About The Legion of Mary

The Origin and Goals of the Legion:

    The Legion of Mary was formed on September 7, 1921, in Dublin, Ireland by Frank Duff. He envisioned an apostolic lay organization, under the leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that would empower ordinary Catholics to live out their baptismal promise in structured forms of prayer, service, and fraternity.  The Legion came to USA in the 1930's and State of Tennessee in 1953. 

The goal of the Legion of Mary is the personal sanctification of each of its members. To that end, three of our founding members are on the path to sainthood, Frank Duff - Founder, Adele Quinn - Envoy to Africa and Alfie Lambe - Envoy to South America. 

The Legionaries follow a Marian form of spirituality, influenced by St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary.  It is not required, but a consecration to Jesus through Mary is strongly encouraged. The cornerstone of Legionary spirituality is a profoundly personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through His mother Mary.

  The Legion of Mary is taught to embody the ideals of Christianity through the Spiritual Works of Mercy.  In Ireland, when the Legion of Mary first began, Legionaries served the destitute, those in hospitals, and even prostitutes, hosting Retreats for their conversion. Here in Tennessee, the Legion continues the work by visits nursing homes, offering sidewalk counseling outside abortion clinics, hosting day retreats, participating in the spiritual education of children and adults, making prison or jail visits, offering 'book barrows' at Parish functions and Community events, and doing door to door evangelization. These are only some ways we bring Christ to the dear souls in our Communities.

What is being an active member of the Legion like?

           Being a member of the Legion is a continuous blessing, one that comes with a few responsibilities. Once per week the Legionary must meet with his or her Presidium for prayer, study, making reports, and receiving the week’s assigned Legionary work. Meetings include planning ways to reach out to our parish and communities at large, under the direction of a priest or deacon.  Each Presidium has unique ways of fulfilling the Legion Apostolate, to Jesus through Mary.

Active members pray the Catena daily and add the intentions of the Blessed Mother to our daily recitation of the Rosary. Through the system of meetings, prayers, and works, Legionaries receive spiritual fortification, practical experience, sense of fulfillment, and heavenly graces obtained through living the Gospel faithfully.

What does the Legion of Mary need now?

           The Legion of Mary is in need of both active and auxiliary members. Auxiliary members are not required to attend meetings or do weekly works. They are asked to add the intentions of the Blessed Mother to their daily recitation of the Rosary accompanied by the Tessera prayers. Their prayers for the Legion are absolutely necessary for its success. Frank Duff writes in the Legionary Handbook, “This twofold auxiliary membership is to the Legion what its wings are to a bird” (pg. 95 “Auxiliary Membership”). The Auxiliaries prayers allow the active Legion member to rise to every challenge through the help of our Lady.

           Legion of Mary encourages people from all walks of life to join us. No matter your age or status in life the Legion is always looking for men and women with every sort of talent. The diverse experiences, skills, and Spiritual strengths contribute to the success of the work we do for Christ through His beautiful Mother.