# The Spirit of the Legion: Chapter 3 for Auxiliary Members
*2019-10-04*

> Bill Young reflects on Chapter 3 of the Legion of Mary handbook, exploring the spiritual character of Mary and leading listeners through the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

## Introducing Chapter 3

We begin with a brief recap of the first two chapters of the Legion of Mary handbook. Chapter 1 covered the name and origin of the Legion, tracing its founding in 1921 and the inspiration from the Roman legions—only ours is Mary’s army, an army for heaven, not for earthly gain. Chapter 2 explained the object of the Legion and gave practical guidance for our weekly meetings, which we still follow today. Chapter 3, “The Spirit of the Legion,” is aimed especially at auxiliary members who cannot attend the Friday meetings regularly but still wish to grow spiritually.

## The Spirit of Mary

The handbook describes Mary as the perfect model of the apostolic life: her profound humanity, perfect obedience, angelic sweetness, continual prayer, spotless purity, heroic patience, heavenly wisdom, self‑sacrificing love, and, above all, her faith. Inspired by her love and faith, the Legion “complains not of impossibilities,” because with God all things are possible. This reminds us that any work conceived in the Lord’s will can be accomplished, even when it seems impossible.

## Prayer and the Joyful Mysteries

Bill leads us in the Rosary, beginning with the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, and three Hail Marys for love, hope, and peace. He then proceeds through the Joyful Mysteries—The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Finding of the Child in the Temple—each followed by the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a concluding Glory. The prayers are offered for sinners, for those listening to the podcast, and for all who need God’s mercy.

## Invitation to Local Legion Activity

Listeners are encouraged to join the Legion of Mary at St. David’s Catholic Church, where Friday meetings are held at 10 a.m. All are welcome, and after the meeting the chapter readings are shared. Even auxiliary members can participate by praying the Rosary and reading the handbook on their own.

## Closing Hymn and Blessing

The episode concludes with the hymn “Hail Holy Queen,” invoking Mary as our mother and advocate. Bill ends with a prayer for God’s mercy, a reminder that nothing is impossible with the Lord, and a blessing for all Legion members.

*With Mary as our model, any work conceived in love for God is possible, even for those serving from the sidelines.*