Legion De Maria

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

In 2021, the Legion celebrated the centennial of its founding, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, by hosting virtual talks, devotions, and masses. The group also resolved to increase its membership and engagement among young people. Finally, group has continued to pray for the beatification of Servants of God Frank Duff, Alphonsus Lambe, and Venerable Edel Quin.

The essential aim of the Legion of Mary is the sanctification of its members through prayer, the sacraments and devotion to Mary and the Trinity, and of the whole world through the apostolate of the Legion.

The Legion of Mary consists of two totally different memberships: the active and the auxiliary members. Both are essential to the Legion: “Just as a bird cannot fly without one wing, so also the Legion cannot exist without any of the other members,” said Ráinel Lobo of Mumbai, India.The Legion first started out by visiting women with cancer in hospitals, but it soon became active among the most destitute, notably among Dublin prostitutes. Duff subsequently laid down the system of the Legion in the Handbook of the Legion of Mary in 1928.Auxiliary members support the legion through their prayer. They pray the whole booklet of Legion prayers, the “Tessera”, every day. The Tessera consists of the Invocation, prayers to the Holy Spirit, the Rosary, the Catena, and the concluding prayers of the Tessera.

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.Today, active and auxiliary (praying) members make up a total of over 10 million members worldwide, making it the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church.

The idea of a Catholic lay apostolate organization where ordinary laypeople in all situations of life would work for their own sanctification and for the conversion of the world was the first of its kind. After the Second Vatican Council (1962–65) promoted such ideas in its conciliar documents, this approach gain wider acceptance in the Catholic Church. The Legion soon spread around the world. At first, it was often met with mistrust because of its then-unusual dedication to lay apostolate. After Pope Pius XI praised it in 1931, the Legion had its mistrust quelled. The Vexillum Legionis (English:the standard of the legion) is placed. The vexillum is made out of metal and onyx and shows the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove as well as the Miraculous Medal.

Praetorians, a higher grade of active membership, pray, in addition to their duties as active members, the Rosary, the Divine Office and go to Holy Mass daily.On 27 March 2014, the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Bishop Josef Clemens, delivered the decree in which the Legion is recognized by the Holy See as International Association of the Faithful.

Active members regularly attend the weekly sessions of their Praesidium and pray daily the prayer of the Legion, the Catena Legionis, which consists essentially of the Magnificat and some shorter prayers. Their main role lies in active apostolate for the legion and the church. Active members under 18 are not allowed to give the “Legion promise” until that age. They are considered Juniors and may hold any office except President in their Praesidium. Above the level of the Praesidium, no Junior may serve as an officer.

Membership is highest in South Korea, Philippines, Brazil, Argentina and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which each have between 250,000 and 500,000 members.

The Legion of Mary was founded by Frank Duff on 7 September 1921 at Myra House, Francis Street, in Dublin. His idea was to help Catholic lay people fulfil their baptismal promises to be able to live their dedication to the Church in an organized structure, which would be supported by fraternity and prayer. The Legion draws its inspiration from Louis de Montfort’s book True Devotion to Mary.

The spirituality of the Legion of Mary is essentially based on the approach of Louis de Montfort, as put forward in his True Devotion to Mary. The book promotes a “total dedication” to Christ through devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which later influenced popes such as John Paul II, who mentions it in an apostolic letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

The basic unit of the Legion is called a Praesidium, which is normally based in a parish. The Praesidium, usually a group of 3–20 members, meets weekly in its parish. The Curia is the next level, each supervising several Praesidia.

Membership is open to all baptized Catholics. After visiting a Praesidium a few times, one can join the legion as a probationary member for three months. Then, a decision is made on whether to join the legion as an active member permanently. During the probationary period, probationary members learn about the legion system by reading the Handbook of the Legion of Mary and its active works by listening to reports of active works undertaken by fellow legionaries. At the end of probationary period, members say an oath of “Legion promise”, a pledge of allegiance to the Holy Spirit and to Mary, and become a permanent active members.The Legion of Honor is worn before any other French or foreign insignia, on the left-hand side. On informal attire, one wears lapel insignia (ribbon or rosette). Pendants and small-size decorations are preferred for official ceremonies. The military has its own rules for wearing insignia.French ministers are responsible for identifying potential honorees, relying on the societal network (parliamentarians, mayors, employers, leaders of trade unions or non-profit organizations, presidents of professional or sports federations…).The color of the ribbon is red. The badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath. On the obverse is the effigy of the Republic and on the reverse two tricolor flags surrounded by the motto “Honneur et Patrie” (Honor and Fatherland).

