Vatican II: Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity:
The perfect example of this type
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 labors, was always intimately
united with her Son and in an entirely unique way cooperated in the
work of the Savior. Having now been assumed into heaven, with her
maternal charity she cares for these brothers of her Son who are still
on their earthly pilgrimage and remain involved in dangers and
difficulties until they are led into the happy fatherland. All should
devoutly venerate her and commend their life and apostolate to her
maternal care.
The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people
in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in
almost every country of the world. It has been active in the United
States since 1931 and was
endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion
of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its
members.
The Legion has two kinds of membership: active and auxiliary.
Active
become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced
program of prayer and service. Members meet once a week for prayer,
planning and discussion in a
family setting. Then they do two hours of work each week in
pairs and under the guidance of their spiritual director. Some works
include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison
ministry, teaching CCD, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the
parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual
director named by the pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension
of the heart and hands of the pastor.
Any practicing Catholic who is willing to help in the lay apostolate
may become a member. Attendance at a weekly meeting is essential, for
it is here that the work is organized and prayer for that work is done.
Senior legionaries must be 18 years and over. There are groups for
‘Juniors’ under this age. Each member is required
to say a short prayer
each day called the Catena and is encouraged to say the Rosary each day
also. Active members are required to undertake some apostolic work set
at the meeting.
Auxiliary
or praying
members are the praying wing of the Legion army, and by their
prayers support active legionaries in much the same way that an
airforce would support an army. This membership is open to
priests, religious and the laity. It consists of those who are unable
or unwilling to assume the duties of active membership, but who
associate themselves with the Legion by undertaking a service of prayer
in its name.
There are no age limits in the case of auxiliary membership. This
service need not be offered directly on behalf of the Legion. It will
suffice to offer it in honour of Our Blessed Lady. Therefore it is
conceivable that the Legion might receive nothing from it, nor does the
Legion desire to receive anything which would do more good elsewhere.
But as this service is a legionary one, it is probable that it will
incline the Queen of the Legion to have regard for the needs of the
Legion.
However, it is strongly recommended that this and all other legionary
service be offered to Our Lady as an unreserved gift to be administered
according to her intentions. This would lift it to a higher level of
generosity and thus greatly enhance its worth. This purpose would be
kept in view by saying daily some formula of offering such as the
following: "Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces, I place at your
disposal such portion of my prayers, works and sufferings as is
permitted to me."
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