Legion of Mary at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

What Is the Legion of Mary?

The Legion of Mary is a Catholic lay apostolate whose members, called legionaries, seek to grow in holiness through prayer and active service under the spiritual guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its mission is to glorify God as the legionaries commit themselves to both personal sanctification and cooperative apostolic work in union with the parish clergy.

Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921 by Frank Duff, the Legion has spread to every continent and is now one of the foremost lay organizations in the Church. Legionaries meet regularly in local groups called praesidia, pray together, receive instruction, and carry out works of mercy and evangelization in their parishes and neighborhoods.

History & Structure

• Foundation (1921): Frank Duff established the first praesidium on September 7, 1921, in Dublin, with the goal of enabling everyday Catholics to live out their faith actively through prayer and service.

• Growth and Vatican recognition: Over time, the Legion’s model of combining Marian devotion with pragmatic apostolic outreach gained popularity. It has received endorsement from Church authorities and become a structured international movement.

• Local structure: The basic unit is a praesidium (parish group). Praesidia are organized into Curiae, Senatus (regional councils), and a Concilium (international coordination). Each meeting includes prayers (often the Rosary and Marian prayers), spiritual reading, reports, and planning of apostolic works.

Apostolic Works

In service to the parish and community, legionaries typically undertake activities such as:

• Visiting the sick and homebound (bringing prayer, comfort, and sometimes Holy Communion)

• Door-to-door or house-to-house outreach to invite neighbors to Mass, devotions, or parish life

• Supporting parish ministries, devotions, and sacramental preparation

• Visiting hospitals, prisons, and institutions where allowed and coordinated with parish clergy

These works are always conducted in collaboration with the parish priest and in harmony with diocesan norms and parish priorities.

Legion of Mary at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

We are blessed to have a praesidium of the Legion of Mary serving within our parish family.

At St. Paschal Baylon, the legionaries help to strengthen parish life through their quiet, faithful service. They bring prayer and pastoral presence to those who are ill or housebound, assist with parish devotions, and help foster outreach in the local community. Their work complements our parish mission of encountering Christ and welcoming all, especially those who are isolated or in need.

Though precise founding dates and the names of the first legionaries at our parish are not currently documented publicly, the group is listed among the parish’s official ministries. For meeting times, membership inquiries, and more detailed history, please contact the parish office.

New members — men and women, young and older — are always welcome. If you want to serve quietly in Mary’s army of love and mercy, come and see how you can participate.