This year, the Legion of Mary celebrated an unbelievable 90 years of service to those in need through their work at the Wayside Club. A Mass of Thanksgiving to mark this was hosted by the 
Franciscan community at Blessed John Duns Scotus on 18 September. Archbishop Nolan was the principal celebrant and was joined by a number of priests with links to the Wayside Club and by Deacon John Fletcher who is the Spiritual Director of the Our Lady of the Wayside and Mystical Rose Presidiums. It was a lovely warm service, with the congregation joining wholeheartedly in the liturgy.
In his homily, Archbishop Nolan praised the work of the Legion at the Wayside Club. Ninety years of service was a cause for celebration, he said, but it was sad that such work was still necessary. The vision of the Legion of Mary in setting up the Wayside Club in 1932, he noted, would have pleased our present Pope who asks us to look the poor in the eyes, not just drop money in a can or box for them, and to see their dignity and show them respect. The work of the Wayside Club is about the personal service and time given to the vulnerable.
The music of the liturgy was supported by a cantor and organist from the St Mungo Singers whose links with the Wayside Club go back many years. Members of the choir used to go to the club at Christmas time, sing at the Mass in the club and follow that up with Christmas carols and songs.
After the Mass, the congregation was welcomed to refreshments in the parish hall.
