The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization of Catholic men and women who offer their services to aid their pastor in performing spiritual works in the Parish. The organization was founded in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, when founder Frank Duff met with a group of 15 women and a priest to form a
society to visit the sick and poor in the local hospital.  They drew up a plan, appointed officers, and ended with a prayer. One week later when members reported the results of their visits, everyone was encouraged. As new members joined, a wider field of operation came into view, and today the Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Praesidium of the Legion of Mary was formed in 1948. The first annual report indicated there were 8 active members along with 81 auxiliary and probationary members for a total membership of 89. Today’s membership consists of 7 active, 4 Praetorian, 128 auxiliary, 8 Adjutorian, and 11 probationary members for a total membership of 147. At Our Lady Star of the Sea, some have been members, either active and/or auxiliary, for over 40 years.
From the very beginning of its history, the primary purpose of Legion membership has been the personal growth in holiness of its members, both active and auxiliary. This is sought by placing themselves under the banner of Mary and the influence of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the sacraments, and service.
Active Legionaries meet once a week (90 minutes) to pray, encourage each other, and study our faith. Two hours of apostolic work each week is done in pairs so that new members learn from more experienced legionaries how to do the work. All works are done under the guidance of our Pastor.
Auxiliary Members are praying members who support the work of the Legion around the world by praying the Rosary and Legion prayers daily. They gain great grace for the Legion and also benefit from the prayers of 15 million other praying members worldwide. No attendance at meetings or work assignments are involved.
Adjutorian or Praetorian MembershipA higher grade of auxiliary membership is also available for both active and auxiliary legionaries with the following commitments:
- The daily recitation of all the prayers comprised in the Tessera of the Legion including the Rosary.
- Daily Mass and Holy Communion.
- The daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of Hours.
 Scope and Type of Work
Over the past year, the following apostolic work was accomplished by active Legion members with the prayer support of our auxiliary members:
- 800 people visited
- 560 people were prayed with
- 219 rosaries were given out
- 437 religious pamphlets were distributed (Rosary pamphlets, Divine Mercy pamphlets, holy cards, etc.)
- 75 pieces of “Catholics Come Home” literature distributed
Legion of Mary EventsAll members are invited to participate in the following annual events. Notices are made via the Parish bulletin or by mail.
- ACIES - Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary - March
- Annual General Reunion - December
- Auxiliary Breakfasts held on First Saturdays of May and October
- Legion prayers and Rosary on First Saturday of every month
Learn about the work of the Legion of Mary throughout the world!Subscribe to Maria Legionis, the Legion magazine published four times a year. It will keep you in touch with Legion activity throughout the world.
Legion of Mary at Our Lady Star of the SeaThe Legion of Mary meets weekly on Monday, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in Meeting Room 4.
Come and see if the Legion of Mary is for you! For further information, contact Judy Jenniges at 360-692-3077 or judyjenniges@comcast.net
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