work of visiting the sick made a deep impression on him. He decided that something this good should be spread throughout the Diocese.
In 1951 he was appointed Curia (the Latin name given the supervising body of several Praesidia) Spiritual Director and decided to push for Legion Extension. With the backing of Bishops Kearney and Casey, he realized great success. During his eight year term as Diocesan Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary, the Legion grew from 5 to 53 units, and membership increased from 60 active members to 600. He sold the Legion of Mary to his fellow priests and personally recruited many new members. The parish in which he was stationed, St. Anne's, became known as 'Legion Headquarters', with 4 Senior and 4 Junior Praesidia operating at one point. The Legion continued to grow during the term of his successor, Fr. James Marvin, Comitium (the Latin name given the supervising body of one or more Curia) Spiritual Director from 1959 to 1968. During the mid 1960's the Legion of Mary was in most parishes of the Diocese. At its peak, the Diocese had approximately one hundred Praesidia, four Senior Curia and one Junior Curia, all governed by the Rochester Comitium.
A copy of Bishop Kearney's mandate to his parish priests endorsing the Legion of Mary follows:
The Growing Years (1960's and 1970's) of the Legion in Rochester:
During the late 1960's we had the good fortune of having Bishop Sheen (of Television fame for his "Life is Worth Living" TV series) as our Bishop. He was a staunch supporter of the Legion of Mary and gave an often quoted speech to Legionaries from all over New York State at the Annual Council Officers' Meeting held in Rochester, New York.
A copy of Bishop Sheen's speech to the Council Officers of the Legion of Mary follows:
Bishop Joseph L. Hogan was another staunch supporter of the Legion of Mary in Rochester, New York. The following video featuring Bishop Hogan was made by Jim Alessi and Jack Wenrich (of the Eastman Kodak Company) on experimental, magnetic striped, 16 mm motion picture film during the 1970's to promote the Legion of Mary.
The Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Rochester Today:
Our current Bishop, the Most Reverend Salvatore Matano, is another strong supporter of the Legion of Mary. He assures us of his support, prayers and blessing, particularly that our numbers may grow so God may continue to bless His people through our work in the Legion of Mary.
A copy of Bishop Matano's letter endorsing the Legion of Mary follows:
Councils and Praesidia Currently affiliated with the Rochester Comitium Legion of Mary:
Rochester Comitium Legion of Mary - Founded 1939
Spiritual Director - Fr. Bill Leone
President - Janice Caretta
Vice President - Jim Alessi
Secretary - Kathy Cosgrove
Treasurer - Beatrice Crysel
Attached Senior Praesidia
Mary, Mother of Mercy St. Jerome's President - Irene Taliento Monday 1:30 PM
Madonna of Paddy Hill Our Mother of Sorrows President - Joan Stanton Tuesday 8:30 AM
Mary Seat of Wisdom Holy Trinity President - Kathy Walsh Tuesday 9:30 AM
Mary Our Queen/ Archangel School President - Ed Farrell Wednesday 3:00 PM
Stella Matutina (2400 Chili Ave.)
OLO Immaculate Conc./ St. Cecilia's President - Kathy Cosgrove Wednesday 1:15 PM
Mary Mediatrix of All Graces
O.L.of Perpetual Help St.Joseph & Holy Spirit President - Fred Harris Tuesday 3:00 PM
Mary Mother of Apostles St.Patrick (Victor) President - Bob Hill Friday 9:15 AM
Attached Junior Praesidia
Archangel School St. Jerome (sponsor) President - Betty Beauchamp
Southern Tier Curia - Founded 1957
Spiritual Dir - Fr. John DeSocio
President - Darcy Dibble
Vice Pres.- Theresa VanKeuren
Secretary - Jane Stalica
Treasurer - Laurene Cardinale
Attached Praesidia
Mother of Our Redeemer St. Casimir's President - Laurene Cardinale Tuesday 1:00 PM
Spouse of Holy Spirit Ch. of Epiphany President - Theresa Keefer Wednesday 10:00 AM?