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This year’s Acies Legion of Mary function
that takes place yearly at the Xewkija
Rotunda was animated by the Chorus
Urbanus. Bearing in mind the importance
of devotion to Mary, a consecration to
Our Lady takes place on the 25th March
or on a day close thereto. This year,
the function fell on ‘Dominica in Albis’,
thus coinciding with the feast of Divine
Mercy.
The Acies is the great central annual
function of the Legion of Mary, so
attendance on the part of every member
is imperative. It is the solemn
expression of that accord that takes
place under a declaration of fealty to
Mary, Mother of God. The function was
presided by H.L. Mgr. Mario Grech. The
Chorus Urbanus sang various Marian
motets and hymns suited to the occasion.
During the declaration of fealty,
lasting a full 25 minutes, the Chorus
Urbanus sang Totus tuus by Geo Ennis,
Salve Regina by Giuseppe Giardini-Vella,
Ave Maria by Arcadelt and other Marian
hymns. The service also included works
by Elgar, Giuseppe Caruana and
Palestrina. It was indeed a joy to hear
the congregation participate in the
singing of the Mass Ordinary, joining
the choir in a poignant performance of
the Missa de Angelis. The essential idea
of the Legion of Mary, upon which all
else is built, is that of working in
union with and in dependence on Mary,
its Queen. And so it was!
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