Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary (Latin: Legio Mariae) is an association of Catholic laity who serve the Church on a voluntary basis. It was founded in Dublin, Ireland, as a Roman Catholic Marian Movement by layman Frank Duff. Today between active and auxiliary (praying) members there are over 3 million members worldwide making it the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church. To be in the Legion of Mary, one must be a practising Catholic. Active members serve God under the banner of Mary by practicing the Spiritual Works of Mercy. The main apostolate of the Legion consists in activities directed towards all men and women, young and old, rich and poor as well as people from the margins of society (homeless, prisoners etc.) and towards non-Catholics. The members of the Legion are primarily engaged in the performance of the Spiritual Works of Mercy rather than works of material aid.
At St Therese Parish, the Legion of Mary assists the Pastor in performing Catholic action or social action in the Parish. This action is done under the banner of the Blessed Virgin Mary so that we may spread a deeper devotion to Mary and develop greater holiness in our lives.
Active Membership:
Attend a weekly meeting. Meetings are every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm
Daily recitation of the Legion Prayer.
Doing 2 hours of apostolic work each week:
visit the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes
giving instructions to prospective newcomers
teaching CCD classes
Census or welcome calls to newcomers
encouraging lapsed or indifferent Catholics
cooperating with Parish or civic groups
Auxiliary Membership:
Daily recitation of the rosary
Daily recitation of prayers in the Legion leaflet