The Legion of Mary is a lay Catholic organization whose members are giving service to the Church, on a voluntary basis, all over the world.
The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation in Mary’s and the Church’s work.
The Legion of Mary was founded by Frank Duff with a group of Catholic laywomen and Father Michael Toher. The first meeting was held in Myra House, Francis Street, Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921. In the first decade of its existence, it consolidated itself in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. In the second decade, the Legion spread rapidly through the United States, Canada, India, Australia, and Africa. The third decade saw it span the length and breadth of Europe. Finally, the vast Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas caught its contagious missionary zeal so that the Legion exists on all continents.
Frank Duff’s profound insights into the role of the Blessed Virgin in the plan of Redemption and the role of the lay faithful in the mission of the Church form the basis of the Legion’s works.
The Legion does not require persons of special talent. Through spiritual formation and a program of works, it molds average Catholics of good will into apostles.
The first praesidium (parish unit) was formed in the United States, at Raton, New Mexico in 1931. In Cincinnati, the first praesidium was established in the early 1940’s.