The Legion of Mary (Latin: Legio Mariae) is an international association of members of the Roman Catholic Church who serve it on a voluntary basis. It was founded in Dublin, as a Roman Catholic Marian Movement by the layman and civil servant Frank Duff.

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Membership is open to those who belong to the Catholic Church and believe in its teaching. Its stated mission is for active members to serve God under the banner of Mary by the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy, as mentioned in Chapter 33 of the Legion of Mary Handbook.

 

The main apostolate of the Legion is activities directed towards Catholics and non-Catholics encouraging them in their faith or inviting them to become Catholic. This is usually done by encouraging them in prayer, attending Mass and learning more about the Catholic faith. The members of the Legion are engaged primarily in the performance of spiritual works of mercy, rather than works of material aid.

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Legion of Mary in Qatar

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The Legion of Mary was formed in Qatar through the initiative of the parish priest, Fr. Tom Veneracion. In February 2006 with the permission of Bishop Paul Hinder,  Fr. Tom called the former legionaries to attend a meeting to form the first praesidium in Doha, Qatar. The first praesidium was officially formed on March 8, 2006. The first chosen name was “Praesidium Our Lady of the Rosary” which was taken from the name of the parish. The praesidium has been registered and recognized by the highest council of the legion based in Dublin, Ireland, the Concilium Legionis. During its initial months of operation the praesidium was directly reporting to the Concilium.  Two months later the praesidium was transferred under the care of the Comitium in UAE through the leadership of Bro. Danny Ochoco. The praesidia is also under the supervision of a Spiritual Director, Fr. Anand, who was appointed by the Parish Priest, Fr. Peter.
 
The group started off with about 15 members and officers were appointed accordingly. Some have left but have been replaced by new, active, enthusiastic and very supportive members. 

• 1st   Praesidium Our Lady of the Rosary started to grow and were able to sub-divide

• 2nd Praesidium Our Lady of Annunciation          

• 3rd  Praesidium Our Lady of Nativity  - Junior

• 4th  Preasidium Immaculate Conception

• 5th  Praesidium Mary, Mother of the Church.  

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Then after, a higher council was established on May 13, 2016 and was named Óur Lady of Fatima Curia with the permission of the Parish Priest Fr, Selvaraj. The Curia was formed to  overlook and administer the 5 praesidiums.

 

Apart from the active members performing apostolic works, there are also about 250 and more auxiliary members.