Welcome to the Legion of Mary Group

WHAT IS IT?

The Legion of Mary is an association of dedicated Catholics serving under Mary, our Mother and Queen. It is the largest organisation of lay people involved in apostolic works in the Catholic Church, with well over three million active members in almost every country of the world. The Legion of Mary was founded by Frank Duff in Ireland in 1921. It has been in Australia since 1932.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The object of the Legion of Mary is the sanctification of its members by prayer and active apostolic work in union with Mary. Members cooperate in close union with the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth through a balanced program of prayer and service in evangelizing and performing works of mercy as Jesus commanded.

MEMBERSHIP

The two grades of membership are active and auxiliary. Active members meet weekly around an altar of Our Lady to pray the Rosary and Legion prayers, plan and discuss good works and receive spiritual formation. They then undertake two hours of works of service in union with Our Lady, as decided at the meeting. Auxiliary members pray the Rosary and the prayers of the Legion of Mary (the Tessera) for the intentions of the Blessed Mother and to support the efforts of the active members through their prayers. They are not required to attend any meetings.

Legion of Mary History

The Legion of Mary is an international Catholic lay organisation, which aims to collaborate in the Church's mission of evangelisation. Its members engage in the direct religious apostolate, especially towards those most remote from the Church's influence. In the spiritual formation of its members the Legion places much emphasis on the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ, on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and on the performance of apostolic work in union with Mary. Members place themselves at the service of Mary, and wish to help her in her mission as "Mother of the Church." In 1832 Father Bakker brought The Legion of Mary to Australia holding its first meeting in Australia (and Oceania) at our St Mary’s Ascot Vale on 8 May.

THE LEGION AND THE CHURCH

The Legion is sanctioned by the Church. Pope after Pope has urgently called the laity to pray and work in the organised lay apostolate.

THE LEGION AND OTHERS

Legionaries seek to see the face of Christ in their fellow members and in all those with whom they come in contact. The Legion has no politics, no class distinctions, no racial discrimination. Information learned at meetings or during active work is strictly confidential.

WHO CAN BELONG?

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics aged 18 and over who:

 faithfully practise their religion;

 are animated by the desire to participate in the Church’s apostolate through membership in the Legion;

 are prepared to fulfil each and every duty which membership in the Legion involves.

There are also junior branches of the Legion of Mary.

Some examples of work are:

 visiting the sick and lonely

 teaching catechism to children or adults

 hospital and nursing home visitation

 transporting the sick and elderly to Mass

 propagation of Catholic literature and sacramentals, in particular the Miraculous Medal and the Rosary.

Visitation is always done in pairs.

Father Justin Ford on the conclusion of the centenary year of the Legion in Australia:

Dear Legionaries,

Today, 7th September 2022, the Centenary Year of the Legion of Mary draws to a close, here and around the world - 101 years from the first Legion meeting in Dublin led by Frank Duff on 7th September 1921. We once again give thanks to God, and to Mary, our Blessed Mother and Queen, for all the graces of that first century of the Legion; and we especially give thanks for the joy and blessings of our centenary celebrations.

Here in Melbourne I was very pleased to celebrate the live streamed Centenary Mass on 7th September 2021 at my parish church of St Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Ascot Vale (location of the first Legion meeting in Australia and Oceania in 1932). We were then delighted to welcome Archbishop Peter Comensoli to celebrate the Annual Legion Mass here at St Mary's on 6th November. In February this year we had our Summer School - the Centenary Congress - at Magnificat House, with the theme, 'A Centenary of Love and Devotion'. Fr Joe Caddy, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, gave a beautiful and challenging keynote address and was principal celebrant at the Summer School Mass. In our own Councils we have had our joyful local celebrations, especially by making pilgrimage to a church or shrine of Our Lady, thereby gaining the Centenary Indulgence granted by the Holy See.

So as we step forth tomorrow beyond the special celebrations and ahead into our new century, we again ask our beloved Mother to intercede with her Son, gaining a new outpouring of graces upon her Legion:

Heavenly Father, we praise you and bless you:

our celebrations of the joyful centenary of Mary’s Legion are drawing to their close,

but now open into a future of continuing hope and grace.

Under the loving rule and guidance of their Mother and Queen, and in the grace of the Holy Spirit,

legionaries have come to Jesus through Mary and have led countless souls on that same shining way.

Grant that in our own time, we her Legion may be renewed on this path of holiness and evangelisation,

for the salvation of the world, to the praise of your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary Immaculate, our Queen, our Mother,

intercede with your divine Son for your Legion,

that it may be strong in faithfulness and abundant in fruitfulness,

as we move forward in trustful hope.

Fr Justin Ford

Spiritual Director

Melbourne Senatus

For information or to join contact Mary or Paul on 9346 7900 or 0435 062172.

Email bonnici.paul1@outlook.com