Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of All Graces, serve the Church and their neighbor.

The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a praesidium, which holds a weekly meeting, where prayer is intermingled with reports and discussion. The basic unit of the Legion is called a praesidium, which is normally based in a parish. Holy Family has more than one praesidium. We have 4 praesidia which meet weekly: 2 in English and 2 in Spanish. To be an active legionary it is necessary to apply for membership in a praesidium, which allocates a weekly apostolic task to the members, who generally work in pairs. Through the visitation of homes and by other means, the Legion must, as a first principle, set out to establish a contact of some sort with every soul everywhere. Seeing and serving Christ in the sick and marginalized is another vital part of the legionary apostolate. While not engaging in the giving of material relief, legionaries will often find opportunities to do works of service for the needy.

Realizing the necessity for a strong support of prayer, the Legion has Auxiliary members, who associate themselves with the Legion by undertaking a service of prayer in its name. The Auxiliary members do not participate with the active Legionaries, but rather are organized as a supply line for the active members. The supply that they provide is prayer to Our Blessed Mother, on behalf of the praesidium to which they are attached, but with the consent that She use their prayers as She wishes.

To inquire about the Legion of Mary and, in particular, to join a praesidia, please contact the main office in the church 703-670-8162.

Legion of Mary meetings are currently scheduled as follows:

Tuesday at 7 pm (English [Jan Clark-President])

Saturday at 10am (English [Pat Steinberg – Vice President])

You may also contact the Spiritual Director:

None available at this time.