The San Francisco Senatus thanks Brother Raymond Frost for his six years of dedicated and loving service as  our president having completed his second three year term in July 2024 (2018 - 2021, 1st term  and 2021 to 2024, 2nd term). It was during his second term that the world and in particular the Legion of Mary, faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges with a major pandemic that was killing thousands of people, closing businesses, homes, schools and churches. Buying panic and shortage of food became a major concern as well. The Legion of Mary was not exempted from the effects of the pandemic - we feared like everyone else, our meetings were cancelled and the Legion evangelization works were placed on a standstill. 

But thanks to the courage of Brother Raymond Frost, the Legion of Mary, San Francisco Senatus and all its attached councils and praesidia  never lost their focus and determination to carry on the works of the Legion. It was his steadfast faith that calmed us down. 

His leadership brought us back to normalcy amidst great risks and dangers of a deadly disease. Instead of retreating, he summoned all the troops into heroism, not by mere words but by his very own example.  When the government's stay in home order was lifted, Brother Frost called for a monthly Senatus meeting and it was to be held live in-person (Saint Francis of Assisi, April 2020)! He  requested all virtual Weekly Praesidium and Council meetings to stop, and that too was challenging. This 'symbolic action' of overcoming obstacles one step at a time, as the Handbook states, ignited our resolve to gradually begin again. Amazingly we came back as strong as ever! We were back on the streets, visiting homes and searching for lost souls everywhere we could.  Thank you Brother Ray and of course, thank you Our Lady! 

The successful return of the Annual Conference (2023 and 2024), which is now held at the Cathedral of Saint Mary's of the Assumption, the center of the Archdiocese of San Francisco; the seamless organizational transition upon the return of the former SF Mission Excelsior Curia to the San Francisco Senatus; the Centenary Year celebrations, which began in 2020 and ended with closing ceremonies in 2021; and extension projects that resulted in a new praesidium at the Cathedral itself and as far as McKinleyville and Napa, are just a few of the noteworthy accomplishments during his time as president.

Lastly, Brother Raymond remains committed to the Legion of Mary. He was elected as Treasurer of the Senatus and gladly accepted the position (no break in-between). He also remains as correspondent of the Portland Curia and the Utah Curia.

On behalf of the San Francisco Senatus, I would like to express our gratitude to you for everything you have done especially during the most challenging times of doubt and fear. Thank you for remaining cool under pressure, for your loving patience and for your enduring perseverance. 

 

Your friend and brother,

 

Brother Ando Perlas

President, San Francisco Senatus