The Tessera
Legion of Mary
The Tessera is a small but meaningful booklet given to each member of the Legion of Mary. Its name, derived from a Latin word meaning a token or sign of membership, highlights its role as both a symbol of belonging and a practical guide to the Legionary’s daily spiritual life.
The main purpose of the Tessera is to serve as the official prayer book of the Legion of Mary. It includes the prayers recited at Legion meetings as well as those prayed daily by both active and auxiliary members, such as the Rosary and the Catena Legionis. By using the Tessera consistently, members stay connected in a shared prayer life, no matter where they are, creating a global spiritual bond within the Legion.
Besides its role as a prayer booklet, the Tessera serves as a reminder of the Legionary’s commitment to serve under the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It promotes discipline, consistency, and devotion, helping members stay grounded in prayer, which is the foundation of all apostolic work.
The Tessera’s cover features a rich, symbolic image inspired by Scripture, traditionally drawn from the vision in the Book of Revelation (12:1): a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon, and crowned with twelve stars. This image symbolizes the Blessed Virgin Mary in her glory as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. She is shown as a powerful yet gentle figure, victorious over evil and glowing with God’s grace.
Often included in the image are additional symbols such as the serpent beneath her feet, signifying her victory over sin and Satan, and rays of light surrounding her, representing the divine grace she offers to the world. This visual reminder reinforces the Legion’s identity as an army under Mary’s leadership, called to participate in her mission of bringing Christ to all people.
Basically, the Tessera is both a spiritual tool and a symbol of unity. It helps members stay focused in prayer, connects them to the global Legion family, and constantly reminds them of their mission to serve faithfully under Mary’s guidance for God’s glory.
