Legion of Mary

+JMJ+ The Legion of Mary is an Association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces (who is fair as the moon, bright as the sun, and - to satan and his legionaries - terrible as an army set in battle array), have formed themselves into a Legion for service in the warfare which is perpetually waged by the Church against the world and its evil powers (Legion of Mary Handbook, 1).

The first meeting of the Legion of Mary was held in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, the eve of the Birthday of the Blessed Mother. There are now praesidiums (Legoin of Mary groups) in loads of dioceses throughout the would. The object of this organization is to help the laity to bring Mary to the world through prayer and volunteer work. In a way, this is a military organization for Our Lady. After all, we become Soldiers of Christ at Confirmation. This is a good way to live that call out, in union with His and Our Blessed Mother.

I belong to my local praesidium and attend weekly meetings with fellow active members. We pray the Tessara (rosary plus additional prayers), report on assigned volunteer work and adoration hours spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and read from the handbook and other spiritual works related to Mary. We also do an annual consecation to Mary via St Louis de Montfort's method, and we host a tea each summer for our auxiliary members (who pray the Tessara prays daily but do not do volunteer work nor come to weekly meetings). For more information regarding this lay organization, click on the title.