Officers of the Praesidium
President--------Elizabeth Thomas Telephone # 648-1872 bigchic44@aol.com
V.President --- Mike DiSilvestro Telephone # 648-3844 disilves@bellsouth.net
Secretary ------Therese McCreesh Telephone # 644-9044
Treasurer ------Ron Tugya Telephone # 642-9344 rtugya@bellsouth.net
Curia Contact --Sharon Crocker Telephone # 356-3042 Cell #
309-2480
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What is the Legion Of MaryFounded in
Dublin, Ireland in 1921 the Legion Of Mary is now a world-wide
organization of Catholic men and women who place themselves under the banner of Mary, Queen of the Legion. The object of the
Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation, under
ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary's and the Church's work of crushing the head of the serpent and advancing the reign
of Christ.Subject to the approval of the international Concilium, and to the restrictions specified in the
official handbook of the Legion, the Legion of Mary is at the disposal of the bishop of the diocese and the
parish priest for any and every form of social service and Catholic action which these authorities may deem
suitable to the legionaries and useful for the welfare of the Church. Legionaries will never engage in any of
these services whatsoever in a parish without the sanction of the parish priest or the Ordinary.
The Legion setting follows the Roman Army whose members were called Legionaries.
The local/parish unit of the Legion is the Praesidium. A set of Praesidia form
the Curia and so on. The international headquarters, Concilium, governs this
worldwide organization from Dublin, Ireland. The Commander of this Army is
Mother Mary herself who wishes to see all her children closer to her Son. Her
Legionaries bring the Good News to all they meet.
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The Works of the Legion
The Legion sees as its priority the spiritual and social welfare of each
individual. Our members participate in the life of the parish through visitation of the sick in
hospitals and through collaboration in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by
the parish.During hospital visits Legionaries are concerned with the physical and spiritual needs
of the patients, pray with them and provide Church approved religious material such as prayer cards,
rosaries, etc. Those members who have been separately deputized as Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers
can also provide Communion to the sick patients. Being an Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister is
not a prerequisite to joining the legion.
Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly
apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary, and in the daily recitation of the
Catena (the Magnificat, prayers of the Legion).
"For all states of the laity the perfect example of spiritual and apostolic life is
the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, who while leading the life common to
all here on earth, one filled with family concerns and labours, was always intimately
united with her Son and in an entirely unique way cooperated in the work of the Saviour.
...All should devoutly venerate her and commend their life and apostolate to her maternal care".
(Vatican II: Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity)
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Membership Categories
Membership in the Legion is open to all Catholic men and women who lead edifying lives and are
animated by the Legion spirit or at least desire to foster that spirit in themselves and are
willing to fulfill the required duties. Active members must be at least eighteen years old.
However, a junior praesidium can be organized for those between ten and eighteen, with duties
befitting their abilities, and under the direction of a senior Legionary.
Auxiliary membership in the Legion of Mary is open to priests, religious and
laity who are unable to assume the duties of active membership. Auxiliary
members do not undertake the active apostolate of weekly meetings and
weekly assignments. As the praying wing of the Legion, Auxiliaries recite
daily specific Legion prayers, including the Rosary.
Membership in the Legion of Mary also offers opportunities for those seeking
to advance their spiritual interior life. The spiritual formation of legionaries
at the praesidium level greatly helps in the development of their holiness.
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Weekly Meetings
Active members are required to meet weekly with our
Spiritual Director to pray, to report on, and receive our weekly work
assignments. We meet each Wednesday in the St. Mary's school library.
Our meetings start at 6:15pm and last for no more than 1 1/2 hours. All
matters discussed at our meetings or in connection with the work that
are of a confidential nature must be maintained confidential and may not
be divulged outside the Legion.
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Annual Acies
Annually, and as close as possible to March 25, the
feast of the Annunciation, active and auxiliary Legionaries assemble in
a sacred and solemn religious ceremony, called the Acies, to renew individually
and collectively their consecration to the Blessed Virgin. This assembly
recalls Mary's complete dedication to the Holy Spirit during that momentous
visit of the Archangel Gabriel when the fate of mankind hung in the balance
and awaited Mary's free acceptance. This impressive rite reminds every
Legionary of his duty of surrendering to continue her mission of crushing
the serpent's head. Our event is usually held in Columbia, SC.
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Pope John Paul II Address to Italian Legionaries, October 30, 1982
"Yours is an eminently Marian spirituality, not only
because the Legion glories in carrying Mary's name as its unfurled banner,
but above all because it bases its methods of spirituality and apostolate
on the dynamic principle of union with Mary, on the truth of the intimate
participation of the Virgin Mary in the plan of salvation. In other words,
you intend to render your service to every person who is the image of Christ,
with the spirit and the solicitude of Mary.
Each year the Legion of Mary sponsors
the "MAY PROCESSION" which is a Parish event to honor and to express our
reverence for the dignity of Mary, the Mother of God and Our Lord Jesus
Christ. For more details, click on ==>"MAY
PROCESSION."
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