LONDON'S SHELTERS Work .for the Legion

SIR,—With reference to the article on London's Shelters, appearing in the CATHOLIC HERALD Of October 25, may I use the medium of your columns for an appeal to the Legion of Mary? The existence of such a shelter as that described in the railway warehouse in the East End, seems to be a positive, challenge to the Legion. There is-no Catholic society existing at present,
which is more suited for the tackling of this grievous evil, for the Legion's strict discipline trains its members into the constant practice of heroic virtue, and unquestioning obedience. The Legionary is no stranger to sordid streets, and still more sordid houses: he is accustomed to the worst possible type of sinners, and cultivates towards them the most tender and meek charity.
The shelter of your article would hold no terrors for experienced Legionaries; it might. indeed, prove less repulsive than many of the places habitually visited by them in the regular course of their work ; it certainly does not sound as had as Brother Duff's description of " Bentley Place," that area of tolerated vice in Dublin, the cleaning up of which, by the Legion, he ND vividly describes in his story of the Legion, in the Maria Legionis magazine. What Mary, achieved there, by the means of her faithful soldiers, she will achieve in the London shelters if those soldiers will put their hand to this task, relying on her.
May I appeal, then, most earnestly to the Legion to take up the challenge and launch their attack? I do not doubt that parish Pracsidia in the East End are individually doing some shelter visitation ; but it would appear that this particular shelter calls (subject to the permission of the clergy), for the formation of a particular Praesidium. which should appeal especially to Brothers not subject to conscription, or over military age. There certainly is a glorious opportunity for the Legion to display that " courageous faith." which enables it " to carry out, without hesitation, great things for God and for the salvation of souls," for which it constantly prays.
To conclude, here is a quotation from the Legion's own handbook, which speaks for itself : " There should be no depths to which the Legion will not penetrate in its search for lost sheep. . . False fears will be the first obstacle. But false, or grounded, someone must do this work. If capable and trained Legionaries, safeguarded by their prayerful and disciplined system, cannot essay it then no one can."
ANCILLA.