30/01/2024
PRACTICAL APPROACHES OF THE LEGION APOSTOLATE: CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
A PRESENTATION AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF NIGERIA SENATUS WORKSHOP HELD AT THE GUARDIAN ANGEL CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY, LUGBE, ABUJA, NIGERIA
ON 27TH JANUARY 2024
by
REV. FR. JOHN-MARY NTOL ATEP
BIBLICAL TEXT: (2Cor. 7:5-11)
FELICITATIONS
Glory to Jesus and Honour to our Mother Mary, the Queen, and Commander of the Legion! Good morning my dear Legionaries of Mary!
I like to begin this presentation for our workshop on Practical Approaches to the Legion Apostolate: Care for People with Special Needs by first thanking God for the opportunity to be alive and to be part of this workshop, an epoch-making event in the Year 2024. My appreciation also goes to the Host and Chaplain of the Guardian Angel Catholic Chaplaincy, Lugbe, Very Revd. Father (CSP) Mark Tor for welcoming us and for the space to have this workshop. God bless you Father and your parishioners. We also greet and appreciate the Spiritual Directors of House of Gold Comitium, Revd. Fr. James Akpaamo and the Chaplain of Legion of Mary, Lugbe Deanery, Revd. Fr. Daniel Damisa.
We also welcome and thank the Spiritual Director of Idah and Ankpa Comitia, Reverend and Father Emmanuel Wada for the great love and support to the Legion of Mary. Father, Mother Mary's blessings are yours. Let us also welcome and thank Sr. Gladys Kasiemobi Odigwe (fsp), one of our erudite speakers for this workshop. Great gratitude to the Senatus president, our brother and friend Cletus-Mary Eichie, the Vice President of the Senatus, Brother Mukasa Ameh, the secretaries, Brothers Stephen-Mary Ameh and Pius-Mary Edemu, the Treasurers, Sister Ngozi Chidolue and Joy Igonoh, and all the officers of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Senatus, Abuja – Nigeria for supporting the Senatus to organise this programme.and Father Emmanuel Wada for the great love and support to the Legion of Mary. Father, Mother Mary's blessings are yours. Let us also welcome and thank Sr. Gladys Kasiemobi Odigwe (fsp), one of our erudite speakers for this workshop.
INTRODUCTION:
In the second Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary, we see how the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth to help and care for her. This act of kindness did not only impress and bless Elizabeth, even the child in her womb leapt for joy scripture confirms (cf. Luke 1:39-45).
The Legion of Mary which began on the 7th of September 1921, started with some particular aims and a defined Apostolate which includes; Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Life and Virtues and also the care of people of all walks of life as an Army set in Battle array. One of the dearest duties of the Legion shall be to show whole-hearted devotion to the mother of God. It can only do so through its members, so that each one of these is asked to associate himself with it by serious meditation and zealous practice (LHB Chp. 5, Art. 5).
THE STATE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH
The contemporary world needs direction in mental health concerns and cares. And I do not think that we are immune of mental health and its benefits and challenges. This is important because we are daily confronted with mental health issues and if we are not properly reminded and informed, we may possibly end up complicating our experiences and the stories of other sufferers. In Nigeria, Annals of Nigerian Medicine reports an estimated 20%–30% of our population are believed to suffer from mental health issues. And it states further that mental health is generally neglected by all stakeholders.
There is need to create more awareness so that we can help ourselves and help others to become more self-compassionate when affected with mental health issues, more self-accepting and readiness to understand how our mental health system functions in terms of the brain, hormones, nervous system, symptoms, triggers and the options for recovery and healing. St. Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (1Cor. 1:4).
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE LEGION APOSTOLATE
When it comes to caring for people with special needs as part of the Legion Apostolate, it is important to approach the task with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to support and
uplift individuals with special needs. One of the focuses of the Legion Apostolate in caring for people with special needs is to promote inclusion and integration into their local communities. This means actively seeking out and befriending individuals with an understanding of their mental health conditions. It is getting to know them and their needs and finding ways to help them feel welcomed and accepted in society. The legion of Mary recognizes that social isolation and discrimination can exacerbate mental health issues, so our efforts to promote community integration are essential in supporting the wellbeing of individuals with special needs.
The Legion's Handbook in chapter 10, article 1, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dignity of every person, and this should form the foundation of any practical approach to the Apostolate. For Pope Pius XII once stated: 'The faithful, more precisely the lay faithful, find themselves on the front lines of the Church's life; for them the Church is the animating principle for human society. Therefore, they, ought to have an ever-clearer consciousness not only of belonging to the Church, but of being the Church, the community of the faithful on earth under the leadership of the Pope, the head of all, and of the bishops in communion with him. These are the Church, and everyone's dignity must be respected' (Concilium Legionis, no. 9).
