WHO WE ARE

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide Catholic association volunteers, founded in Ireland in 1921, started in Canada in 1932 and was brought to Toronto in 1934. The Legion has been endorsed by the last seven Popes and is aligned with the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on lay apostleship. Membership in 2021 is estimated at 4 million active and 5 million auxiliaries across 170 countries.

The Legion aims to increase the holiness of its members through prayer and study of the faith, to serve Jesus in the community through the works of mercy and in effect, to be living copies of Mary.

WHAT WE DO

Inspired by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the Blessed Mother, the Legionaries embark on a Catholic life of prayer and faithful service.

Active members meet once a week to recite a set of prayers starting with the Rosary, to study the Bible, the Catechism, writings of the Saints and other Catholic literature. Planning and reporting of apostolate works are also discussed in the meetings.

Jesus is served in the community with the heart of Mary. Apostolic works include Home-to-Home Visitation, Parish Census, Hospital or Long Term Care Visitation, Prison Ministry, Crowd Contact, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in homes, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, Preparations for the Sacraments and other spiritual needs of the parish assigned by the Spiritual Director. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the Parish Priest.

Auxiliary membership is open to priests, religious and lay people who are willing to offer prayers for Our Blessed Mother’s intentions.

WHERE TO VISIT US

The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a Praesidium which is based in the parish. Visitors are welcome to attend a meeting that is usually held in the parish hall. Come and be uplifted by the experience of praying with fellow Catholics. Get to know more about the apostolic works being done by the praesidium.

WHO CAN JOIN US

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics – devout, lukewarm, lapsed, converts, newly initiated, who will commit to practice their faith. We welcome all who are willing to follow the Legion of Mary system and perform the duties that will come with active membership. Let us continue the work of our Blessed Mother in bringing Jesus to all.

ASK US QUESTIONS

We would love to hear from you. Kindly email all inquiries to toronto.senatus@gmail.com. We can connect you to the Legion of Mary Praesidium in your parish or to a parish nearest you.