Legion of Mary
Beloved African Community, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to all members of our vibrant African Community to join the Legion of Mary here at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai. In a land far from our homes, we are called to be a light for Christ, and the Legion of Mary is a powerful vehicle to live out that calling.
What is the Legion of Mary?
The Legion of Mary is a global, lay Catholic apostolic association whose members serve God in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921, its mission is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members by a life of prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the Church’s work.
Legionaries, as we call ourselves, see Christ in every person we meet. We strive to be instruments of the Holy Spirit, carrying out various apostolic works under the guidance of our spiritual director. Our core mission is to evangelize and bring souls closer to Christ. This is the very essence of our faith, as Jesus himself commanded in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Importance of the Legion in our Liturgy and Community
The Legion of Mary’s work is an extension of the priest’s ministry and is deeply integrated into the liturgical and communal life of the parish. Our apostolate, or work, is not simply a ministry; it’s a way of life, an active participation in the Church’s mission.
We live out the call to service and evangelism by visiting the sick, the elderly, and the homebound, offering comfort, prayer, and a tangible connection to the Church. We also engage in door-to-door evangelization and other works of mercy, bringing the light of the Gospel to those who need it most. This aligns with Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
The Legion provides a structured and prayerful environment for lay people to grow in their faith, strengthen their devotion to the Blessed Mother, and be a visible presence of the Church in the world. It’s a powerful way to put our faith into action, serving not just within the church walls but reaching out to the wider community.
Come and Join Us!
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few! 🌾 (Matthew 9:37) The Holy Spirit is calling you to a deeper relationship with Christ through service.
If you are a practicing Catholic and have a desire to grow in holiness and serve the Lord alongside the Blessed Mother, we invite you to join us. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need a willing heart.
How to join:
- Come as a guest to one of our weekly meetings. It’s a chance to see how we operate, pray with us, and learn more about our work.
- After attending a few meetings, you can decide to become an active member, committing to a weekly meeting and two hours of apostolic work.
- Alternatively, if you cannot commit to the active work, you can become an auxiliary member, supporting the Legion’s work through your daily prayers, especially the rosary.
Your presence and dedication are invaluable. As St. Paul reminds us, “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
For more information on meeting times and locations, please contact Bro. Emmanuel, before or after Mass, or call the African Catholic Community coordinator, Bro. Fidelis Chris on 0558687961
May our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of the Legion, intercede for us and guide us in all our endeavors. Amen.