NORCROSS--The Queen of Angels Curia of the Legion of Mary celebrated its 10th annual General Reunion at St. Patrick's Church.

Legion member Deacon Richard Beckman of St. John the Evangelist, Hapeville, and praesidia from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (IHM), Atlanta, and St. Jude the Apostle Church, Atlanta, were given special recognition and a spiritual bouquet at the luncheon reunion for their years of loyal service during the January meeting.

Deacon Beckman attended his first legion meeting in 1963. He went on to establish new praesidia at IHM; St. Jude's; St. Patrick's; St. Thomas Aquinas, Alpharetta; St. George, Newnan; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Carrollton, and St. Joseph Church, Marietta.

Deacon Beckman has served as an officer at both the praesidium and curia levels and was appointed spiritual director for the Queen of Heaven Curia/Comitium by Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM.

He is now the spiritual director for the three praesidia at St. John the Evangelist and said that his Legion affiliation was instrumental in his decision to become a deacon in 1987.

The praesidia at IHM and St. Jude were honored for their dedication and service throughout the years.

IHM's praesidium was established in 1965 and members, Dolores McNamara, president of the praesidium, who received the Papal Medal Benemerenti from Pope John Paul II, Elizabeth Warner, Margaret Mascotti, Irene Kelly, Mrs. Hedwig Rooney and Janice Barr were onhand at the reunion luncheon to represent their praesidium in receiving special recognition.

The praesidium from St. Jude's was also recognized for fulfilling its duties since it was established in 1969, and president Doris Garvey, along with members Kitty Bradfield, Caroline Bradford, Barbara Parks and Mary Unger were present to receive their honor.

Active members of a Legion praesidium assist the pastor in parish activities and functions, including visitation of the sick in hospitals, nursing homes and at home. As the need arises, they encourage individual spiritual growth, commitment and consecration, acting under ecclesiastical direction and approval.

The celebration started with a Mass celebrated by Father John Devore, MSFS, and opening remarks given by Dr. Genevieve Jones-Gesing, president of the Queen of Angels Curia. Msgr. Michael Regan, spiritual director for the curia, led the opening prayer and the rosary.

The event concluded with a closing prayer given by Father Marty Kopchik, MSFS, pastor of St. Patrick's and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," led by Margaret Mascotti.