THOUSANDS GATHER IN NAIROBI FOR LEGION OF MARY ANNUAL MASS HONORING EDEL QUINN
Over three thousand members of the Legion of Mary from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania gathered at St. Mary’s Msongari Grounds in Nairobi for the annual Mass commemorating Venerable Edel Quinn, 82 years after her death.
The colorful celebration brought together legionaries in what organizers described as a spiritual pilgrimage dedicated to prayer, renewal of faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. David Kamau and concelebrated by other priest’s including Fr. John Kariba, the Archdiocesan group’s chaplain together with priest’s chaplains.
In the homily, Bishop Kamau spoke passionately about his lifelong connection with the movement, revealing that he joined the Legion of Mary while still in primary school and has remained devoted to praying the rosary ever since. He noted that the movement had played a significant role in nurturing vocations and strengthening faith among Catholics.
Reflecting on the life and mission of Edel Quinn, Bishop Kamau described her as a woman who “brought Mary to Africa” through her missionary work and dedication to evangelization despite her poor health.
Born in Ireland, Edel Quinn arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, in November 1936 as a missionary envoy of the Legion of Mary despite battling tuberculosis. Within two weeks, she established the first Legionaries praesidium in East Africa and went on to spread the movement across Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Malawi and Mauritius. Her dedication laid the foundation for the growth of the Legion of Mary in the region, where thousands continue to participate in the apostolate today.
Edel Quinn continued missionary work across Africa until her death on May 12, 1944, at the age of 36. In 1994, Pope John Paul II declared her “Venerable” in recognition of her heroic sanctity.
His Lordship encouraged members to remain steadfast in prayer, commitment and apostolic work despite challenges, comparing their mission to the sacrifices made by Mary in accompanying Christ throughout His life and suffering.
He also challenged parents to encourage young people to join the Legion of Mary, expressing concern over the declining participation of children and youth in the movement.
“In those days we had many young people in the Legion of Mary, but now the numbers are going down. We must encourage the younger generation to join,” he said.
The bishop further emphasized the importance of regular Legionaries meetings, describing them as essential spaces where faith, fellowship and solutions to challenges are strengthened.
For many pilgrims, the gathering was both spiritual and inspirational. One legionary from Moshi, Tanzania, described the event as a life-changing experience.
“This is my first time attending this spiritual journey. I have been eager to meet prayer partners from different countries, and it is encouraging to see such a large number. When I return home, I will encourage more people to join because this group is alive and active,” she said.
The Legion of Mary, founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921, is a worldwide Catholic lay movement dedicated to prayer, evangelization and charitable works under the guidance of priests and in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
