"In an atmosphere made supernatural by its wealth of prayer, by its devotional usages, and by its sweet spirit of fraternity, the praesidium holds a weekly meeting ... " (Handbook 11:5) The handbook devotes many pages to the praesidium meeting-It may be worthwhile reflecting on some-aspects of this fundamental and vital part of the Legion system, mindful of the words of the handbook: "So it can be expected that a praesidium which is true to its ideals will bestow around itself life and renewal and healing and solutions." (19:23)

The members should sit around a table at one end of which the Legion altar is placed. Traditionally, the President sits at the other end facing the altar. The altar must not be separated from the meeting-table or so placed as to remove the statue outside the circle of the members.

"It should be regarded as an honourable on the part of some legionary to keep the vexillum and the vases and candlesticks clean and bright, and duly provided with flowers and candles at the expense of the praesidium." (Handbook 18:1) It should not be necessary to add that the statue and altar cloth also should be kept in good condition.

"... a punctual start (so necessary for the proficiency of the praesidium) will not be possible unless the officers are in attendance some time in advance in order to make the requisite preparations." (Handbook 18:2)

Regarding the manner of saying the prayers " ... pray as if Our Blessed Lady herself, instead of her statue, were visibly present." (Handbook 19:13)

The prayers are to be one with the mecting: "What the breathing is to the human body, the Rosary is to the Legion meetings" (Handbook 19:14). In regard to special prayers at the mecting: If it is a question of supplementing the Legion prayers by some other prayers for special intentions, the ruling is that the existing prayers are already long enough, and should not ordinarily be added to." (Handbook 19:16) At a fixed time, usually about an hour after the opening of the meeting, the Catena Legionis is recited, all standing.

"Its durationshould be limited to about 5 minutes. (Handbook 18:5 )

"In the event of the absence of the Spiritual Director, the commentary (on the handbook) should be made by the President or by any member designated by the President. It is stressed that a mere reading from the handbook or any other document does not suffice for the allocutio. The allocutio should not occupy more than five or six minutes." (Handbook 18:11)

"No praesidium mecting is ever to begin without its written programme, termed the "Work Sheet". This should be drawn up in advance of each meeting and from it the President will call the business." (Handbook 18:2) The Minute book, Attendance roll, Treasurer's book and secret bag will be required also at the meeting. The praesidium should have also roll book for praetorians, auxiliaries, and adjutorians.

"... the minutes should be written in ink or typed, and in a book of good quality." (Handbook 34:3)

"In its own way the report is as important to the meeting as the prayers." (Handbook 18:9) "Every member should have a notebook ... without its aid a suitable report will not be made." (Handbook 33:5) "A particular application of the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ may be made to the Legion meeting, especially to the praesidium meeting which forms the heart of the Legion system." (Handbook 21)