9th Annual Legion of Mary Conference Memories (Photos)

Here are some memories of the 9th Annual Conference of the Legion of Mary, San Francisco Senatus held September 30, 2023. With at least 600 members from Northern California (including members from Reno, Nevada and Boise, ID) in attendance, the Conference opened with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form or the Traditional Latin Mass (Low Mass) as customarily done in the past conferences. Reverend Father Gabriel Wankar, Spiritual Director of the San Mateo County Comitium celebrated the Mass and gave a memorable sermon to set the tone for the entire day - we must all be faithful to the true and orthodox doctrines of the Catholic Church. The altar servers were Legion of Mary members, Brother Robert Kosch and Brother Jeremy Perlas.

Assisting Father Wankar for Holy Communion were Rev. Fr. Joseph Illo (Pastor, Star of the Sea Church, SF); Rev. Fr. Jerald Geronimo (Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption); Rev. Fr. Daniel Roa (Diocese of Santa Rosa) and Deacon Christoph Sandoval (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption). 

After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Sister Carmen Perlas (VP, San Francisco Senatus) sang "Come, Holy Ghost" and "As I Kneel" with Sister Jin Kyung Lim accompanying her in the organ. Bro. Raymond Frost (President, San Francisco Senatus) led the Legion of Mary Opening Prayers and Rosary with Sis. Vicenta Vega (Secretary, Santa Rosa Spanish Curia); Sis. Priscilla Abaya (President, Oakland Comitium); Bro. Rosendo Cardenas (President, Santa Rosa Spanish Curia) and Sis. Monette Gallarde (President, Stockton Comitium).

Following the Opening Prayers and Rosary was coffee and breakfast. Bro. Raymond Frost officially welcomed all the participants and introduce the Very Reverend Father Kevin Kennedy, pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Fr. Kennedy delivered a most inspiring keynote talk urging the Legion of Mary members to continue our works of evangelization in cooperation and in union with Mary, His mother, our mother. After the Keynote, the Spanish-speaking members moved to Rooms A and B, while the rest remained at the Patron's Hall. A total of six talks covering important doctrinal teachings of the Church were presented (in English and Spanish). See the program for details.

At around noon, the Catena was prayed then lunch and entertainment followed. A group of Legionaries from San Mateo County Comitium led by Sis. Julie Tabajonda (VP, San Mateo Comitium) presented a dance number to the delight of the crowd. Five wonderful gentlemen (in a bit of a surprised and of course, in spirit of fun) were "called" on stage to join the ladies for an encore. Junior members of the Legion of Mary from the San Mateo County Comitium, Stockton Comitium and Reno NV presented a song an dance number.

Sis. Francesca Mecano (junior member from Saint Veronica Church in South San Francisco). She gave a rousing speech to the audience on the importance of the youth in the life of the Church and for everyone to join in an effort towards recruitment of the young. The day ended with the Investiture of the Miraculous Medal to every member in attendance. Deacon Christoph Sandoval led the investiture ceremonies.