The Legion of Mary is a Catholic lay apostolic association dedicated to spiritual growth and service under the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was founded in Dublin in 1921 and The Legion of Mary was introduced to Scotland in late 1927 by Frank Duff, who gained permission from Archbishop Mackintosh to establish foundations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen. The first official meeting occurred at St. Peter’s, Partick, on April 26, 1928, forming the “Patronage” of Our Lady of Lourdes. Early work focused on home visitation, running Girls’ Guilds, and visiting mental and maternity hospitals.
By late 1928, the first Curia was established to coordinate multiple praesidia. The organization expanded rapidly into specialized social works, including:
- Medical Care: Establishing the “Institutum Deiparae” and Catholic clinics in Cowcaddens and Govan to support young mothers.
- Hostels: Opening the Regina Coeli Hostel in 1936 and the Sancta Maria Hostel in 1937 to aid destitute women and street girls.
- Prison Ministry: Visiting women at Duke Street Prison and men at Barlinnie.
In June 1937, the Glasgow Curia was elevated to the Senatus of Scotland. Despite the dangers of World War II, the Legion saw its “high-water mark” of extension between 1939 and 1945, reaching Galloway, Oban, and even establishing praesidia for the R.A.F. and Polish sailors.
Post-war developments included extending visitation to non-Catholics and creating specialized groups for housewives, Trade Union members, and Gaelic speakers. By this time, the movement had grown from a single meeting to a national network featuring over 180 junior praesidia.
You can read the full history of the Legion of Mary in Scotland as written by one of its early members, Anne Mcgurran, here.
The Legion of Mary Scotland 