Legion of Mary
5 members Public
An apostolic association of the laity serving the Church under the banner of Mary.
History
The Legion of Mary was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921 by Frank Duff, a lay civil servant, together with Servant of God Edel Quinn and others. Inspired by the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort and a deep Marian devotion, Duff organized lay Catholics to undertake works of charity and evangelization in union with the Church.
Organized into local 'praesidia' that meet weekly for prayer and assignment of apostolic work, the Legion spread across the world during the 20th century. Its members commit to active works such as home visitation, evangelization, and accompaniment of the lonely and the lapsed.
Today the Legion of Mary is present in nearly every country and is one of the largest lay apostolic movements in the Catholic Church, with millions of active and auxiliary (praying) members.
What they do
- Weekly prayer and apostolic assignments in local praesidia
- Home and hospital visitation
- Evangelization and outreach to the lapsed
- Marian devotion and personal sanctification
How to get involved
Practicing Catholics can join a local praesidium, usually based at a parish. Ask your parish office whether a Legion of Mary group meets there, or contact your diocesan Senatus/Curia through the official website to find the nearest group.
Official links
Legion of Mary chapters
Local chapters from our directory.
