Answering the call – Junior Legion Missionary Outreach to Grenada

By Mariesa Soobramani

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining a Trinidadian delegation on mission to Grenada, as an accompanying parent. As part of the Legion of Mary’s Youth Outreach programme, this mission was approved with the hope that our Young Legionaries would motivate the Catholic youths in Grenada to resuscitate their dwindling local Praesidia.

The delegation comprised six students from The Praesidium of Our Lady of the Presentation (based at Presentation College, San Fernando): six senior legionaries; Spiritual Director of the Regia Fr Peter Aduaka; five parents and one accompanying teacher.

Over a year ago, in an External Council meeting, senior Grenadian legionaries communicated that their attempt to bring the youths into ministry was proving to be an uphill battle.

Dr Francisca Allard, a senior Legionary, shared these concerns with the boys at Presentation College since she knew they were successful in assisting the formation of other Youth Praesidia in their home communities.

While they may not be large in numbers, this group of boys make up for that through their boundless spirit. They have made it their motto to say ‘yes’ to the Lord’s requests.

During the term, they are frequently called on to conduct morning assembly, represent their school at Masses in the Archdiocese, maintain the school chapel as well as assist with music ministry for Legion Masses. When they heard of the situation in Grenada, they were all eager to assist.

Sponsorship became a daunting issue as financial support was needed to make the mission a reality. But the boys were not discouraged by the logistics of it all. They were bent on answering this call despite the numerous concerns of us parents.

They took it to the Holy Blessed Mother in prayer, asking her intercession and guidance. One very passionate youth legionary, Selas Perreira, worked tirelessly to convince parents of the importance of the mission.

By June 2025, all arrangements were finalised for the trip.

They credited the successful acquisition of funds to: the Grace of Almighty God; the Regia; a private donor; and then Vicar of The Southern Vicariate, Fr David Khan.

Arrangements were also made for them to be housed by Br Robert Fanovich at the Presentation Brothers’ Residence in Old Fort Road, St George’s as well as Airbnb accommodation next door for accompanying parents.

In Grenada, the itinerary was packed with numerous activities including a visit with Bishop Clyde Harvey, a meeting with Catholic college students as well as an outreach to the youth groups and the existing Praesidia around the island.

The mission was also highlighted during Sunday morning Mass, where Senior Regia representative Sister Muriel and The Presentation legionaries addressed the congregation.

Here, they spoke about the power of praying the rosary, shared personal experiences of the Legion’s influence on their lives, as well as the importance of living a life of faith in Christ. They also graciously accepted an invitation to feature the Mission on live television in Grenada.

Our boys stoically sat in those hotseats like a proud bunch of cool Catholic youths bravely professing the love of Jesus and His Blessed Mother to the world.

The evenings were their downtime, and they spent it doing what most teenaged boys like: visiting the beaches, touring the city and chatting with the girls.

Our mornings started at 6 a.m. when both households awoke. We all gathered at the Brothers’ verandah overlooking the picturesque St George’s harbour. Fresh mountain air, sweet songbirds, bleating sheep and ogling iguanas greeted us each day.

While Fr Aduaka and the boys organised morning prayer, which began promptly at 7 a.m., we the parents prepped breakfast which was always a hearty meal to take us through the rigorous morning schedule.

Each day ended in similar fashion where we all gathered for dinner and evening prayer followed by bouts of a little wine, local sweet treats and Caribbean Premier League Cricket!

On the last day of our stay, the in-house chapel was utilised by Fr Aduaka for Confession. The Grenadian Legionaries were not exaggerating when they said that harnessing youth participation was proving to be a difficult task. Though our delegation has returned home, the work is far from complete as the Presentation Boys and Local Regia continue to maintain contact and provide support for the Praesidia in Grenada.

Our Youth Legionaries: Alex Teekasingh (President), Reuben Soobramani (Vice-President), Logan Foster (Secretary), Luka Foster (Treasurer), Selas Perreira and Jeron Corrie represented their Praesidium commendably.

Mission Grenada was a successful start to the Legion’s Regional Youth Ministry, so much so that I’ve even heard whispers of lofty plans to continue this Youth Movement up the island chain after their upcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.

If you would like to start a Youth Praesidium of the Legion of Mary, The Praesidium of Our Lady of the Presentation can assist you. You can contact them via:

Instagram: @pcsf_legion_of_mary

Facebook: Presentation College San Fernando Legion of Mary

Email: pcsflegionofmary@gmail.com