Legionaries renew pledge to Mary at Acies ceremony

Apr 12, 2025

By Joseph John Sossai
More than 800 legionaries from the Kuala Lumpur Regia – Mother Mary’s army – gathered at the Church of Jesus Caritas to renew their pledge of loyalty to Our Lady in the annual Acies ceremony.

At the Acies ceremony, Regia Spiritual Director, Fr. Paul Cheong, OFM Cap, urged Legionaries to emulate Mary as instruments of hope, emphasising that hope is central to Marian devotion, especially in today’s challenging world. He highlighted that the ceremony is not only a renewal of commitment to the Legion but also a reaffirmation of trust in Mary’s maternal care and guidance. Fr. Paul reminded members that hope involves active trust in God’s providence, not passive waiting, and that Mary supports and intercedes for them in their mission to bring Christ’s light to the world, particularly to those in need of God’s mercy.

In his welcoming remarks, Fr Simon Lau, parish priest of Jesus Caritas Church, highlighted the significance of hosting the Acies during the parish’s golden jubilee celebration and its designation as a pilgrimage church. Drawing parallels with the Jewish Jubilee Year, he emphasised the theme of forgiveness, noting the church’s relic of St Maria Goretti, patron saint of forgiveness. Fr Simon encouraged legionaries to embrace mercy during Lent, forgive others as taught in the Lord’s Prayer, and act as agents of forgiveness while fulfilling God’s mission to care for all creation.

Regia president, Ignatius Wang, called on legionaries to excel through prayer and service as “pilgrims of hope.”

The event also honoured 56 dedicated legionaries for their long years of service, ranging from 30 to 46 years. Spiritual bouquets were presented to them by Fr Paul Cheong, Fr Martin Then CDD, and Fr Philip Chua.

The Acies ceremony concluded with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a time of fellowship.