Mary’s Army: 105 Years of the Legion of Mary

by Admin · January 22, 2026

For more than a century, the Legion of Mary has strengthened Catholics in living their faith and attracted new members to the Church. Ann van Niekerk explains how this global movement operates in South Africa.

The Legion of Mary is a Catholic sodality dedicated to service, prayer and the advancement of Christ’s reign under ecclesiastical guidance. Its ultimate aim is the glory of God, pursued through the holiness of its members.

Founded on September, 7, 1921, in Dublin, Ireland, by Frank Duff, the Legion has a strong presence in South Africa and across the African continent, with millions of members worldwide.

Legionaries assist parish priests by visiting the sick, housebound, lonely, those in hospitals, care homes, and prisons. They also evangelise in public, sharing the message of Christ’s love and resurrection. During an outreach this year in Cape Town, for example, we engaged with about 20 people, offering spiritual cards and rosaries — and cold water on a sweltering 36°C day.

We conduct visitations with humility, modelling the virtues of Mary. We listen attentively and allow others to speak. Visits are followed by the rosary, other prayers, and reading the day’s Gospel. Always with utmost tact, we enquire about the person’s faith background and sacramental history. If needed, we refer them to the parish priest. Many non-Catholics we engage with go on to join RCIA classes.

Just a glass of water

In our capacity as legionaries, we are not permitted to accept gifts, donations or food and drink — apart from a glass of water. We also may not give money. In cases of need, we refer individuals to the person responsible for distributing food parcels at the parish.

Parishes find our assistance with census-taking helpful. It is marvellous to experience the joy when we visit new parishioners, many of whom are from other countries. We are often asked to return.

We actively support parish life and organise Legion events such as Mother’s Day celebrations and rosary rallies. On May 17, for instance, the praesidium (the local unit of the Legion) I belong to, at St Anthony’s in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, led a session of 1000 Hail Marys before the Blessed Sacrament. We also support events such as Shrove Tuesday and parish bazaars.

Pilgrimages are encouraged. For example, in 2022 our praesidium visited churches and cathedrals across the Northern Cape, sharing the Gospel over more than 2000km with prayer and song.

A spiritual army

Legionary functions are held especially around Marian feasts. Close to the feast of the Annunciation on March 25, we mark the “Acies”, a solemn renewal of our consecration to Mary. The term Acies, Latin for “battle line” or “army in formation”, reflects our role as Mary’s spiritual army in the battle against evil. With a hand placed on the Vexillum (the Legion banner, pictured on top of the page), we pray: “I am all yours, my Queen and my Mother. All that I have is yours.” Both active and auxiliary members participate.

A major event is the Annual General Reunion, usually around December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This includes Mass, Legion prayers, the rosary, and social activities. Last year, our group performed a skit on the Second Joyful Mystery: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. These events may also feature singing, line dancing, and humorous performances.

The Legion always calls for new members — active and auxiliary. Recruitment drives are held at parishes to attract dedicated members, who are needed for the various tasks and prayers. But auxiliary members are also of great important to the Legion as their prayers support the active members in their spiritual work.

Besides spiritual growth, the Legion also promotes personal development. Many members gain confidence and leadership skills. Legionaries serve as parish pastoral councillors, catechists, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, proclaimers of the Word, and so on.

The Legion’s structure

The basic unit is the praesidium, typically based in a parish and meeting weekly. The next level, the curia, supervises several praesidia. Above this is the comitium, responsible for several curiae — usually covering a diocese or part of a province. A regia governs a larger territory, while the senatus has oversight of a whole country or region. The highest level, the concilium, is based in Dublin and directs the entire Legion globally.

Each level has the same structure: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and spiritual director. Other than the latter, who is always a priest, all offices are held by lay people. All members are regarded as equals.

New members undergo a three-month probation before making the “Legion Promise” — a pledge of allegiance to the Holy Spirit and to Mary.

Each praesidium meets weekly, with a spiritual director (usually the parish priest or delegate). Meetings begin promptly, following the Legion’s discipline. The Legion altar is set up according to the Legion Handbook, which we follow faithfully. Meetings include the invocation of the Holy Spirit, prayers, and the rosary. Personally, I reflect on the Apostles and Mary gathered in the Upper Room.

Of course, discussions at all meetings are confidential, which is essential when we reflect on home visitations.

Time for celebration

The Legion of Mary celebrates its anniversary on September 7, the day before the feast of Our Lady’s birthday. This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Legion of Mary. It is a time of celebration. The Senatus is already planning a regional conference for next year’s anniversary, likely in the Northern Cape.

In her appearances to Sr Reinolda May in Ngome, Our Lady emphasised establishing tabernacles to please God, combat evil, and bring souls back to God. The Church needs more legionaries — Mary’s soldiers.

Being a Legionary of Mary brings profound peace and joy. My late mother served for 67 years and was preparing for a home visitation on the day she died at 80 — she was a fulfilled legionary to the end.

Those interested in joining the Legion of Mary or in starting a praesidium are invited to contact local legionaries. We are always happy to visit and assist. For more information see legionofmary.ie.
Published in the September 2025 issue of the Southern Cross magazine