Annual Acies Mass in South Greensburg

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

South Greensburg –  Mar. 26 – Bishop Larry J. Kulick celebrated Mass at St. Bruno Parish on Sunday, March 26, the fifth Sunday of Lent, prior to the Legion of Mary Greensburg Comitium annual Acies.

Hosted by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Praesidium, the annual Acies, which is Latin for Army, is a group of men and women who oversee the praesidium in the Diocese of Greensburg, which are Legion of Mary groups. Legion of Mary faithful gather annually for Mass and an Acies service. Members process to the vexillum and renewal of fealty and recite the words, “I am all yours, my queen, my mother, and all that I have is yours.”

Father Salvatore J. Lamendola, spiritual director of the Greensburg Comitium and pastor of what Bishop Kulick referred to as the twin cities of the partner parishes of St. Martin in New Derry and St. Joseph in Derry, addressed the legionaries. Father Lamendola said that Mary has a very important role to play as a mother and a teacher who intercedes with us.

“When we trust ourselves to our lady, it doesn’t mean she does everything. She will make us work. It’s easier to say 10 “Hail Mary’s” than to forgive someone,” said Father Lamendola.
Father Lamendola thanked Bishop Kulick, who, along with spiritual directors and clergy processed to the vexillum followed by officers and members of the group.

The Mass and Acies is held on or near the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25 so Legion members can renew their devotion to Mary and their pledge to the Blessed Mother to continue their prayers and service.