Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary had its humble beginnings in Dublin, Ireland, founded by Frank Duff.

The first meeting began in September 7, 1921 with a small group, consisted of mostly women. The intention of setting up of such a group was to form a organised system in which Catholic lay people can follow to fulfill their baptismal promise and to journey together as a community.

This system of organisation is then penned down by Frank Duff into a compilation called the Legion Handbook, a timeless reference to live a Godly life in terms of acts and prayer.

Today, the Legion of Mary has millions of lay members over numerous countries. And its presence can be felt by many.

Some might ask, why call it the Legion of Mary? And particularly the Roman Legion?

Perhaps it's the discipline and the organisational strength of the Roman Army that appeal to the initial founding members of the 1st praesidium. As you will note, membership titles and the hierarchy follows the Roman Army.

The essential aim of the Legion is the sanctification of its members through prayer and work. Particular attention is paid to the devotion to the Holy Trinity and Mary.

The Legion's spirituality is easily identifiable when you read St Louis Marie the Monfort's True Devotion to Mary.

Before membership enrollment (other than auxiliary), the interested baptised visits the praesidium for at least 3 consecutive times before taking on probationary membership for 6 months. Upon the end of the probationary period, the Legion Promise (essentially a pledge of commitment and discipline to the Holy Spirit and Mary) is taken.

There are various forms of membership for the interested Catholic to enroll in.

Active
By far the most known due to their numbers and work, active members attend regular meetings, say the Legion Prayer and do active work. Junior active members (under 18) is not required to take the Legion Promise.

Auxiliary
Auxiliary members do not need to attend meetings but are invited to the occasional functions of the legion. They pray the entire set of Legion prayers called the Tessera.

Praetorians
Sometimes regarded as the 'super prayer Active members', praetorians are active members but also say the rosary and Divine office daily. They also attend daily mass.

Adjutorians
Like the praetorians, adjutorians are auxilaries who attend mass, say the rosary and Divine office daily.

Note that these 'super' members does not command a higher status than other members, but rather they reflect a desire to be more devotional. This can be particularly encouraging for other fellow members as well.

Servant of God - Frank Duff
Frank Duff is the founder of the Legion of Mary.

He was born on 7th June 1889. At the age of 24, he joined St Vincent de Paul Society, of when was a crucial point in his faith journey. Through the society, he learnt to provide for the needs of the poor. It was then he thought to provide not only for the physical needs of the people but also their spiritual needs.On September 7th, 1921 Frank Duff founded the Legion of Mary to fulfill those needs.

Frank Duff's spirituality is heavily Marian as seen by his emphasis on the True Devotion to Mary (St Louis Marie de Monfort). Frank Duff died on November 7th 1980 and is in the process of beatification.

(For more detailed information, visit here.)

Alfie Lambe
The servant of God, Alphonsus Lambe, (known as Alfie) was born in Tullamore, Ireland on the feast of St. John the Baptist, Friday, 24th June 1932.
Alfie was known for his enthusiasm and his linguistic ability.

Despite his poor health, he managed to set up numerous praesidia in Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay and Brazil.

Alfie died in Buenos Aires on the feast of St. Agnes, 21st January 1959. And like Frank Duff, he is a servant of God is and is in the process of being beatified.

Venerable Edel Quinn
Edel Quinn was born in Kanturk, Co. Cork, Ireland on September 14th, 1907.

Edel was a lady with poor health, so much so that she could not enter the convent. But that did not stop her from doing so much for the legion.

At the age of 20, she gave herself entirely to the legion and established many praesidia and councils, especially in Africa.

She worked herself so much that she passed away at a tender age of 37. Now she is on her way to sainthood.