Indeed, the Legion of Mary recognizes that people with special needs require not only physical care, but also emotional and spiritual support. The Legion Apostolate involves reaching out to individuals with special needs and offering them care and support. Legionaries are formed to not only provide practical assistance, but also to listen, understand, and offer companionship to those they serve. This approach creates a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for individuals who may feel isolated or misunderstood due to their disabilities. Here are some practical approaches to the Legion Apostolate focusing on people with special needs.
1.Visitation of Hospital “The visitation of Hospital for the poor was the first work the Legion ever undertook and for a while it did no other. It teemed with blessings for the infant organization, and the Legion desires that this work will ever be attended to by its praesidia.”
The work showed great intimacy with the patients. In some wards, there is something new and there is an extended account, but most reports are short. Many are amusing, many touching, and all are beautiful in the obvious realization shown of whom it is that is visited in the patient. The nature of this practical work of the Legion
Apostolate was the exquisite care and tenderness of the visits that are supplemented by the performance of many corporal works, like the looking up of the neglected friends or relatives, the running of errands and helping them out in difficult situations.
Nothing is too disagreeable or too trifling to look after by the legionary. The legionary visitation should be used to educate the patients to a true conception of their sufferings, that they may bear them in the proper spirit. They must be persuaded that what they regard as so intolerable is a molding to the likeness of Christ and as such a great favour. They should be helped to endure their long suffering and most painful illness with admirable patience (LHB Chp 37, Art. 5).
Visitation to hospital may include Psychiatric homes. The Legion can have a presidium established there. To have such in the institution is to set at work there a potent leaven. Those legionaries have abundant time to spend on their activities amongst the other patients and can raise themselves to a high pitch of holiness. This new view of life opened to them, the patients, some of whom had touched the depths of misery in the thought of being so useless and a burden, will taste the supreme joy of feeling that they are of use to God.
2.Visiting those at the Margin of the Society Another key aspect for the care of people with special needs is that which is highlighted in the Legion's Handbook chapter 37, article 6: Work for the Most Wretched and Dejected of the population. This aspect which is seen as one of the practical aspects of care for people with special needs will involve the visitation of their haunts; and of lodging-houses, hostels, and jails; and it may be, the conducting of hostels staffed by legionaries, resident and outdoor.
There should be no depths to which the Legion will not pe*****te in her search for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Let me quote just some of the most challenging passages in the Handbook: “Until the Legion in any centre can say with truth that its members know personally and are in touch in some way with each member of the degraded classes, its work must be regarded as being still in a stage of incomplete development, and efforts in this direction must be intensified.”
“No searcher after the rare and most precious things of the earth must pursue his heart's desire more earnestly than the legionary pressing after these unfortunates of the world. His search may be their only chance of life eternal. Frequently they are so inaccessible to good influences that prison represents for them a blessing in disguise,' or very simply the challenging question: 'What price shall a man give for a soul?'”
We know Mary as the Mother of Mercy, but I would like to say that just as the mission of Jesus is defined in terms of the salvation of sinners, so too can the maternal heart of Mary be defined as a care and love for the salvation of sinners. As we know, Our Lady has appeared all over the world and when she speaks, she has the same message in all of them: “Pray for sinners. Do penance for sinners.” One of the favourite prayers she taught us is the Fatima prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in need of your mercy.” Those most in need of God's mercy are especially the concern of Mary and therefore of the Legion. So, the Legion prays a million times every day: “Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”, and equally carries out works of charity for the dejected and wretched of the society just like the Virgin Mary.
By visiting most wretched and dejected of the society, the Legion aims to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those who may be going through a difficult time. This will positively impact their mental health as well as helping to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding disability within the Church.
3.Visitation to the Destitute and those in Camps (IDP)
In his letters, Frank Duff points out on numerous occasions the centrality of home visitation in the Legion scheme of things. So, for instance, he writes to Fr. Wesseley, the first Spiritual Director of the Legion in Austria and whose cause for beatification has been introduced, as follows: “We see that the basic work of the Praesidium will be the visitation of homes in the parish. This is good, for visitation is the principal work of the Legion, the foundation of all other things, which grows out of it. You will find it a remarkable way of bringing souls to God. In fact, I am sure that you will be astonished by the fruits of grace, which you will observe to proceed rapidly from this work.”
The importance of the home is so obvious and yet so neglected. The Feast of the Visitation gives us an example of how Mary herself made a home visitation and after all, we legionaries do our visitation in the spirit of Mary and with her. First, she goes simply to be of help in whatever way is possible. Then she brings Jesus into the home of Zacharia and Elizabeth, this is the greatest blessing of all to the home. Isn't this what every legionary wants ultimately to do as well, namely bring our Lord to homes together with Mary? It is while meditating on the Visitation that Pope St. John Paul II refers to Mary as the First Evangeliser. No sooner has she received God into her womb and heart at the Annunciation than she begins the work of bringing Him to others. The visitation of the Legionary is not simply a social visit although its immediate object is to establish friendship and trust.
