Guest column by Kylie Hein
Legion of Mary Active Member, Member of St. Mary Parish in Nebraska City
The woman behind me handed me a pamphlet as I left my holy hour. I grasped the paper and offered a polite, “Thank you,” as I walked out of the adoration chapel. I’ll read it later. Probably. Maybe. I mean, it’s not that I don’t care about the rosary or Mary, but honestly, I do not need one more thing on my plate.
A few days later, I saw the same organization listed in the church bulletin, along with meeting times. My eyes skimmed right past it. Who has time for that in the middle of the day?
A few weeks later, I overheard an OCIA sponsor giving our priest an update. My attention sharpened as I heard her mention the very organization from the pamphlet—the one I’d skimmed over in the bulletin. The information I’d dismissed came rushing back. Good for them, I thought. Maybe some day I’ll have time for things like that.
The first Friday of the month rolled around, and I found myself in the adoration chapel. Across the top of my prayer journal were the words: “What ought I to do for Christ, who has done so much for me and for humankind?”
I carried that question into prayer as I sat on the floor of the sanctuary in front of the first pew. Jesus was before me, resting in the monstrance, with the giant crucifix hanging on the wall behind Him, literally placing me at the foot of the Cross.
At some point, I felt I was about to doze off. It was nighttime, and the chapel was dimly lit. Everything was quiet—both around me and within me. My eyes were closed, but my heart felt open.
Then I heard something. Not audibly, but in a deeper, more interior way. I can’t explain how I knew, but I was deeply convinced it was the voice of the Blessed Mother—a woman so integral to my life, yet one who had always seemed hidden. At that moment, she asked me to increase my devotion to her. First, by joining the Legion of Mary, the lay apostolic organization from the brochure that was still sitting in the bottom of my bag.
I felt a deep sense of peace, and also, a bit of apprehension. I was supposed to do what? Can I say no?
Over the course of the next week, it became very clear that the words of that night were not going away. I couldn’t so easily ignore this invitation like I had the others. The doubt that often in my life would creep in after thinking I knew what God was asking of me, never came. The only way forward was to do as I believed the Blessed Mother asked of me, in spite of my serious apprehensions.
Joining the Legion of Mary was not something I intended to do. I wasn’t brought in by a friend or through auxiliary membership first. For me, it was a decision of obedience, not understanding.
And I did not understand. Even after making my promises to be a full-fledged member for the foreseeable future, I questioned why I was there. In life, I often feel competent when knowing my role. Here, I second guess what I have to offer. My schedule is not ideal and I cannot contribute in the hours or ways so many others can. I often feel awkward and uncomfortable talking to people I don’t know well. I often struggle to balance my work, motherhood, and membership.
I am inadequate in a multitude of ways. Yet I know Our Lady is at work, both within and beyond me.
She works in the car ride conversations as I speak to other Legionaries on our way to visit the homebound. She appears in the 92-year-old woman next to me who has devoted 20 years of her life to this mission. She shows herself in those who have lost much of their memories, but never forget the words of the Hail Mary. She shows up in my day-to-day conversations as others share their conversion stories and Marian moments with me. As the Divine Mercy chaplet is recited at bedsides of the dying, she brings peace. And with every rosary, every priestly collaboration, every first Friday and first Saturday devotion led by a fellow member, her influence grows and souls catch fire for the love of her son, Jesus.
With Mary, in union with the Holy Spirit, the Legion sets out to connect every soul, everywhere. Each member has something unique to offer, through both their assigned works and their day-to-day interactions. These works are offered for others, but it is often I who is most transformed. These reasons keep me going back.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the Legion of Mary before. Or, perhaps this is your first invitation and like me, you’re ready to ignore that tug on your heartstring with a ready excuse on your tongue. I ask you to pause that thought, and simply open your heart to the invitation. Simply notice this gentle nudge from our Mother to come to know her—and her son—more fully.
Perhaps she is inviting you to build up the Church through love and service, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and in union with other faithful Catholics striving to live their life on duty for souls. Perhaps not, but you’ll never know unless you’re willing to be open.
Some days, I still ponder the question, why am I here? Then, I reflect on the fruits and the impact of Mary in my life, and I have no doubts. What started as an act of obedience has grown me in humility, charity, self-discipline, and so much more.
God often leads us through persistent invitations. Most likely, your invite won’t look like mine, as He calls us each uniquely, but perhaps, these words are the invitation He is placing before you. Mine began with a pamphlet. Maybe for you, this article is your beginning.
If you’re feeling that nudge, I invite you to join our Marian Congress Aug. 22, in honor of the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Held at St. Michael Church in Lincoln, it will be a day to foster spiritual growth and renewal of apostolic zeal through prayer, fellowship and guest speakers. You can find out more information at https://www.lincolndiocese.org/mariancongress or by contacting Joy Martin at St. Michael Church in Lincoln: 402-488-1313, ext. 52504 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Any member of the Legion of Mary—or anyone interested in learning more about the Legion—is welcome.
