Legion of Mary, Raia Comitium hosted it’s Annual Two-day Seminar on 19 and 20 of October, 2025 at Our Lady of Snows Church, Raia. Over 140 legionnaires participated in this seminar. The seminar’s focus was to deepen the member’s understanding of their mission and to equip them with skills needed to effectively carry out their work.
The first day commenced with an inaugural ceremony by lightning of the lamp by Fr. Saude Pereira. Ms. Vania Vaz (Vice President of Raia Comitium) in her opening speech brought the idea that how in a garden there are variety of flowers, same way, all legionnaires belong to one garden but each flower is unique so is each one’s qualities, perspective and strengths thus embracing this diversity to make the garden, the association -strong and beautiful. The participants were put into groups to know each other and introduce themselves in the group. Followed by a session by Rev. Fr. Dr Agnelo Pinheiro (Professor at Rachol Seminary), he highlighted on the theme, “Acknowledging our roles as Legionnaires, like Mary let us be signs of Hope.” He explored the idea of accepting one’s role as an act of faith not as burdens but opportunities for spiritual growth and service. He also used various Biblical examples to illustrate where Mary became a sign of Hope and that she sets an example to all of us. Further, there was “sharing in of experience” – where legionnaires from different parishes shared their journey being Legionnaire for more than 15 years. This marked at the end of the first day and the next day began with the Holy Eucharist at the Raia Church. The first session was delivered by Fr Peter Dsouza (Assist Parish Priest) focusing on the challenges that could arise while proclaiming the Good News and the ways we can handle it. Bro Agnelo Fernandes and Bro Marcus Gonsalves, emphasised on the Legion work and hosted a quiz on Legion of Mary. The seminar continued with a shared fellowship, Fr Januario Da costa (Parish Priest at Raia Church) before gracing the meals thanked and appreciated the Raia Comitium leaders for their dedication and countless efforts. Laughter and enthusiasm all around, the legionnaires participated joyfully in the activities conducted. To foster a synodal listening, the legionnaires had group discussion that built strong relationships, active listening, understanding and communion. The two-day seminar concluded with Mrs Lucia Dsilva (President of Raia Comitium) with Vote of Thanks and thus creating an atmosphere of learning and growing together.
