When difficulties or spiritual weaknesses are encountered, the community serves as support, enabling people to pray to God with strength and perseverance. The legionaries hold weekly meetings during which they pray and practice devotion to Mary as a community. The most precious element of the Legion of Mary is its simple, steadfast adherence to two essential elements in Christian life: prayer and service, providing members with clear guidance for their journey of faith. It has enabled many to lead a meaningful life of faith and to support each other at parishes or schools. In numerous Church activities, it has formed the backbone of many Catholic associations. Over the years, the legion has accompanied many Catholics in their faith journey. According to the group’s handbook, the word “Legion” does not refer to an army of the secular world, but rather, refers to the fact that members need to learn the spirit of the ancient Roman legions: “loyalty, courage, discipline, endurance, and success.” Its spirit is that of Mary herself, with Mary as the role model of its members. The name of the Legion of Mary expresses its characteristics. Finally in 1948, with the approval of Bishop Enrico Valtorta, it was established in the Diocese of Hong Kong. Then they sat up, and under the auspices of Mary, started to discuss how they could best help the people on earth to love God.” From this most humble of beginnings came the Legion of Mary, now a large Catholic lay association.įounded in Ireland, the Legion of Mary spread abroad from Europe to Asia.

And then through the fingers which had, during the day, been toilsomely employed, they fervently prayed the rosary and invocations.

Kneeling down, they bent their heads and said the prayer of the Holy Spirit. “ON THE 7th of September, a hundred years ago, which was the eve of the feast of Our Lady’s Nativity, in Dublin, Ireland, several Catholics came together and set a simple altar.

Legion tagalog handbook