Weekly Praesidium Meeting Guide

Every active Legionary attends a weekly praesidium meeting. This guide explains what happens at that meeting, how to prepare, and what new members can expect when joining a group in the Tidewater region. Return to the Tidewater Curia homepage for an overview of the Legion in Hampton Roads, or read the full Legion of Mary Handbook for the authoritative text on Legion practice.

What Happens at a Weekly Meeting

A praesidium is the basic unit of the Legion of Mary, usually attached to a parish and meeting once each week under the direction of a spiritual director. The meeting combines prayer, spiritual instruction, reporting on apostolic works, and planning for the week ahead. Members sit in a family setting, often around a table displaying the Vexillum and Tessera, the Legion's standard and prayer card.

The meeting is not a social gathering alone. Its purpose is to renew each member's union with Mary, review work done for souls, and assign new works for the coming week. Every part of the meeting follows the order set out in the handbook so that praesidia across the world remain united in spirit and method.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting

1. Confirm the meeting day and time with your local praesidium or through the Adult Praesidia listing for Tidewater.
2. Review the Legion prayers, especially the Catena, Magnificat, and concluding prayers used at every meeting.
3. Arrive a few minutes early so the meeting can begin on time with all members present.
4. Bring a notebook if your praesidium records work reports on paper, and dress modestly as you would for any parish activity.
5. If you are visiting as a guest, introduce yourself to the president and spiritual director before the opening prayer.

Order of a Typical Praesidium Meeting

Exact wording follows the handbook, but most meetings include these elements in order:

1. Opening prayers. The Rosary (or a decade), the Catena Legionis, and other prayers prescribed for the Legion open the meeting and place members under Mary's protection.
2. Spiritual reading and allocutio. A passage from Scripture or spiritual writing is read, followed by a short talk (allocutio) from the spiritual director or an assigned member.
3. Reports on work. Each member reports briefly on apostolic work completed since the last meeting. Works are done in pairs whenever possible and always in a spirit of prayer.
4. Discussion and planning. The praesidium reviews parish needs, assigns works for the coming week, and addresses any matters referred by the Curia or spiritual director.
5. Closing prayers. The meeting ends with the Magnificat, prayers for the Holy Father, the bishop, and deceased legionaries, and the concluding prayer of the Legion.

After the Meeting

Active members complete at least two hours of assigned apostolic work during the week, always in union with Mary and under the guidance of the spiritual director. Works may include home visitation, parish outreach, care for the sick, or other assignments suited to the praesidium's charism. See the Legion Works page for examples of apostolic activities.

Between meetings, members pray the Tessera daily and remain faithful to their Catholic duties. Those considering membership should read about Legion of Mary membership and speak with the president of a local praesidium. Questions about groups in Tidewater may be directed through the contact page.

Guide published July 2026 for members of the Tidewater Curia. For the official order of meeting, consult the handbook chapter on the Order of the Praesidium Meeting.