Frank Duff (religious worker)
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Frank Duff (June 7, 1889 - November 7, 1980) was a native of Dublin, Ireland and the eldest of seven children. He is best known for founding the Legion of Mary.
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[edit] Early life
In 1913 he joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and was greatly influenced by the spirit of the Society. As a member, he gradually came to have a great love for the poor and underprivileged in whom, as in everybody he met, he recognised and honoured Christ.
In 1916, aged 27, he published his first pamphlet “Can we be Saints ?“. In it he expressed one of the strongest convictions of his life, namely, that all without exception are called to be saints and that through our Catholic faith we have available all the means necessary to attain this.
In 1917 he came to know the Treatise of St. Louis de Montfort on the True Devotion to Maiy, a work which changed his life completely.
[edit] The Legion of Mary
On September 7th, 1921 Frank Duff founded the Legion of Mary. This is a lay apostolic organisation at the service of the Church, under ecclesiastical guidance. Its twofold purpose is the spiritual development of its members and advancing the reign of Christ through Our Lady.
The Legion, which is to be found in almost every country in the world, has nearly 3 million active members and many more auxiliary (praying) members.
[edit] Later life
In 1965 Pope Paul VI invited Frank Duff to attend the Second Vatican Council as a Lay Observer, an honour by which the Pope recognised and affirmed his enormous work for the lay apostolate.
On November 7th 1980 Frank Duff died and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
In July 1996 the Cause of his canonisation was introduced by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Desmond Connell.
