In 2025, the Senatus of Uganda embarks on a faith-filled journey under the theme, “Do Not Be Afraid” (John 6:20). This year’s Annual Workplan is designed to inspire every Legionary to embrace new challenges with faith and confidence. Rooted in our mission to serve Mary and evangelize, we aim to expand membership, strengthen Councils, and build sustainable support for our apostolate. With Christ’s assurance, this plan invites all members to rise above fear, overcome challenges, and seize new opportunities to strengthen and grow the Legion of Mary in Uganda.
Background
The theme “Do Not Be Afraid” serves as a powerful reminder to all Legionaries to embrace their faith with courage and resilience. Jesus’ comforting words in John 6:20 assure us that despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, we should move forward with trust and confidence in His presence.
Each annual theme has shaped and guided the focus of our apostolic efforts:
- 2021-2022: Remember, Renew, Recruit, and Rejoice – a call to reflect on our past, refresh our commitment, welcome new members, and celebrate the joy of our service.
- 2023: The Legionary Must Pray as well as Work – reinforcing the balance between prayer and action, ensuring that all apostolic activities are rooted in God’s will.
- 2024: Praesidium: Serving Mary, Saving Souls – strengthening personal devotion and community outreach to bring souls closer to God.
Now, in 2025, Do Not Be Afraid challenges us to embrace the future with the courage of faith. As Pope Pius XI stated on May 17, 1931:
“‘Be not afraid,’ said Jesus. So let us put away fear. We want no timid ones among us… If ever there is need to repeat those words of Christ: ‘Be not afraid,’ it is unquestionably in relation to the apostolate.”
The Meaning of the Theme
This theme carries a great message that speaks to every Legionary at different levels of their spiritual and apostolic mission:
- Faith Over Fear: Jesus’ words remind us that fear should not hinder our mission. Fear may be natural, but faith is the answer.
- Strengthening Rural Praesidia: Many rural Legionaries face challenges with limited resources, but this theme encourages them to persist, knowing that their efforts matter in God’s plan.
- Encouraging Young Legionaries: Young people often grapple with uncertainty in a fast-changing world. Do Not Be Afraid reassures them that they have a role to play in the Legion and the Church.
- Embracing Digital Evangelization: The theme encourages Legionaries to use modern tools and platforms for evangelization, while remaining faithful to their mission.
Goals and Objectives
Goal: To enhance the spiritual and operational effectiveness of the Legion of Mary in Uganda by promoting growth, expanding membership, strengthening Councils, and securing sustainable resources.
Objective 1: Spiritual Renewal and Formation
Strategic Activity: Create Opportunities for Spiritual Growth and Formation
- Organize spiritual renewal meetings, retreats, and workshops.
- Schedule prayer meetings, personal testimony sharing, and reflections.
- Plan multi-day retreats with guided reflections and communal prayer.
- Collaborate with Priests and spiritual directors for enrichment sessions.
- Collect feedback to improve future programs.
Objective 2: Increase Membership by 25%
Strategic Activity: Recruitment and Extension of the Legion
- Conduct recruitment drives in parishes and dioceses, including South Sudan and Ethiopia.
- Develop engaging recruitment materials (brochures, digital content).
- Organize youth programs and targeted evangelization campaigns.
- Train recruitment officers for effective outreach.
- Follow up with new recruits to encourage integration.
Objective 3: Leadership Development
Strategic Activity: Strengthening Capacity of Praesidia and Councils
- Provide leadership training for Officers at all levels.
- Develop a comprehensive curriculum covering key Legion principles.
- Organize workshops for practical leadership skills and conflict resolution.
- Establish mentorship programs to guide Council leaders.
- Ensure Councils improve reporting and documentation processes.
Objective 4: Sustainable Resource Mobilization
Strategic Activity: Strengthen Internal Resource Mobilization
- Encourage member contributions through Secret Bag Collections.
- Establish faith-based support networks to increase financial backing.
- Educate members on the impact of contributions to encourage active giving.
Moving Forward
As we embrace the theme Do Not Be Afraid, let us focus on growth and service in the coming year. Each member is called to action:
- Deepen Spiritual Connection: Engage in renewal meetings, retreats, and personal prayer.
- Expand Membership: Actively participate in recruitment efforts and invite new members.
- Embrace Leadership: Step into leadership roles and attend training sessions.
- Engage with the Community: Organize awareness drives to share the Legion’s mission.
- Utilize Digital Platforms: Leverage social media for evangelization.
- Strengthen Financial Contributions: Support Secret Bag collections and faith-based donations.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Participate in seminars, workshops, and mentorship programs.
With faith as our foundation, we can overcome challenges and embrace opportunities. The words of Christ remain our guiding light: “Do Not Be Afraid.”