The Legion of Honor is the highest French decoration and one of the most famous in the world. For two centuries, it has been presented on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.It recognizes more and more the role of non-profit organizations end employees, the life achievements of persons of modest origins, and the place of women through strict gender parity in each civilian awardees class.

As an honor, the Legion of Honor does not include any actual material or financial benefit. However, it is an invaluable source of pride for the recipients and their families and an example of civic service made public.

Turning down the Legion of Honor implies prior admittance to the Order, by decree published in the Official Journal. In this very rare case of refusal, the relevant individuals choose not to receive the decoration.Any French citizen with no criminal record, who has demonstrated outstanding merits in the service of the nation, in a military or a civilian capacity. Twenty years of activity at least are required to qualify for the Legion of Honor.

La Legión de María es una asociación internacional de miembros de la Iglesia Católica Romana que la sirven de forma voluntaria. Fundado en Dublín en 1918, como un Movimiento Mariano Católico Romano por el laico y Siervo de Dios Frank Duff, el objeto de la Legión de María es la gloria de Dios a través de la santidad de sus miembros desarrollada por la oración y la cooperación activa en la obra de María y de la Iglesia. Su misión declarada es que los miembros activos sirvan a Dios bajo el estandarte de María mediante las obras espirituales de Misericordia. Los miembros participan en la vida de la parroquia a través de la visita a las familias, a los enfermos, tanto en sus hogares, como en los hospitales y asilos ya través de la colaboración en cada empresa apostólica y misionera patrocinada por la parroquia. Cada legionario está obligado a realizar un trabajo apostólico semanal con espíritu de fe y en unión con María bajo la influencia del Espíritu Santo, teniendo como principio y apoyo la Gracia Divina, y como principio la gloria de Dios y la salvación de las almas, su fin y propósito final.1. Asistir puntual y semanalmente a la junta de su grupo, donde se mezclan íntimamente la revisión del trabajo efectuado, la formación espiritual y humano-apostólica, con la oración en común.

Resumen: es una organización de laicos en la Iglesia Católica que en unión con María trabaja en el crecimiento espiritual, en la oración, en la ayuda al prójimo y en ayudar en las necesidades de la parroquia.El nombre de Legión de María obedece a que el espíritu de la organización quiere ser el mismo de la Virgen Santa María. Ella es la reina de los Apóstoles, porque fue la primera en presentar a Cristo ante los hombres.

Es una organización apostólica de laicos en la Iglesia Católica con cerca de cuatro millones de miembros activos y más de siete millones de auxiliares en el mundo, nació en Dublín, Irlanda el 7 de septiembre de 1921. Las oraciones legionarias se rezan ya en 125 lenguas distintas. Ha sido aprobado por los 6 últimos Papas y fue endorsada por el Concilio Vaticano II.Orar y trabajar apostólicamente. Funciona con reuniones semanales de grupo, donde se ora, se revisa la actividad apostólica, y se estudian temas formativos para hacer más eficaz el apostolado.

El servicio de los auxiliares consiste en rezar diariamente las oraciones contenidas en la Téssera (hojita de oraciones): la invocación y la oración al Espíritu Santo; cinco decenas del Rosario y las oraciones que siguen después; la Catena y por último, las oraciones finales.Siempre debe darse preferencia al apostolado entre jóvenes, por aquello del Vaticano II: “Los jóvenes deben convertirse en los primeros e inmediatos apóstoles con los jóvenes” (AA, Nº 12)

Asumen asistir puntual y semanalmente a la junta de su grupo; rezar diariamente la Catena; realizar un trabajo apostólico cada semana, con duración mínima de dos horas, acompañado de otro legionario; y a mantener en secreto los asuntos discutidos en la Junta o conocidos en el ejercicio del trabajo legionario.La membresía es más alta en Corea del Sur , Filipinas , Brasil , Argentina y la República Democrática del Congo , que tienen cada uno entre 250.000 y 500.000 miembros. ​

