THE LEGION IN BRAY

1930’s

The first Praesidium opened in Bray in the 1930’s. This was an all male Praesidium and was called Our Lady of the Purification. This Praesidium is still active in Bray today and is based in Fatima House.

1940’s

During the 1940’s a number of senior and junior Praesidia opened in Bray. With the expansion of the legion it was decided to have a purpose built premises for legion activities.

1950’s

Fatima House was officially opened on 9 April 1950 and the North Wicklow Curia was formed. A Praesidium was set up as an Emigrants Bureau, another Praesidium, Irish speaking, called An Realt was established.

1960’s

In this decade Social Evenings were held in Fatima House. Large numbers came to Bray on Holidays and an apostolate to tourists was thriving. The ballroom was extended. A boxing club and a skating club were formed.

1970’s

In 1971 the legion celebrated the 50^th. Anniversary of its founding in 1921 and the 21st.

Anniversary of Fatima House. At this time the legion was active in all four Parishes in Bray.

1980’s

Disco’s were organised in Fatima House but due to high insurance costs and lack of manpower they had to stop.

1990’s

The legion continued to work in three Parishes in Bray with six Praesidia even though there was a decline in interest in religion and religious organisations throughout the 70’s 80’s and 90’s.

2000’s

The Curia now has ten Praesidia.