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Like the Virgin Mary, Let’s Live Christian Faith “dynamically, through action”: Bishop to Legion of Mary in Mozambique

João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Beira, 03 June, 2025 / 9:22 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of the Legion of Mary in Mozambique have been urged to seek the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in living their Christian faith. 

In his homily during the conclusion of the Marian month on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop António Manuel Bogaio Constantino emphasized the need to live the Christian faith in appropriate deeds, “dynamically”.

“The Legion is our strength, our support, our foundation in the life of faith,” the Auxiliary Bishop of Mozambique’s Catholic Archdiocese of Beira said during the May 31 Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral of Beira Archdiocese.

Bishop Bogaio encouraged the people of God in Mozambique to model their lives after the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose response to God’s call was in action.

“Mary did not remain still. Even while pregnant, she went to meet her cousin Elizabeth, carrying grace and hope. Our faith must be lived dynamically, like Mary’s—through action,” he explained at the conclusion of the Marian month of May, also observed as the Jubilee of the Legion of Mary.

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Members of the Legion of Mary, the Mozambican Catholic Bishop emphasized, “must be like Mary: active, willing to serve, and ready to bring the Good News to all.”

The Legion is more than a devotional group, he said. He described it “a spiritual force within the Church.”

Referring to the yearlong Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, the Mozambican member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) urged members of the Legion of Mary to face challenges with trust in God. 

“The Legion is called to be a sign of hope for all. In difficult times, our mission is to bring light and support to those in need. Hope must be the foundation of all missionary activity,” he said.

He added, “Mary is our guide, always present in the life of her Son and also in our lives. To follow her is to follow the path of faith, trust in God, and service to others.”

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“Like Mary, may we be signs of hope, love, and mercy for all. May the Legion of Mary continue to be a beacon of light in our Archdiocese, spreading the joy of the Gospel,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Bishop Bogaio cautioned against shallow expressions of devotion, urging instead a sincere and committed spiritual life. 

“True devotion is not about outward appearances but about heartfelt commitment to prayer and mission. It’s not enough to be physically present. Authentic devotion is found in the concrete actions we take each day,” he said.

Bishop Bogaio lauded the Legion’s contribution to the spiritual life of the Archdiocese, calling it the “lungs of our Archdiocese,” and emphasized that the mission of legionaries extends beyond formal religious practices.

“Is it just religion? Or is it also strength? You have shown yourselves to be a true legion,” he posed.

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“Let us build bridges, not walls. The Church’s mission is to welcome all people in fraternity and unity. The Legion of Mary must be a model of collaboration within the Christian community,” the Catholic Bishop said.

Bishop Bogaio invited all legionaries to renew their consecration to Mary, Mother of the Church, and to reaffirm their dedication to serving the Church and community with joy and fervor.

“Let us consecrate ourselves once more to Mary, Queen of the Legion. May we leave this place with the joy and hope of Mary in our hearts,” he implored.

João Vissesse

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.