La más destacada por difundir la legión fue Edel Quinn (1907-1944) por sus actividades en África en las décadas de 1930 y 1940. Su dedicación a la misión de la legión, incluso frente a su mala salud ( tuberculosis ) le produjo una gran admiración dentro y fuera de la legión. Actualmente se está llevando a cabo un proceso de beatificación para el legendario Quinn, así como para Duff y Alfonso Lambe (1932-1959), el entrañable enviado de la Legión a América del Sur.El 27 de marzo de 2014, el secretario del Pontificio Consejo para los Laicos , monseñor Josef Clemens , entregó el decreto por el que la Legión es reconocida por la Santa Sede como Asociación Internacional de Fieles . El principal apostolado de la Legión son las actividades dirigidas a católicos y no católicos animándoles en su fe o invitándolos a convertirse en católicos. Esto generalmente se hace animándolos en oración, asistiendo a misa y aprendiendo más sobre la fe católica. Los miembros de la Legión se dedican principalmente a la realización de obras espirituales de misericordia, más que a obras de ayuda material.​ La Legión comenzó visitando a mujeres con cáncer en hospitales, pero pronto se volvió activa entre los más desamparados, sobre todo entre las prostitutas de Dublín. Posteriormente, Duff estableció el sistema de la Legión en el Manual de la Legión de María en 1928.La Legión de María (en latín : Legio Mariae , abreviatura posnominal L.OM ) es una asociación internacional de miembros de la Iglesia católica que la sirven de forma voluntaria. Fue fundado en Dublín, como un movimiento católico mariano por el laico y funcionario Frank Duff. ​ . Hoy en día, los miembros activos y auxiliares (en oración) suman un total de más de 10 millones de miembros en todo el mundo, lo que la convierte en la organización apostólica de laicos más grande de la Iglesia católica. ​ La membresía está abierta a aquellos que pertenecen a la Iglesia Católica y creen en su enseñanza. Su misión declarada es que los miembros activos sirvan a Dios bajo la bandera de María mediante las obras corporales y espirituales de la Misericordia , como se menciona en el Capítulo 33 del Manual de la Legión de María.

“Among the different ways of praying, there is none more excellent than the Rosary. It condenses into itself all the worship that is due to Mary. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings.” (Pope Leo XIII)”Of all prayers the Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces; of all it is the one which is most pleasing to Mary, the Virgin Most Holy. Therefore, love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion: this is the testament which I leave unto you so that you may remember me by it.” (St. Pius X)

THE LEGION OF MARY • New York Regional Senatus is located at Holy Innocents Parish and Shrine of the Unborn, 128 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 • Email address is: [email protected]

Christ is the supreme Teacher, the revealer and the one revealed. It is not just a question of learning what He taught but of “learning Him”. In this regard could we have any better teacher than Mary? From the divine standpoint, the Spirit is the interior teacher who leads us to the full truth of Christ. But among creatures no one knows Christ better than Mary; no one can introduce us to a profound knowledge of His mystery better than His Mother.We pray so that we can go to Heaven. St. Augustine says: “As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer.” St. Alphonsus says: “He who prays, is saved; he who prays not, is damned!” Prayer is powerful (Jam.5: 16-18, 2 Kings 20:1-6).

La Legión de María es una organización apostólica de laicos en la Iglesia Católica. Cuenta con más de 33 millones de miembros en el mundo. Ha recibido el reconocimiento de numerosos Papas, incluyendo Juan Pablo II.

Tal como las legiones romanas del imperio se organizaban y luchaban para conquistar el mundo, los nuevos legionarios buscan conquistar el mundo para Cristo. Pero ahora las armas son espirituales y el amparo es la Reina de los Apóstoles, la Virgen María. Comienza en un hogar de Dublín (Irlanda), el 7 de septiembre de 1921 cuando un grupo de adolescentes se reunen con Frank Duff (fundador), oran y se deciden a servir a los enfermos y llevar el evangelio a todo el mundo. The expanding early Roman Republic found the Greek phalanx formation too unwieldy for fragmented fighting in the hills and valleys of central Italy. Accordingly, the Romans evolved a new tactical system based on small and supple infantry units called maniples. Each maniple numbered 120 men in 12 files and 10 ranks. Maniples drew up for battle in three lines, each line made up of 10 maniples and the whole arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Separating each unit was an interval equivalent to a maniple’s front of 18 m (60 feet), so that the maniples of the first line could fall back in defense into the intervals of the second line. Conversely, the second line could merge with the first to form a solid front 10 ranks deep and 360 m (1,200 feet) wide. In the third line, 10 maniples of light infantry were supplemented by smaller units of reserves. The three lines were 75 m (250 feet) apart, and from front to rear one maniple of each line formed a cohort of 420 men; this was the Roman equivalent of a battalion. Ten cohorts made up the heavy-infantry strength of a legion, but 20 cohorts were usually combined with a small cavalry force and other supporting units into a little self-supporting army of about 10,000 men.