The Legionaries on visitation to the destitute and those in camps must do it with the aim of bringing Christ to them in their situations. In as much as the Legions handbook in chapter 39, article 10 prohibits material relief during such visitations, the Legion still encourages her members to do charity in any means possible. Old clothing and other means of help should be rendered to them, for the Legion does not slight the act of relief giving. It simply declared that for the Legion it is impracticable. To give to the poor is a good work. Done with a supernatural motive, it is a sublime one, but must not go against the ethics/principles of the Legion for its system is built upon the principle of bringing spiritual good to every individual in the population. Don't forget that at the point of physical contact, charity must be done through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Otherwise, the spiritual goal of the Legion will be defeated.
In carrying out these visitations, the Legion handbook chapter 37, article 1 highlighted some programmes that can enliven the faith of those they encounter namely:
1. Legionaries must conduct para-liturgical services on Sundays and holidays of obligation in places where there is no priest available to celebrate Mass to aid those in the areas to participate in the worship of God.
2. Conducting religious instruction classes (catechism, seminars, etc.)
3. Organizing Rosary prayer session.
Furthermore, other practical ways of caring for people with special needs in the Legion Apostolate include;
1. Personalized Support: Tailoring care to individual needs is crucial. This could involve offering transportation assistance to medical appointments, helping with household tasks, or simply spending quality time with them. For example, visiting a person with special needs regularly for companionship and assistance with daily activities can make a significant difference in their life.
2. Sensitivity and Understanding: It is essential to approach individuals with special needs with empathy and understanding. Providing training to Legion members on how to communicate effectively and be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities is valuable. For instance, organizing training sessions on sign language or communication techniques for interacting with people with speech impediments can enhance members' ability to connect with and support individuals with special needs.
3. Creating Inclusive Activities: Hosting events and activities that are inclusive and accessible to individuals with varying abilities is important. This might include adaptive sports events, art workshops designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, or organizing outings to places that are wheelchair accessible. For instance, organizing a nature walk with wheelchair-accessible paths can provide individuals with mobility challenges the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors alongside others.
4. Collaborating with Community Resources: Establishing partnerships with community organizations and resources, such as disability support services, medical professionals, and advocacy groups, can expand the support network for individuals with special needs. For example, collaborating with local therapy and counselling centres to provide free or subsidized therapy sessions for those with special needs can greatly benefit the community.
5. Providing Family Support: Recognizing that caring for a person with special needs can be challenging for their families, offering support to these families is essential. This can include organizing support groups, providing respite care, or offering educational workshops on topics relevant to caregiving. For instance, organizing a workshop on financial planning for families with a member who has special needs can help them better prepare for their long-term care.
CONCLUSION
The Legion of Mary Apostolate in the Catholic Church emphasizes caring for people with special needs, rooted in the gospel teachings of love and service. We believe that all people, regardless of abilities or disabilities, are children of God and deserve dignity and respect. The Legion provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to those with special needs, creating a sense of community and belonging. She organizes regular visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres, offering care and comfort to those facing illnesses or disabilities. We can also develop programmes tailored to accommodate their needs, such as modified religious education classes, sensoryfriendly Masses, and inclusive faith-sharing groups. The Legion also advocates for the rights and inclusion of those with special needs in society, organizing fundraising events and awareness campaigns. Our efforts are commendable and impactful, exemplifying the teachings of Jesus Christ and bringing hope and joy to those in need.
The Legion's Handbook provides a valuable framework for these practical approaches through its emphasis on serving with compassion, recognizing the dignity of every person, and actively responding to the needs of the community, including those with special needs. By incorporating these principles and taking practical steps to support individuals with disabilities, the Legion Apostolate can play a meaningful role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Mother Mary, the Queen of the Legion – Pray for us!
Questions for reflection and discussions
1.How would you describe people with special needs during and after our home-to-home visitations?
2.What are the common special needs within our councils that call for the care and support through the apostolate of the Legion of Mary?
3.What has been your understanding and approaches to people with special needs as a Legionary?
4.How frequent do you care for your mental health before assisting people with special needs?
5.What would you say touched you most in today's talk and how will it help you as a Legionary in your apostolate in caring for people with special needs?
6.People with special needs, need special care and support from the Legion of Mary. How are we to respond to such people within the proficiencies and expectations of the 21st Century?
Biblical texts for further reflection and prayer
Isa. 40:28-30; Jer. 18:1-10; Matt. 6:25-34, 11:28-30, 26:36-46; Mark 14:
32-42; Luke 12:22-34; Luke 22:39-46; 2 Cor. 7:5-11; Col. 1:11-14;
Rom. 8:24-26; Pss. 46:1-3, 91, 121, 139:7-12; Phil. 4:6-7; 1Pet. 5:6-7
