How to Join the Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. Here is what it is, who it is for, and how to find a praesidium and members near you.
What is the Legion of Mary?
The Legion of Mary (in Latin, Legio Mariae) is the largest apostolic lay organization in the Catholic Church, with roughly 10 million members serving in nearly every country on earth. It was founded in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, by Frank Duff, a layman who wanted ordinary Catholics to grow in holiness by giving themselves to active service of the Church under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Legion borrows its imagery from the disciplined, organized armies of ancient Rome, but its only weapons are prayer and charity. Members commit to a deep Marian spirituality and a weekly rhythm of meeting, praying, and serving. Far from being a private devotion, the Legion is a true apostolate: faith expressed in concrete acts of love for others.
Who the Legion of Mary is for
Membership is open to any practicing Catholic in good standing, women and men, young and old. Active members attend a weekly meeting and carry out a few hours of apostolic work each week. Those who cannot take on active duties — because of age, health, or circumstance — can join as auxiliary members and support the work entirely through prayer. If you long to serve your parish, grow in Marian devotion, and put your faith into action alongside other Catholics, the Legion of Mary is for you.
How to join the Legion of Mary
Joining the Legion of Mary is simple and costs nothing. The local unit you join is called a praesidium, and the steps look like this:
- 1. Find a praesidium near you. Most praesidia are attached to a parish. Ask your priest or parish office, or use Catholic Connect to find Legion members and groups in your area.
- 2. Attend a weekly meeting. Each praesidium gathers once a week for the Rosary, the Legion prayers, a short spiritual reading, and the assignment of apostolic work.
- 3. Begin the apostolate. New members take on active works such as visiting the sick, the homebound, and the lonely, helping at the parish, and sharing the faith through evangelization.
- 4. Make your promise. After a probationary period of a few months, you make a simple promise to the Holy Spirit and become a full member, or legionary.
Find a Legion of Mary near me
Wondering whether there is a Legion of Mary near me? With around 10 million members worldwide, a praesidium is probably closer than you think. Catholic Connect helps you find Catholics, groups, and gatherings in your own city so you can take the first step in person.
Legion of Mary: frequently asked questions
What is the Legion of Mary?
It is the largest apostolic lay organization in the Catholic Church. Founded in Dublin in 1921, it unites daily prayer with active works of charity and evangelization under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
How do I join the Legion of Mary?
Find a local praesidium, attend its weekly meeting, begin an apostolic work, and after a short probation make a simple promise to the Holy Spirit. There are no membership fees.
Is there a Legion of Mary near me?
Almost certainly. The Legion is present in nearly every country. Use Catholics nearby to find members and groups in your area, or ask at your parish office.
What do Legion of Mary members do?
They pray the Rosary and the Legion prayers together each week, then carry out an active apostolate — visiting the sick and homebound, helping at the parish, and sharing the faith through evangelization.
Ready to take the first step?
Catholic Connect makes it easy to find a praesidium, meet fellow Catholics, and join the apostolate. Create a free account and discover the Legion of Mary near you.