Members of the Legion of Mary in northern Sri Lanka gathered on May 3 for their annual Acies renewal ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church Veppankulam.
The word Acies is Latin for “battle line” or “army drawn up for battle,” reflecting the Legion’s spiritual identity as a body of lay people serving in Mary’s army under Christ.
The event took place in Vavuniya, a key town linking the country’s north and south, and drew participants from multiple parishes across the Vavuniya deanery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mannar.
The program began at 3:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary before a statue of the Virgin Mary. This was followed by a Marian procession and Eucharistic adoration, during which the faithful received Benediction.
The Acies is a central annual event for Legion of Mary members, during which they renew their personal commitment to service under the guidance of Mary. Participants formally rededicate themselves to apostolic work in their respective parishes.
The celebration culminated in a concelebrated Mass led by Fr. Agastrin Pushparaj, director of the Family Apostolate of the Diocese of Mannar. He was joined by Fr. Victor Soosai, dean of Vavuniya and parish priest of Irambaikulam, and Fr. Desmon Angelo, parish priest of Veppankulam.
In his message, Fr. Pushparaj encouraged members to remain committed to their spiritual formation and parish service, emphasizing the role of Marian devotion in strengthening Christian life.
A large number of Legion members from different parishes participated in the gathering, taking part in prayers and liturgical celebrations.
The event concluded with the distribution of refreshments, marking the end of the annual assembly.
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