The Legion of Mary was founded in Dublin, Ireland on 7 September 1921. It is
a lay catholic organisation whose members are giving service to the Church on
a voluntary basis in almost every country.
The Legion of Mary has grown to be the largest apostolic organization of lay
people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members.
The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of
its members developed by prayer and active co-operation in Mary's and the
Church's work.
With the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary
Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces (who is fair as the moon, bright as the
sun, and - to satan and his forces - terrible as an army set in battle
array), this association of Catholics have formed themselves into a Legion
for service in the warfare which is perpetually waged by the Church against
the world and its evil powers.
"The whole life of men, both individual and social, shows itself to be a
struggle, and a dramatic one, between good and evil, between light and
darkness." (Genesis 13)
The legionaries hope to render themselves worthy of their great heavenly
Queen by their loyalty, their virtues, and their courage. The Legion of Mary
is therefore organised on the model of an army, principally on that of the
army of ancient Rome, the terminology of which is adopted also.
The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a Praesidium, which holds a weekly
meeting, where prayer is intermingled with reports and discussion. 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, and meeting the other
spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance
of a spiritual director named by the priest. The Legion is, in essence, an
extension of the heart and hands of the priest living the Catholic faith in
the community.
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