Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is a world-wide organization of the lay apostolate, in which Catholic men, women and youth sanctify themselves through prayer and apostolic work in union with Our Lady under the guidance of a priest.   The Legion of Mary was first organized in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921.  Today the Legion is organized in nearly all the dioceses throughout the world.

The purpose of this association of Catholics is to make its members better Catholics and to raise the spiritual level of the entire community through direct contact with and interest in every member and potential member of the Mystical Body of Christ.

The sanctification of its own members is achieved through prayer and work.  Each weekly meeting offers to the Legionaries the recitation of the Rosary, spiritual reading, a short talk by the Spiritual Director, a discussion of Catholic doctrine and devotion, and an evaluation of the work program. At the meeting each member is assigned two hours of apostolic work, to be performed during the week and reported on at the following meeting.

The Legion system is adapted to various kinds of apostolic work, and is always subject to the discretion of the spiritual director.

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholic men or women over eighteen years of age who have the good will to want to serve God in the capacity of helpers to the priest, and who will follow the Legion system.