As Roman armies of the late Republic and Empire became larger and more professional, the cohort, with an average field strength of 360 men, replaced the maniple as the chief tactical unit within legions. In the military operations of Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Julius Caesar, a legion was composed of 10 cohorts, with 4 cohorts in the first line and 3 each in the second and third lines. The 3,600 heavy infantry were supported by enough cavalry and light infantry to bring the legion’s strength up to 6,000 men. Seven legions in three lines, comprising about 25,000 heavy infantry, occupied a mile and a half of front.As Rome evolved from a conquering to a defending power, the cohort was increased to a field strength of 500–600 men. These still depended on the shock tactics of pilum and gladius, but the 5,000–6,000 heavy infantry in a legion were now combined with an equal number of supporting cavalry troops and light infantry made up of archers, slingers, and javelin men. In order to deal with mounted barbarian raiders, the proportion of cavalry rose from one-seventh to one-fourth. By the 4th century ad, with the empire defending its many fortified border outposts, as many as 10 catapults and 60 ballistae were assigned to each legion.

Two infantry weapons gave the legion its famous flexibility and force; the pilum, a 2-metre (7-foot) javelin used for both throwing and thrusting; and the gladius, a 50-centimetre (20-inch) cut-and-thrust sword with a broad, heavy blade. For protecton each legionary had a metal helmet, cuirass, and convex shield. In battle, the first line of maniples attacked on the double, hurling javelins and then diving in with swords before the enemy had time to recover. Then came the maniples of the second line, and only a resolute foe could rally from the two successive shocks.In modern times the term legion has been applied to a corps of foreign volunteers or mercenaries, such as the French provincial legions of Francis I and the second-line formations of Napoleon. “Foreign legion” often signifies the irregular corps of foreign volunteers raised by states at war. The most famous of these is France’s Foreign Legion (Légion Étrangère); composed of foreign volunteers and commanded by French officers, it has served in various parts of the French colonial empire since its founding in 1831.

To learn more about the Legion of Mary, the first step is to be a guest at one of our meetings. Guests are always welcome and may go on one of the work assignments with an experienced member if they choose. The apostolic works of the Legion include:Submit your name, address and parish to an active member, who will place your name on a probationary roll for three months. After that you will be contacted to see if you have been able to say the prayers. If so, you will be placed on the permanent list of auxiliary members.

A willingness to let Our Lady use you as you are. She needs your hands and feet, your lips and heart, your time and effort, for Legionaries are simply Mary’s means of action in the world today. She will use what you give her to the best advantage, for although others may surpass your offering, they cannot replace it.Any practicing Catholic who is willing to fulfill the obligations of membership in the proper spirit. Senior members must be 18 years of age. Junior members are those under 18.

No, there are no dues, and the auxiliary members are not bound to attend any meetings. Once a year they are invited to a ceremony of consecration to our Lady called the “Acies.” It is also customary for each Praesidium (parish unit in the Legion) to plan a get-together at least once a year for its auxiliary members so that they can get better acquainted with the Legion of Mary and what it is accomplishing.

The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members. Members of the Legion of Mary become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer, the sacraments and devotion to Mary and the Trinity, and service in a family atmosphere. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion of Mary is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor.The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with about 3 million active members in over 160 countries around the world. The Legion of Mary has been active in the United States (USA) since 1931, has been approved by 7 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council.

The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of All Graces, serve the Church and their neighbour on a voluntary basis in about 170 countries. The first meeting of the Legion of Mary took place in Myra House, Francis Street, Dublin, Ireland, on 7 September, 1921. This meeting was to have very beneficial consequences for the mission of the Catholic Church and, in a special way, for millions of members of Christ’s lay faithful who would serve in the Legion and for those who would be served by the legionary apostolate. Many persons outside the Catholic Church would also benefit from that apostolate. With the approval and support of the Popes and a great many Bishops, Priests and Religious, as well as the prayers and efforts of legionaries, the Legion, by the grace of God, has grown into a worldwide organisation with several million members.

