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The
Legion of Mary
"The
Legion of Mary presents the true face of the Catholic Church."
Pope John XXIII
THE
LEGION OF MARY is a worldwide organization of Catholic men and women
who offer their services to their pastor to aid him in performing spiritual
works in the parish. Legion members place themselves under the banner
of Mary, so that with her help they may develop greater holiness in their
own lives as well as spread a deeper devotion to her among others.
ORIGIN
AND GROWTH: Frank Duff first originated the idea of the Legion of
Mary in 1917. On September 7, 1921, the first meeting was held in Dublin,
Ireland. The first
praesidium (parish unit) in the United States was formed at Raton, New
Mexico, on
November 27, 1931, and was composed entirely of men.
OBJECTIVES:
1) The personal sanctification of its members, who, taking Mary as their
model, endeavor to imitate her virtues, especially her Faith, Charity,
and Humility.
2) The spread of devotion to Mary, primarily by encouraging the recitation
of the Rosary (Mary's request at Fatima).
3) The performance of apostolic work under the direction of the Spiritual
Director of the parish unit of the Legion.
TYPES
OF MEMBERSHIP: Active members and Auxiliary (praying) members.
DUTIES
OF ACTIVE MEMBERS:
1) Attendance at a weekly meeting of the Praesidium.
2) Daily recitation of the Catena (Legion Prayer).
3) The performance of substantial assigned apostolic work weekly.
4) An obligation not to discuss with others matters learned at the meeting
or in connection with the work
REASONS
FOR BECOMING AN ACTIVE MEMBER:
1) To satisfy the individual's obligation incurred through the Sacrament
of Confirmation, to fulfill his duty as a soldier of Christ.
2) To follow the direction of Saint Pius X who said, "What is most
necessary at this time is to have in each parish a group laymen at the
same time virtuous, enlightened, determined, and really apostolic."
ADVANTAGES
OF BEING AN ACTIVE MEMBER:
1) The assurance that one is putting forth his best effort in developing
his own spiritual life.
2) The knowledge
that one is furthering the cause of Christ and His Blessed Mother.
3) The feeling that one is making a worthwhile investment of his time
on earth by "laying up treasures in heaven where neither rust nor
moths consume nor thieves break in to steal."
THE
LEGION OF MARY HELPS ITS MEMBERS:
1) To see Christ in others and to serve Him there.
2) To develop a closer relationship with Christ themselves.
3) To work hand in hand with Mary, their Queen and Mother.
4) To submit themselves to the Holy Spirit as instruments in His work.
EXAMPLES
OF APOSTOLIC WORK:
1) Visiting the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes.
2) Visiting door-to-door in the parish, inviting the un-churched to become
acquainted with the Catholic Church.
3) Visiting families, encouraging Sunday Mass attendance and the religious
instruction of children.
4) Teaching religious education.
5) Distributing Catholic literature.
6) Promoting religious devotions in the home, especially the family Rosary.
7) Encouraging lapsed Catholics to return to the practice of their faith.
HOW
TO JOIN THE LEGION OF MARY:
Call Susan Read (303-499-6170) or Louise Roemer (303-443-6320) to
arrange to attend a Legion meeting. Currently the Legion of Mary meets on
Thursday mornings from 9:15 a.m. -10:15 a.m. in the St. Anne room at St. Martin's. A prospective
member is taken on probation for at least 3 months. During that time he
samples the Legion system and takes part in Legion works. After the probation
period, he can decide whether or not he wishes to take on full membership.
AUXILIARY
MEMBERSHIP: If for some reason one cannot become a full Active Member,
one may become an Auxiliary Member. Auxiliary members are not obligated
to attend any meetings, but rather offer the Legion the priceless backing
of their prayers. They pray daily the prayers contained in the Legion
prayer leaflet, which include the Rosary. Contact Susan Read or Louise Roemer, listed above.
ADVANTAGES
OF BEING AN AUXILIARY MEMBER:
1) A share in all the prayers and works of the thousands of active members
throughout the world.
2) The gaining of all indulgences attached to praying the Rosary and the
Legion prayers.
3) After death, a share in the thousands of Masses offered each November
by Legion of Mary Praesidia throughout the world, for the repose of the
souls of all active and auxiliary members.
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