Why Join the Legion of Mary?
Why join the Legion of Mary? The answer to this question can be found at the very core teaching of the the Doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ - a topic that Frank Duff, the Legion of Mary founder, has written rather exhaustively, in the Legion of Mary Handbook. Duff understands from the words and teachings of Saint Paul (Ephesians 1:22-23) Christ as the Head of the Church, in a mystical union with its members (the baptized and those in communion with the one true Church). According to Duff, the Doctrine of the Mystical Body is the basis of Legionary service. ("Christ, " says the Apostle, "is the Head of the Body if the Church"). Therefore, the Church is the unbroken unity of its members, linked together in the service of each member and attached to its Head, Jesus Christ. As part of the Mystical Body of Christ, we should all endeavor to stay attached to its head, lest we die a spiritual death likened to a severed finger detached from the hand. Thus, a Christian's responsibility is to help everyone united to the Body and its Head. It is incumbent incumbent on all the baptized to bring everyone into union with the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. This is the essence of Legionary service and the most compelling reason to join the Legion of Mary - to work out our salvation and the salvation of all and to hold firm in Christ's Mystical Body.
What is the Object of the Legion of Mary
The object of the Legion of Mary as the Legion Handbook states: "is the glory of God through the sanctification of its members by prayer and active cooperation under ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary's and the Church's work of crushing the head of the serpent and advancing the reign of Christ." Thus, the Legion of Mary seeks what the Church's mission is for the millions of souls under its care, that of the sanctification of all its members. However, the Legion calls its members to apostleship and works of evangelization leading all to Christ, through Mary. For the Legion of Mary, the salvation of a soul is its primary duty and thus, win all its endeavors, its members keep their eyes focused on the 'finish line' - heaven,
How Do I Join the Legion of Mary?
Those wishing to join the Legion of Mary must apply for membership. Membership to the Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who: a) FAITHFULLY PRACTICE THEIR RELIGION and b) are animated by the desire to fulfill the role in the CHURCH'S APOSTOLATE through membership of the Legion and c) are prepared to fulfill each and every duty which active membership to the Legion applies. If you feel that you are being called to join this apostolic organization, please feel free to send us an email and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Membership Requirements
A member applying for membership to the Legion of Mary should at the very least be enthused, inspired and motivated to be an apostle of Christ, always looking out for opportunities and situations to bring someone closer to God and his Church. In the Legion, there is no place for lukewarmness as its members are duty bound to talk about the mysteries of the Catholic Faith to everyone, anywhere when an opportunity arises (thanks to the promptings of the Holy Spirit). A basic requirement to membership is that he or she is a Catholic who "faithfully practice their religion. Simply stated, a potential candidate to the ranks of the Legion is a good and faithful Catholic practicing the moral and doctrinal precepts of the Church. What then does this require? The San Francisco Senatus clarified this in their 2020 document called, "Membership Requirements, Chapter 13" (Click here to view this important document).
"Faithful practice of our religion is to live and affirm what our Catholic Faith teaches based on Christian doctrines found in Holy Scriptures and Sacred Tradition and are part of the Deposit of Faith safely guarded by the Church Magisterium. A Legion of Mary member seeking admission to its rank must therefore be a Catholic who is faithful to the dogmatic and doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church as defined by its Magisterium (Ordinary and Extraordinary) in union with the Pope and all its Bishop and are found in its Catechism and writings of the Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church. "
What are the benefits in joining the Legion of Mary?
The Legion of Mary offers no material compensation to its priests, Spiritual Directors or any of its members. However, there are so many 'hidden' benefits in its membership. First, you will meet new friends from all walks of life - people you would have probably not met if you had not joined the ranks of the Legion. In the Legion of Mary, are people of different background, education, career, culture and language. Second, you will begin to experience the life of an apostle (or evangelist). You will soon start to talk to others about God, your faith. as a Legionary is a witness to Christ. Third, as you mature in the Legion, your faith, prayer and spiritual life deepens and you begin to grow in virtue as Our Lady would show and guide you in holiness. Fourth, you will learn more about our Faith as Legionaries are required to defend the Church and its true Magisterial Doctrines. And fifth, Masses and prayers will be offered for you by the living members of the Legion until you are safe in heaven.