History of the
Arlington Senatus
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is the world’s largest lay Catholic apostolic organization. Its members serve through prayer, humility, and direct works of mercy — always under the patronage of Our Lady.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” (Luke 1:38)
Origins in the Universal Legion of Mary
The story of the Arlington Senatus is part of the larger history of the Legion of Mary, which was founded in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, by Frank Duff. What started as a small group of lay Catholics committed to prayer and apostolic work quickly expanded into one of the largest lay organizations in the Catholic Church, spreading across the world in the following decades.
The Legion expanded into the United States in 1931, where it found fertile ground in dioceses eager to mobilize the laity for evangelization, parish support, and works of mercy.
From its earliest days, the Legion developed a structured system of governance:
- Praesidium (parish level)
- Curia and Comitium (regional oversight)
- Regia (larger territorial council)
- Senatus (major regional leadership)
- Concilium (international headquarters in Dublin)
It is within this hierarchical and missionary framework that the Arlington Senatus eventually emerged.
History of the Legion
Early Growth in the Arlington Territory
The Legion of Mary has been active in the territory now served by the Arlington Senatus for over 85 years, demonstrating a long-standing and consistent tradition of lay apostolic work in the Mid-Atlantic region.
In its earliest years, Legion work was performed by a small number of praesidia in a few parishes. These initial groups, led by dedicated clergy and lay leaders, carried out the fundamental tasks of the Legion: visiting the sick, reaching out to the inactive, teaching the faith, and supporting parish life.
As the number of praesidia gradually grew, the need for organized coordination and leadership became clear.
From Curia to Senatus: A Journey of Growth
The Arlington Senatus traces its formal roots back to 1947, when it was first founded as a Curia, offering local governance and supervision to the increasing number of praesidia.
Over the decades, continued expansion led to successive elevations in its status:
- 1947 – Established as a Curia
- 1987 – Elevated to a Comitium
- 1991 – Elevated to a Regia
- 2022 – Raised to the rank of Senatus
Each stage marked an important milestone, acknowledging the Legion’s growth, stability, and missionary energy in this region.
The elevation to Senatus in 2022 marks the highest level of regional governance within the Legion structure, positioning it in direct relation with the Concilium in Dublin and assigning it oversight of a large and active apostolate.
Expansion Across a Vast Territory
From its humble start, the Arlington Senatus has seen significant growth. What began as a few praesidia in a handful of parishes has developed into:
- Hundreds of praesidia
- Serving numerous dioceses and communities
- Covering an area of hundreds of thousands of square miles
This expansion reflects both the dedication of Legion members and the enduring relevance of its mission.
Founding of the Legion by Frank Duff
The Legion Expands into the USA
Established as a Curia
Elevated to a Comitium
Elevated to a Regia
Centennial Celebration
Raised to the Rank of Senatus
The Centennial Celebration (2021)
A significant moment in recent history occurred during the worldwide celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Legion of Mary in 2021, marking 100 years since its founding.
This historic milestone occurred just one year before the Arlington Regia was elevated to a Senatus, making it a moment of both reflection and anticipation for the Legion in this region.
The Arlington Regia commemorated this occasion with a special two-day celebration held in Washington, D.C. on October 1–2, 2021.
Friday, October 1, 2021
The celebration began at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America with a guided “Tour of the Holy Land in America.” This was followed by prayers and a catered buffet dinner accompanied by live music, fostering fellowship among Legionaries and guests.
Saturday, October 2, 2021
The second day took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in North America.
The day’s program included:
- Spiritual talks and formation conferences
- A Legion Banner Procession
- A talk by Deacon Miller on Legionaries and the New Evangelization
- Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration) and Benediction
- A talk by Bishop Joseph Coffey on the Spirituality of the Legion of Mary
- Opportunity for Confession in the upper chapels
- A talk by Edel Lukens on The Role of the Legion of Mary in the Church
The celebration ended with a solemn Holy Mass, concelebrated by archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons. The homily was given by Bishop Michael W. Fisher.
This centennial celebration is a joyful testament to a century of grace and apostolic work, as well as a providential preparation for the Arlington Regia’s elevation to Senatus the following year.
Spiritual Identity and Apostolic Mission
Throughout its history, the Arlington Senatus has stayed strongly connected to the spirituality of the Legion of Mary, which emphasizes:
- Total devotion to Jesus through Mary
- The sanctification of its members
- Active participation in the Church’s mission of evangelization
Legionaries meet weekly in their praesidia, combining prayer, formation, and apostolic work. Their activities include visiting the sick and homebound, reaching out to the marginalized, religious instruction, and supporting the parish.
The Arlington Senatus Today
Since its elevation in 2022, the Arlington Senatus has become a key governing body within the global Legion of Mary. It offers leadership, training, and coordination for its subordinate councils, including Comitia, Curiae, and Praesidia.
Its responsibilities include:
- Supervising subordinate councils
- Promoting the establishment of new praesidia
- Organizing regional spiritual events such as the Acies
- Providing formation for officers and members
- Collaborating closely with clergy and diocesan leadership
United with the Concilium in Dublin, it continues to participate in the universal mission of the Church.
Continuing the Mission
From its beginnings as a small Curia in 1947 to its elevation as a Senatus in 2022,
the Arlington Senatus stands as a testament to decades of faithful growth and apostolic zeal.
For over 85 years, Legionaries in this region have served under the standard of Mary,
bringing Christ to others through prayer, sacrifice, and personal contact.
Looking toward the future, the Arlington Senatus remains dedicated to furthering the mission given to the Legion of Mary—
forming holy members, strengthening the Church, and spreading the Gospel throughout its vast territory.
Ready to serve Our Lady?
Find a praesidium near you or reach out with any questions.
We’d love to welcome you into the Legion family.