Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is the largest lay apostolic organization in the Catholic Church, offering practicing Catholics a structured pathway to personal holiness through a balanced life of prayer and active evangelization. Operating with the full approval of the Holy See, the Legion serves as an extension of the local parish pastor’s heart and hands, reaching out to those in spiritual and social need.
The Story of the Legion
The Legion of Mary was founded in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, by Frank Duff (now elevated to Servant of God). Initially formed to address the spiritual and social welfare of the most marginalized individuals, it quickly caught a contagious missionary zeal. Structured around the discipline and order of the ancient Roman Legion, the organization swaps worldly weapons for spiritual ones: compassion, sacrifice, unyielding faith, and total reliance on the Holy Spirit through Mary Immaculate.
Since expanding to Canada in 1932, the movement has grown significantly. Today, it spans over 170 countries, comprising roughly 5 million active members and 12 million praying (auxiliary) members globally.
Purpose and Mission
The primary objective of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the sanctification of its members. Members seek to achieve personal holiness by imitating Mary’s profound virtues—most notably her deep faith, humility, and boundless charity.
By participating in the movement, lay Catholics live out their baptismal call through the Spiritual Works of Mercy. The Legion focuses exclusively on spiritual outreach and evangelization, purposefully refraining from fundraising, financial aid, or purely political or social undertakings.
Spiritual Fruits of the Apostolate
Participating in the Legion yields profound spiritual transformation, both for the individual legionary and the wider community:
- Deepened Faith & Virtue: Active collaboration with Our Lady fosters a robust interior life rooted in daily prayer and sacramental grace.
- Parish Revitalization: Acting as frontline instruments of the Holy Spirit, legionaries help return lukewarm Catholics to mass and invite non-Catholics to discover the beauty of the Church.
- Consolation to the Lonely: Bringing spiritual comfort to souls who are isolated, sick, forgotten, or in darkness.
The Legion in the Diocese of Peterborough
The Legion of Mary has been a vital part of the local history of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough for decades. The Peterborough Curia was officially affiliated in 1982, strengthening the presence of the lay apostolate across the parishes.
The basic local unit of the Legion is called a praesidium. Within our diocese, legionaries actively support their local pastors by performing vital pastoral works:
- Home and Parish Visitation: Visiting families, newly baptized individuals, and families preparing for First Holy Communion.
- Outreach to the Sick and Aged: Visiting hospitals, retirement properties, and long-term care homes to share fellowship and prayer.
- Marian Devotion: Promoting the recitation of the Holy Rosary and coordinating the travels of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue from home to home.
- Spiritual Formation: Holding weekly meetings that seamlessly blend liturgical prayers, the Holy Rosary, and reports of the apostolic tasks completed during the week.
How You Can Join
Membership is warmly open to all practicing Catholics who desire to play a full part in the life of the Church. You can join the Legion under one of two frameworks:
- Active Members: Committed to attending one weekly praesidium meeting for prayer and formation, and completing at least two hours of assigned apostolic service each week in pairs.
- Auxiliary Members: A praying army of supporters who cannot attend meetings or do field visits, but commit to praying the Legion prayers (the Tessera) and the Holy Rosary daily for the intentions of the active members.