Society of Mary (Marianists)
The Society of Mary is a Catholic clerical religious congregation of Pontifical Right for men commonly known as the Marianists or Marianist Brothers and Priests. Members append the post-nominal letters "S.M." to their names to signify membership. Founded by William Joseph Chaminade, a priest who endured the anti-clerical persecution during the French Revolution, the Society is one of four branches of the Marianist Family, which includes the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Alliance Mariale, and Marianist Lay Communities. The Marianists draw inspiration from Mary as a model of faith, emphasizing a spirituality of service, education, and community. They aim to share their faith, work with the marginalized, and foster holistic education of the mind, body, and soul.
History
The Society of Mary was founded on October 2, 1817, in Bordeaux, France, by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, a priest driven by a vision to restore Christian vitality in post-Revolutionary France. During the French Revolution, Chaminade faced exile and persecution but remained committed to revitalizing the Church through lay and religious communities. Inspired by Mary's role in salvation history, he established the Society to form apostolic communities dedicated to education and evangelization. The Marianists received papal approval as a religious congregation in 1891, affirming their mission within the Roman Catholic Church.The Society grew rapidly, establishing missions and educational institutions across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Today, it continues to adapt its mission to contemporary challenges, emphasizing inculturation and collaboration with laypeople to advance justice and reconciliation.
Marianist charism and spirituality
The Marianist charism is rooted in the spirituality of Blessed Chaminade, who saw Mary as the model of discipleship and mission. The Society's motto, Servire Quam Sentire, reflects its commitment to compassionate service and community living. Marianists live as equals in community, whether as brothers or priests, and strive to emulate Mary's faith by fostering apostolic communities that make Jesus Christ present in every culture. Their spirituality emphasizes:- Faith of the Heart: A personal and communal relationship with Christ through Mary.
- Community Living: Brothers and priests live as equals, sharing prayer, work, and mission.
- Mission of Education: Forming individuals and communities through holistic education.
- Service to the Marginalized: Working in solidarity with the poor and promoting social justice.
Marianists around the world
Formation process
Men discerning a vocation with the Society of Mary undergo a rigorous formation process to deepen their spirituality and commitment. The stages include:- Contact: Prospective members explore the Marianist life through retreats and regular guidance from a Marianist mentor.
- Aspirancy: A 10-month period of living in a Marianist community, participating in daily practices and engaging in ministry to discern their calling.
- Novitiate: A 20-month program over two years, focusing on spiritual discernment, study of the institute's history, and deepening prayer life.
- Temporary Vows: After the novitiate, candidates profess temporary vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability, renewing them annually for at least three years.
- Perpetual Profession: Brothers may make perpetual vows, committing to a lifelong mission. Some pursue priesthood at the International Marianist Seminary in Rome, Italy.
Marianists in North America
Canada
The Marianists are active in Canada, notably through the late Archbishop Raymond Roussin, S.M., D.D., who served as head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver from 2004 to 2009. They engage in educational and pastoral ministries, including youth programs and parish work.United States
The United States hosts two Marianist provinces: the Province of the United States and the Province of Meribah.Province of Meribah
Established in 1976, the Province of Meribah operates exclusively in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island, New York. It manages an educational complex including Chaminade High School, Kellenberg Memorial High School, and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School. The Province also operates five retreat houses: Emmanuel Retreat House, Stella Maris Retreat House, Saragossa, Meribah, and Founder's Hollow. The Provincial is Brother Joseph D. Bellizzi, S.M. The Province emphasizes prayer, education, and the motto Servire Quam Sentire.Province of the United States
The Province of the United States updated its mission statement to reflect its commitment to Blessed Chaminade's charism:Empowered by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the dynamism of Blessed Chaminade's charism, we – brothers and priests – vowed religious in the Marianist Family, live in community as equals. Through lives of prayer and Gospel service, we dedicate ourselves to the following of Jesus Christ, Son of God become Son of Mary. Wherever we are sent, we invite others to share Mary's Mission of making Christ present in every age and culture by forming persons and communities of apostolic faith that advance justice and reconciliation. Committed to education, we minister with youth and in solidarity with the poor.
The Province operates in Honolulu, Hawaii; St. Louis, Missouri; Dayton, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. It manages three universities, 18 high schools, 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 5 retreat centers, and 7 parishes. Notable alumni include Charles J. Pedersen, 1987 Nobel laureate in chemistry, who attended the University of Dayton.