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The Legion of Mary

Our Lady of Hope and Light Praesidum (Parish Unit)

St. Peter’s Church, Trenton,Ontario

What is it? The Legion of Mary is a world-wide organization of Catholics, men and women, who offer services to their pastor to aid him in performing spiritual works in the parish. Its leader and protectress is Mary, the Immaculate Mother of Jesus. Approved and blessed by the sovereign Pontiff in whose reigns it has flourished.

The Legion of Mary enables its members to develop greater holiness and genuine happiness by helping their neighbour. They offer their services to their Pastor to bring Christ to the world.

Where/When it originated? The Legion of Mary originated in the city of Dublin in the year 1921, Irish layman Frank Duff with a few colleagues formed this Catholic association to care for the spiritually poor, not by material means but gentleness, understanding and guidance.

In November 27, 1931, the first Praesidium (parish unit) was formed in the United States at Raton, New Mexico. It was composed entirely of men.

What are the Legion’s objectives?

• The personal sanctification of its members, who, taking Mary as their model, endeavour to imitate her virtues, especially her Faith, Charity and Humility.
• The spread of devotion to Mary primarily by encouraging the recitation of the Rosary (Mary’s request at Fatima).
• The performance of apostolic work under the direction of the Spiritual Director to the parish unit of the Legion.

Who may join the Legion of Mary? All practising Catholics, men and women, married or single, who wish to play their full part as lay members of the church and who are prepared to follow the Legion’s system.

What are the types of membership? Active members and Auxiliary (praying) members.

As an Active Legionary you will be expected:

• To attend a local group meeting each week.
• To spend at least two hours of active work each week, accompanied by another Legionary. You may, in generosity do more. Indeed many Legionaries do.
• To say a short prayer each day.

As an Auxiliary Legionary you will be expected:

• To support the work of the Legion of Mary by your prayers but need not attend meetings nor perform active work.
• You would undertake to say daily the prayers contained in the Legion prayer leaflet, this includes the Rosary.

Note: There are No membership fees or other financial obligations.

Examples of Legion Work:

• Assisting Pastors by expanding their apostolate throughout the parish.
• Uplifting the morale of persons in distress whether in the hospital or nursing home by performing acts of service, both great and small.
• Organize and assist in Mass and Rosary at Local Nursing Homes.
• Bringing friendship to the elderly and lonely.
• Encourage devotion to Mary, our Queen and Mother, by bringing the Pilgrim Statue to the homes of interested families.
• Fostering appreciation of the faith by religious instruction and fellowship.

How to join the Legion of Mary:

• You join a local group called Praesidium (Parish Unit).
• You are taken on probation for at least three months.
• During that time you sample the Legion system and take part in Legion works.
• At the end of the probation period you can decide whether or not you wish to take on full membership.

Interested to join?

Please call Mary, Tel: 613-779-7719.