Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary was founded by Frank Duff on September 7, 1921 in Dublin. His idea was to help Catholic lay people fulfill their baptismal promises and be able to live their dedication to the Church in an organised structure, supported by fraternity and prayer. The Legion was first only open to women; the first men apart from Duff himself joined it in1929. The legionaries first started out by visiting hospitals, but they were soon active among the most destitute, notably among Dublin prostitutes. Frank Duff subsequently laid down the system of the Legion in the Handbook of the Legion of Mary in 1928. The Legion of Mary soon spread from Ireland to other countries and continents. At first, the Legion often met with mistrust due to its dedication to lay apostolate which was unusual for the time. Only after Pope Pius XI expressed praise for the Legion in 1931, could such mistrust be quelled.

Membership is open to all baptised Catholics. After visiting a praesidium a few times, one can join the legion as a probationary member. This probationary membership lasts for three months, after which he or she has to decide whether to join the Legion as an active member permanently. At the end of the probationary period, members say an oath of "Legion promise", a pledge of allegiance to the Holy Spirit and to Mary, in order to become a permanent active member. 

THE LEGION OF MARY AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH

The legion of Mary has always been an integral part of our Parish and over the years has grown in strength and numbers. At present we have 1 Junior Legion praesidium and 2 adult Praesidium beside one praesidium that conducts its meetings in Konkani.

·     Konkani Legionary meets every Monday at 6: 00 p.m.

·     English Legionary meets every Tuesday at 7: 00 p.m.

·     Senior Legionary meets every Saturday at 8: 00 p.m.

·     Junior Legionary meets every Thursday at 6: 00 p.m.

LEGION OF MARY (ENGLISH)

Priest-in-Charge : Fr. Clinton Rayar

Lay Co-ordinator: Allan