The Quiet Work of Evangelization
On a quiet afternoon, two members of the Legion of Mary knocked on a door long closed to the Church. They carried rosaries, Miraculous Medals and a simple invitation to rediscover Christ.
What followed was a sincere conversation about distance from the sacraments, painful experiences and a gentle call back to faith. Encounters like this continue to define the mission of the Holy Rosary Legion of Mary in Cedar and reveal the ministry’s spiritual impact.
For Holy Rosary parishioner Julie Witkowski, these visits reflect the heart of evangelization and a reminder that even small acts of outreach can open the door to faith.
“Many people are not rejecting Christ but are quietly waiting for someone to approach them with compassion, patience and understanding,” Julie says.
“I first became interested in the Legion after seeing members serve people throughout the community,” she adds “it was great to see inactive Catholics return to Mass and rediscover the sacraments after years away from the Church.
The Legion strengthens the Church by reaching people who feel disconnected from parish life while also helping members recognize that every Catholic is called to participate in the mission of the Church,” explains Julie.
Holy Rosary parishioner Philip Nachazel shares a similar perspective: “I was inspired to join the Legion after hearing members speak about their spiritual works of mercy during meetings. Members consistently credited the Blessed Mother with every grace rather than focusing on themselves.
celebrate the U.S. bishops' consecration of the United
States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“My relationship with Christ derives from my relationship with Our Mother Mary Immaculate. The Legion deepened my relationship with Christ by teaching me to trust Our Lady and the Holy Spirit when meeting strangers who are hurting spiritually,” he adds.
Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921, the Legion of Mary now serves in more than 160 countries. Local groups known as praesidia gather weekly for prayer, spiritual formation and apostolic assignments before entering the community for evangelization and service.
A Marian Mission
Marian spirituality remains central to the Legion’s approach to evangelization. Father Donald Libby explains that the founder of the Legion, Servant of God Frank Duff, emphasized devotion to Mary as the surest path to Christ.
Legion of Mary provides to those they visit.
“Members are encouraged to consecrate themselves to the Blessed Virgin and allow her humility, gentleness and charity to shape every encounter,” Father Libby explains. “The great benefit of the Legion is the more you give yourself to our Lady, the more you, yourself, are sanctified as you help others,” continues Father Libby.
Father Christopher Jarvis references his own experience with the Legion while studying in seminary in Rome. “I was in the Legion of Mary while in seminary, and it was a huge blessing to keep me focused on an apostolate,” he reflects. Father Jarvis recalls walking through St. Peter’s Square and the streets of Rome while speaking with people about the Blessed Mother and handing out Miraculous Medals.
At Holy Rosary Parish, legionaries visit inactive Catholics, pray in nursing homes and bring the Pilgrim Virgin statue into homes for family prayer. Father Libby describes the Legion as “the engine room of the parish” because of its faithful spiritual work behind the scenes.
“Many of these encounters reveal a deep spiritual hunger,” says Philip. “People often search for meaning in entertainment, politics or material success, yet continue to feel restless internally. The real hunger is for truth,” he adds. “Many people are quietly waiting for someone to listen to them with patience.”
One encounter especially remained with Philip and fellow legionary Kathy Darga. The pair regularly visited a nursing home where they met a man who had been away from the Church for 38 years.
At first, the man resisted conversation and refused prayer. Philip and Kathy still continued visiting him every week. Eventually, he accepted a Miraculous Medal and became more open about his spiritual struggles.
“After hearing about Our Lady of Fatima, the man became emotional and later returned to confession and holy Communion for the first time in decades,” Philip recalls.
Forming Missionary Disciples
“Ministries like the Legion of Mary are especially important as many Catholics experience discouragement or disconnection from parish life,” reflects Julie. “The Legion reminds ordinary Catholics that missionary discipleship does not require extraordinary talent, but instead requires prayer, trust and a willingness to serve others.
“People want to feel seen, heard and cared for, and the Legion helps bring the love of Christ and his Blessed Mother to those who are suffering,” she adds.
a long-standing parishioner of St. Mary of Hannah, joins her for a communal rosary.
That missionary spirit also shaped the life of Julie’s son, David Witkowski, who is now in seminary formation. As a child, he participated in the Junior Legion of Mary and visited nursing homes with other members.
“Those experiences influenced the way he now lives his faith and serves others,” informs Julie. She recalls David listening to an elderly widower speak about the loss of his wife after noticing the man sitting alone in a seminary library.
“The Legion taught him to recognize loneliness and respond with compassion and presence,” she says.
The Legion also recently helped establish a praesidium in Onekama, where parishioners received formation before beginning evangelization within their community. “Members quickly discovered that while serving others, they were also growing in holiness themselves,” reflects Maria Somsel, current president of the Onekama praesidium.
“I encourage other parishes to begin a praesidium because the ministry strengthens Catholics, encourages evangelization and helps lead souls back to the sacraments,” says Father Bradley Nursey.
If a parish would like to learn more about starting a Legion of Mary praesidia, contact Julie Witkowski at 231-228-5429 or Philip Nachazel at 231-944-9208 or via email at immaculatavictory@gmail.com.
