The Legion of Mary has produced several outstanding servants of God whose causes for beatification and canonisation are being advanced. These heroic men and women lived lives of extraordinary holiness and service, inspired by their devotion to Our Lady and the mission of the Legion.
Frank Duff
1889 – 1980
Frank Duff was born in Dublin on 7 June 1889. He was the founder of the Legion of Mary, which he established on 7 September 1921 at a meeting in Myra House, Francis Street, Dublin. What began with a small group of women has grown to become the largest apostolic organisation of lay people in the Catholic Church, with over 10 million members in approximately 170 countries.
Frank Duff dedicated his entire life to serving the Church through Mary. He was deeply influenced by the writings of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort on True Devotion to Mary. He served the poor, the marginalised, and the fallen away with tireless energy and unwavering faith. He died on 7 November 1980, and his cause for beatification was formally opened in 1996.
Learn MoreEdel Quinn
1907 – 1944
Edel Mary Quinn was born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland on 14 September 1907. From a young age she showed a deep love for God and neighbour. She joined the Legion of Mary and quickly distinguished herself by her zeal and dedication. Despite being diagnosed with tuberculosis, she volunteered to serve as a Legion envoy to East Africa.
Arriving in Nairobi in 1936, Edel spent the next eight years establishing Legion praesidia across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nyasaland (Malawi), and Mauritius, travelling thousands of miles in difficult conditions while battling her illness. Her heroic virtue and joyful spirit inspired all who met her. She died in Nairobi on 12 May 1944 at the age of 36. She was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 1994.
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Alfie Lambe
1932 – 1959
Alphonsus (Alfie) Lambe was born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland on 24 June 1932. He joined the Legion of Mary as a young man and quickly became one of its most dedicated members. In 1953, at the age of 21, he volunteered to serve as a Legion envoy to South America.
Over the next six years, Alfie travelled extensively throughout Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and other South American countries, establishing hundreds of Legion praesidia. He learned Spanish fluently and won the hearts of all he met with his humility, prayerfulness, and tireless work ethic. Despite declining health, he continued his mission until his death in Buenos Aires on 21 January 1959 at the age of just 26. His cause for beatification was opened in 1978.
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