Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What works does the Legion of Mary undertake?

A: Regular works for the Legion of Mary include door to door evangelization, nursing home visitation, prison ministry, teaching RCIA and other religious education classes, visiting new parishioners and parish families with newly baptized babies, crowd contact and distributing Catholic literature, bringing the Pilgrim Virgin statue of the Blessed Mother to houses to consecrate them, and Enthronements of homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Legion also periodically organizes events for Legion work, such a Peregrination Pro Christo, which is typically a one or two week Mission trip by legionaries from several parishes to another state or even to another country. Another type of event is a Parish Evangelization Project, which is a one or two event by legionaries from several parishes to evangelize a nearby parish. The Legion also staffs a booth at county fairs to answer questions from people who may want to know more about the Catholic faith. All Legion works are approved by parish pastor or spiritual director and in all of its works, the Legion works in obedience to the bishops and the parish priests. Works are typically done in pairs so that legionaries can learn from each other and encourage each other in service to Our Lord.

Q: What is the purpose of the Legion of Mary?

A: The primary purpose of the Legion of Mary is to lead people to Jesus Christ so they can benefit from the love and mercy of God. Specifically, the Legion of Mary seeks to lead the people we encounter in our works to a greater knowledge and faith in God and to increase the faith and holiness of our own members through prayer and service to Our Lord.

Q: Who is eligible to join the Legion of Mary?

A: The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics in good standing with a desire to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of his Blessed Mother Mary. Catholics 18 years of age or older can join adult praesidia whereas Catholics younger than 18 years of age can join junior Legion of Mary praesidia. Catholics who are interested in joining the Legion will start with a three or six month probationary period before taking their Legionary Promise to become Legion members.

Q: What different types of Legion membership exist?

A: The two primary classes of Legion membership are active members and auxiliary members. Active members attend a Legion meeting once a week and perform works of service (typically about 2 hours a week). Auxiliary members instead pray the rosary and the prayers of the Legion of Mary (the Tessera) for the intentions of the Blessed Mother and bolster the efforts of the active members through their prayers. Higher grades of membership include praetorians, who are active members who also pray the Tessera daily, attend Mass daily, and daily recite an Office approved by the Church, and adjutorians, who are auxiliary members who attend Mass daily and daily recite an Office approved by the Church in addition to praying the rosary and the prayers of the Tessera daily.

Q: I would like to join the Legion of Mary. How can I find out if there is a praesidium (Legion group) near me?

A: If you live in Maryland, a map of praesidia can be found here.