St Paul's Parish Website

The Legion of Mary is a lay Catholic association whose members are giving service to the Church, on a voluntary basis, all over the world. It was founded in Myra House, Francis Street, Dublin, Ireland, on 7 September, 1921 by Frank Duff.

The Legion was first only open to women; the first men apart from Duff himself joined it in 1929. The legionaries first started out by visiting hospitals, but they were soon active among the most destitute, notably among Dublin prostitutes.  

The Legion of Mary is now the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world. It has been active in the United States since 1931, has been approved by the last 6 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The official handbook of the Legion has been published in at least 50 languages.

 Purpose

The primary purpose of the Legion of Mary is to lead people to Jesus Christ. Specifically, the Legion of Mary seeks to lead the people we encounter in our works, to a greater knowledge and faith in God. The Legion strives to increase the faith and holiness of its members through prayer and service to Our Lord.

Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelizing, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community.

Membership

Membership is open to all baptized Catholics who have a desire to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of His Blessed Mother Mary. Catholics 18 years of age or older can join the adult praesidia whereas Catholics younger than 18 years of age can join the junior Legion of Mary praesidia. Catholics who are interested in joining the Legion will start with a three or six month probationary period before taking their Legionary Promise to become Legion members.

There are two types of membership: active members and auxiliary members. Active members attend a Legion meeting once a week and perform works of service (typically about 2 hours a week). Auxiliary members support the Legion through their prayer. They pray the rosary daily and the prayers of the Legion of Mary (the Tessera) for the intentions of the Blessed Mother. Auxiliary members bolster the efforts of the active members through their prayers.

The Legion at St Paul’s meets every Tuesday.

The meetings are in the office building conference room and begin at 4pm. To become a member of the Legion of Mary at St Paul’s please contact Parish Office
410-465-1670