Legion of Mary - Tidewater, Virginia Legion of Mary

Legion of Mary - Tidewater, VA USA

The Legion of Mary, under the standard of Mary, is a Catholic lay association whose members serve as instruments of the Holy Spirit through prayer and work. Active members meet weekly in a prayerful, family setting and carry out at least two hours of assigned apostolic work each week in union with Mary, our Mother. Auxiliary members support the Legion through daily recitation of the Rosary and a few additional prayers.

About the Legion of Mary

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.

The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with millions of active members in countries around the world. The Legion has been active in the United States since 1931, has received approval from successive Popes, and was commended by the Second Vatican Council. Its purpose is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.

Members of the Legion of Mary become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service in a family atmosphere. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, care for the sick or aged, Catholic education, visiting the newly baptized, visiting families, and meeting other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries serve under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion of Mary is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor.

Members meet weekly for prayer, planning, and discussion in a family setting. Each week they also complete two hours of definite work in pairs, under the guidance of their spiritual director.

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who:

faithfully practise their religion;

are animated by the desire to fulfil their role in the Catholic Church's apostolate through membership of the Legion;

are prepared to fulfil each and every duty which active membership of the Legion involves.

What You'll Find Here

This site supports the Tidewater Curia and the praesidia it serves across Hampton Roads and surrounding Virginia communities. The Works section describes apostolic activities carried out by local groups. The Handbook and Prayers pages provide formation material used at weekly meetings. Under Membership, you can learn about adult groups, junior legionaries, and auxiliary members who pray daily for the Legion's intentions. The Resources area offers policies, forms, handouts, and books for officers and members.

News, newsletters, and Catholic faith resources are also available through the menu. If you are new to the Legion or looking for a praesidium near you, start with the Membership page or contact us directly.

Getting Involved in Tidewater

The Tidewater Curia coordinates Legion of Mary groups throughout regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Diocese of Richmond, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Williamsburg, and nearby communities. New members are welcomed after a period of formation and are assigned to a local praesidium that meets weekly.

Active membership requires a weekly meeting, assigned apostolic work, and faithfulness to Catholic practice. New members may find the Weekly Praesidium Meeting Guide helpful before attending their first session. Auxiliary membership is open to those who wish to pray the Rosary and the Legion's daily prayers for the success of local works. Juniors under 18 participate through praesidia suited to their age. Visit the Adult, Juniors, or Auxiliaries pages for more detail, or reach out through our contact page if you would like help finding a group in your area.

The Tidewater Curia of the Legion of Mary is a Catholic family organization composed of lay Catholics who serve Jesus Christ in imitation of Mary, Our Mother (Tidewater Virginia, USA). The Curia includes Legion of Mary praesidia throughout the Tidewater region, including Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. The Tidewater Curia is attached to the Arlington, Virginia Regia of the Legion of Mary, which is itself attached to Concilium Legionis Mariae, the governing body of the Legion worldwide. Under the Queenship of Mary, members work and pray in obedience to Jesus Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.