07/01/2026
WHY BE A LEGION OF MARY ?
The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic organization founded in 1921 by Servant of God Frank Duff, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It calls ordinary Catholics to live an extraordinary life of holiness and active service, placing themselves totally at Mary’s disposal so that she may bring souls to Jesus.
To be a Legionary is not merely to join an organization—it is to embrace a way of life, a Marian spirituality rooted in prayer, sacrifice, discipline, and apostolic zeal.
I. Why Be a Legion of Mary?
1. To Belong Completely to Mary
Legionaries give themselves to Mary so she may form them into instruments of grace. As St. Louis de Montfort taught, “To Jesus through Mary.”
Mary leads us:
✅Closer to Christ
✅Deeper into humility
✅Stronger in obedience and faith
The Legion becomes a school of Marian discipleship.
2. To Grow in Holiness
The Legion of Mary insists that holiness is not optional for apostles. Through:
✅Weekly prayer meetings
✅The daily Catena
✅The Holy Rosary
✅Fidelity to the Church
Legionaries grow in virtue, discipline, and interior life.
“The Legion aims not only at bringing souls to God but at making its own members holy.” — Legion Handbook
3. To Serve the Church Actively
Legionaries assist priests and bishops through direct apostolic work, including:
✅Home visitations
✅Catechesis
✅Parish outreach
✅Works of mercy
✅Evangelization
The Legion is truly Mary at work in the Church.
4. To Become True Apostles
The Legion forms strong Catholic leaders who:
✅Know their faith
✅Defend Church teachings
✅Evangelize with charity
✅Persevere despite difficulties
It transforms passive Catholics into missionary disciples.
II. Qualifications to Be a Legionary
To join the Legion of Mary, one must:
1. Be a Practicing Catholic
-Baptized and confirmed
-Faithful to the teachings of the Church
-In good standing with the sacraments
2. Have a Sincere Devotion to Mary
-Love and trust in the Blessed Mother
-Willingness to pray the Rosary daily
-Desire to work under her guidance
3. Be Willing to Commit
The Legion is not casual. Members must:
-Attend weekly meetings faithfully
Perform weekly apostolic work
Submit reports honestly
Follow Legion discipline
4. Possess a Teachable Spirit
Legionaries must be:
-Humble
-Obedient to Legion authority
-Open to correction and formation
III. Duties of a Legionary
1. Prayer Duties
-Every active Legionary is required to:
-Pray the daily Catena Legionis
-Pray the Holy Rosary daily
-Participate actively in the weekly meeting
-Attend Mass frequently
Prayer is the soul of the Legion.
2. Apostolic Duties
Legionaries must:
-Perform at least two hours of apostolic work weekly
-Work in pairs, as assigned
-Report honestly and respectfully
-Seek souls, not recognition
Apostolate may include:
-Visitation of families, the sick, or the fallen-away
-Catechesis and faith-sharing
-Parish-based evangelization
-Promotion of devotion and sacraments
3. Loyalty to the Legion
Legionaries must:
-Follow the Legion Handbook
-Respect officers and spiritual directors
-Protect unity and charity within the Praesidium
-Avoid gossip and division
IV. Responsibilities of a Legionary
1. Personal Holiness
A Legionary must strive to:
✅Avoid sin
✅Live the virtues
✅Practice humility and obedience
✅Offer sacrifices for souls
A weak spiritual life weakens the apostolate.
2. Faithfulness and Perseverance
Legionaries are expected to:
✅Remain faithful even when enthusiasm fades
✅Continue despite trials or dryness
✅Serve with perseverance, not emotion
3. Witness to the Faith
A Legionary must be:
✅A good example in family, work, and parish
✅Reverent in speech and behavior
✅Courageous in defending the faith with charity
4. Unity with the Church
Legionaries act only in communion with the Church:
✅Obedient to the bishop and parish priest
✅Faithful to Church teachings
✅Never acting independently or contrary to authority
V. The Call of the Legion Today
In a world growing cold toward God, the Legion of Mary forms lay apostles who carry Mary into homes, hearts, and lives.
To be a Legionary is to say:
“I am Mary’s. I am available. Send me.”
If you desire:
-A disciplined spiritual life
-A deep love for Our Lady
-A mission that saves souls
-A place in the Church’s frontline apostolate
Then the Legion of Mary may be your vocation.
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Note to Reader: Please check with your local parish for the contact information of the Legion of Mary in your area.
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Prayers of the Faithful (c) 2026