Drawing its inspiration from the True Devotion to Mary, as taught by St. Louis Marie de Montfort, and which had a profound influence on the Founder of the Legion, the Servant of God, Frank Duff, the Legion is at the disposal of the Bishops and Priests for use in the mission of the Church. While essentially a lay association, legionaries look for spiritual and apostolic formation to priests and religious, who, as Legion Spiritual Directors, hold an honoured place in the Legion system. The Legion requires ecclesiastical approval to work in a diocese or parish. Loyalty to the Magisterium and to Ecclesiastical Authority is a basic legionary principle. The Legion aims to bring Mary to the world as the infallible means of winning the world to Jesus and legionary service is based on the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ so that in their fellow members and in those they serve, legionaries seek to have the Person of our Lord once again seen and served by Mary, his Mother.The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a praesidium, which holds a weekly meeting, where prayer is intermingled with reports and discussion. Persons who wish to join the Legion must apply for membership in a Praesidium. The Legion sees as its priority the spiritual and social welfare of each individual. The members participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, the sick, both in their homes and in hospitals and through collaboration in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish. Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary.

The basic unit of the Legion is called a praesidium, which is normally based in a parish. A parish may have more than one praesidium. To be an active legionary it is necessary to apply for membership in a praesidium, which holds a weekly meeting and allocates a weekly apostolic task to the members, who generally work in pairs. After a successful period of probation, members are called to make the Legionary Promise (this is only applicable for members over 18 years) which is directed to the Holy Spirit. Realising the necessity for a strong support of prayer, the Legion has Auxiliary members, who associate themselves with the Legion by undertaking a service of prayer in its name. The administration of the Legion is carried out through its various councils at local, regional and national level. The central council, the Concilium Legionis Mariae, meets monthly in Dublin.If I were asked what difference has my association with, and membership of, the Legion of Mary meant to me, I would say that it has given me an awareness of my responsibility to share in the mission of the Church. Through a study of the Handbook and through regular attendance at Patrician meetings it has given me some knowledge of what it means to be a Catholic. The general and essential means by which the Legion of Mary is to effect its object is personal service acting under the influence of the Holy Spirit, having Divine Grace as its moving principle and support, and the glory of God and the salvation of souls as its final end and purpose. Evangelisation, especially the seeking of conversions to the Church, should be a priority for the Legion. Through the visitation of homes and by other means, the Legion must, as a first principle, set out to establish a contact of some sort with every soul everywhere. Seeing and serving Christ in the sick and marginalised is another vital part of the legionary apostolate. While not engaging in the giving of material relief, legionaries will often find opportunities to do works of service for the needy. Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of faith in You and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world. Grant us a lively faith, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of You, and ever to see You and serve You in our neighbour; a faith, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life; a courageous faith which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls; a faith which will be our Legion’s Pillar of Fire – to lead us forth united – to kindle everywhere the fires of divine love – to enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death – to inflame those who are lukewarm – to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; so that – the battle of life over – our Legion may reassemble, without the loss of any one, in the kingdom of Your love and glory. Amen.We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our prayers in our necessities, but ever deliver us from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.The legionary who is only a legionary for the duration of the meeting and the work assigned to him is not living the spirit of the Legion. They must bring their Legion formation into their daily lives whether it be in the world of politics, finance, art, culture, trade unions, factory, business, teaching or nursing or whatever their particular way of life: The Legion’s purpose is to help its members and all those in contact with them to live out their Christian vocation to the full. God our Father, pour out the gifts of Your Holy Spirit on the world. You sent the Spirit on Your Church to begin the teaching of the gospel: now let the Spirit continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant, we beseech You, that meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.or Post: Concilium Legionis Mariae, The International Centre of the Legion of Mary, De Montfort House, Morning Star Avenue, Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, D07 VAC3, Ireland

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.Frank Duff maintained that the Legion proposes a way of life more than just the doing of a particular work. It gives a formation that is meant to influence every department of life and every hour of that life.

That vocation has its source in Baptism. By Baptism one is made another Christ or as St. Augustine puts it: ‘We have not only become other Christs but Christ himself.’O Lord Jesus Christ, our mediator with the Father, Who has been pleased to appoint the Most Blessed Virgin, Your mother, to be our mother also, and our mediatrix with You, mercifully grant that whoever comes to You seeking Your favours may rejoice to receive all of them through her. Amen.

Today the Legion is organized in nearly all the dioceses throughout the world. The Handbook, the official guide in the hands of every active legionary, is printed in some thirty languages and its prayers are recited in over sixty. It is estimated there are about 5 million active and 12 million praying members throughout the world today.

Yes. The Legion trains groups of young Legionaries, generally from eight to twelve years of age for Juniors, and from thirteen to eighteen years of age for Intermediates. These young Legionaries are the hope and joy of the Legion. They follow the Legion system, and in their way, do marvelous apostolic works.