Frequently Asked Questions
Many of the questions that you might have can be answered by the Legion Handbook. Below are just some example questions that you might have.
Any Catholic can be a member of the Legion of Mary.
Please see the Membership section.
The spirit of the Legion of Mary is that of Mary herself. Especially does the Legion aspire after her profound humility, her perfect obedience, her angelical sweetness, her continual prayer, her universal mortification, her altogether spotless purity, her heroic patience, her heavenly wisdom, her selfsacrificing courageous love of God, and above all her faith, that virtue which has in her alone been found in its utmost extent and never equalled. Inspired by this love and faith of Mary, her Legion essays any and every work and “complains not of impossibility, because it conceives that it may and can do all things.’’ (Imitation of Christ, Book 3:5) – pg 12 Legion Handbook
Already it has been stressed that the holiness of the member is of fundamental importance for the Legion. It is moreover the primary means of action, for only in the measure that the legionary possesses grace can he be the channel of it to others. Hence it is that the legionary begins his membership by a request to be filled, through Mary, with the Holy Spirit and to be used as an instrument of his power which is to renew the face of the earth. – pg 45 Legion Handbook
Must “put on the whole armour of God”. (Eph 6:11)
Must be “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God . . . not conformed to this world.” (Rom 12:1-2)
Must not turn from “toil and hardship.” (2 Cor 11:27)
Must “live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” (Eph 5:2)
Must “finish the race” (2 Tim 4:7) – pgs 13-17 in Legion Handbook
The Legion of Mary has a type of ministry called a junior praesidia which allows for youth under 18 to participate in its mission. Members of this group may participate in special works designed for youth. See the NCYC section.
The primary goal of this ministry is the holiness of its members. We serve Jesus Christ under the banner of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is lived out through the performance of spiritual works of Mercy. This is rewarding, not only in earthly terms but eternally. Please see the Overview Section for more details.
The Legion of Mary in a parish is to be an extension of the parish priest. Spiritual works of Mercy that cannot be performed by the priest due to time constraints can be performed by the Legion. The Legion of Mary is to be an aid not a hindrance. Legion of Mary members have written many books and pamphlets about benefits to the priest that can be provided upon request. Please Contact Us.