Ministries for Adults

History and Mission:

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide lay apostolic association of Catholics, serving God and neighbor under the leadership of Mary Immaculate and with the Church’s sanction. Its mission is to glorify God by fostering holiness in its members through prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the Church’s evangelization efforts. Each unit, known as a praesidium, holds weekly meetings, where prayer is interwoven with reports and discussions. The praesidium at St. Eleanor Parish is Mary, Mother of Divine Mercy.

Founded in 1921 by Frank Duff, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Legion was established to distinguish spiritual works of mercy from corporal works of mercy. It focuses exclusively on spiritual outreach within the parish, bringing souls to Christ and Christ to souls, while refraining from financial or purely social endeavors. 

The Holy Spirit and Our Lady first brought Christ to the world and continue to do so. Without the Holy Spirit, Mary is nothing, and without Mary, the Holy Spirit may seem vague and distant.  As noted by theologian Scott Hahn, Mary actively cooperated with the Holy Spirit through her obedience and faith in God’s plan and is a model of discipleship for all believers. For this reason, each Legionary makes a solemn promise to the Holy Spirit and implores Mary to shape them into willing instruments of God’s service.

Global Presence and Organization:

The Legion of Mary is the largest Catholic lay apostolate, serving God through Marian devotion and apostolic work to share His grace. Established in over 170 countries, it comprises approximately 663,000 praesidia and over ten million members. Membership is open to all practicing Catholics, men and women, willing to fulfill the required duties. Founder Frank Duff described its members as ordinary Catholics from all walks of life—both learned and unlearned, laborers and leisured, diverse in class, race, and background—reflecting the universal Church.

The Legion offers two equal membership classes: Active and Auxiliary. Active members attend weekly meetings and carry out assigned works, while Auxiliary members support the mission through prayer without attending meetings or performing works.

Saint Eleanor Parish Praesidium

The Legion of Mary in our parish is represented by the Mary, Mother of Divine Mercy Praesidium. We meet weekly in Kateri Hall on Fridays at 10:00 AM. Meetings last 90 minutes. Visitors are always welcome.

In addition to attending weekly meetings, active members must complete at least two hours of spiritual work per week, assigned by the president and approved by our pastor. Our praesidium’s works include visiting registered parishioners, praying the rosary, and ministering to Catholics in local senior living facilities. We also facilitate the enthronement of the Sacred Heart image in family homes.

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