WHAT IS IT?

The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world. It has been active in the United States since 1931, has been approved by the last 6 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Members meet once a week for prayer, planning and discussion in a family setting. Then they do two hours of definite work each week in pairs and under the guidance of their spiritual director.

WHO CAN BELONG?

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who:

Faithfully practice their religion;

Are animated by the desire to participate in the Church's apostolate through membership in the Legion;

Are prepared to fulfill each and every duty which active membership in the Legion involves.

HOW DO I START?

The first step is to be a guest at a meeting of the Legion of Mary. Guests are always welcome and can go on one of the work assignments with an experienced member if they choose. If there is no Legion of Mary in your parish, you can participate in a group in another parish until you can start one of your own with the assistance of other Legionaries and in cooperation with the pastor.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFO?

For more information, ask any member of the Legion of Mary or contact the parish office to obtain the name and telephone number of a point of contact for the nearest Legion of Mary Praesidium. You can also complete our Feedback and Comments form for more information.

Legion of Mary

Founded September 7, 1921 in Dublin, Ireland. Established in USA in 1933. Now a worldwide organization of the Lay Apostolate.
“Concilium” - world headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.
“Senatus” - regional group that supervises Legion of Mary in parts of the Country.
“Curia” - supervises Legion of Mary in smaller area like a diocese or part of a diocese.

"Comitium" - A Curia that supervises other Curiae where more than one Curia exists in the area.
“Praesidium” - a parish unit of the Legion of Mary with 5 to 20 members.