Legion of Mary History

Christ has no hands but your hands to do his work today. He has no feet but your feet to lead men his way. He has no tongue but your tongue to tell me how he died. He has no help but your help to bring men to his side.

What is the Legion of Mary?

The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church with approximately 10 million active members. The second Vatican Council endorses the Legion. It is in almost every country in the world.

The Origin and Growth

The first meeting began in Dublin Ireland on September 7th, 1921 by Frank Duff. The Legion has been active in the Bahamas since the 1940’s and is in 11 parishes. There are 10 in Nassau and 1 in Hunters Grand Bahama.

The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the development of its members in spirituality and life skills.

How does it work?

The Legion is in essence an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor to meet the spiritual needs of the community. You are invited to find out more about the legion in your parish. Visit a meeting as a guest and say, “yes” tour lady.

Types of Membership

Active members and Auxiliary (Praying) members 

Requirements for Active Membership

Active membership is open to all Catholic men and women, those over 18 years of age in Senior Presidia and those under 18 in Junior Presidia.

The only obligation being a willingness to fulfill every duty which membership in the Legion involves.

Meetings; Time and days

Meetings are held every Wednesday at

5:30pm in the Benedict Room.

Duties of Active Members

1. Attendance of a weekly meeting of a Praesidium

2. Daily recitation of the Catena (Legion Prayer)

3. The performance of a substantial assigned apostolic work weekly.

4. An obligation not to discuss with others, matters learned at the meeting ot in connection with the work.

Reasons for becoming an Active Member

1. To satisfy the individual’s obligation incurred through the sacrament of Confirmation, to fulfill his duty as a soldier of Christ.

2. To follow the direction of Saint Pius who said, “What is most necessary at this time is to have in each parish a group of Laymen, virtuous, enlightened, determined and really apostolic.”

Advantages of being an Active Member

1. The assurance that one is putting forth his best effort in developing his spiritual life.

2. The knowledge that one is furthering the cause of Christ and his Blessed Mother. 

Present Officers of the Legion of Mary

President: Sharon Lewis

Vice President: Clarita Saunders

Secretary: Janice Mackey