Society of Mary (Marianists)

{{short description|Catholic clerical religious congregation}} {{Other uses|Society of Mary (disambiguation)}} {{Redirect|Marianist|other uses|Marianism (disambiguation){{!}}Marianism}} {{Infobox organization | name = Society of Mary | native_name = Societas Mariae {{small|(Latin)}}<ref name="gcatholic">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gcatholic.org/orders/039.htm|title=Society of Mary (S.M.)|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref> | image = Cruz marianista.jpg | image_size = 150px | caption = Marianist Cross, symbol of the Society of Mary | abbreviation = '''S.M.''' (post-nominal letters)<ref name="gcatholic"/> | nickname = Marianists | formation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1817|10|2}}<ref name="gcatholic"/> | founder = Blessed Fr. Guillaume Joseph Chaminade, S.M.<ref name="gcatholic"/> | founding_location = Bordeaux, France | type = Clerical religious congregation of pontifical right (for men)<ref name="gcatholic"/> | location = General Motherhouse<br>Via Latina 22, 00179 Rome, Italy<ref name="gcatholic"/> | coordinates = {{Coord|41|54|4.9|N|12|27|38.2|E|region:IT-RM_type:landmark|display=title,inline}} | num_members = 930 members (309 priests) as of 2020<ref name="gcatholic"/> | leader_title = Motto | leader_name = Latin: ''Servire Quam Sentire''<br>English: ''Serve with Feeling'' | leader_title2 = Superior General | leader_name2 = Rev. Fr. André Fétis, S.M.<ref name="gcatholic"/> | leader_title3 = Ministry | leader_name3 = Education, youth ministry, pastoral work, social justice | leader_title4 = Patron saints | leader_name4 = {{bulleted list|Mary, Mother of Jesus|Saint Joseph|Saint John the Evangelist}} | main_organ = General Administration | parent_organization = Roman Catholic Church | website = {{URL|https://www.marianist.org}} | remarks = Part of the Marianist Family, alongside the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Alliance Mariale, and Marianist Lay Communities }} {{Roman Catholic Mariology sidebar|societies}}

The '''Society of Mary''' ({{langx|la|Societas Mariae}}), abbreviated '''S.M.''', is a Catholic clerical religious congregation of pontifical right for men, whose members are commonly known as the '''Marianists'''. Its members include both brothers and priests, who append the post-nominal letters "S.M." to their names.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Society of Mary |url=https://www.marianist.com/society-of-mary/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Marianist |language=en-US}}</ref>

The society was founded in Bordeaux, France, on 2 October 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, a priest who sought to rebuild Catholic life in the aftermath of the French Revolution.<ref name="gcatholic"/> The Society of Mary is one of the four branches of the Marianist Family, together with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Alliance Mariale, and Marianist Lay Communities.

The Marianists are especially associated with education, youth ministry, retreat work, parish ministry, and social outreach. Their spirituality emphasizes community life, mission, and devotion to Mary as a model of Christian discipleship.

==History== The Society of Mary was founded by William Joseph Chaminade in post-Revolutionary France. During the French Revolution, Chaminade experienced exile and anti-clerical persecution; these experiences strongly shaped his vision for renewing Christian faith through communities of laity and religious working together.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stefanelli |first=Joseph |title=The Marianists: A Historical Perspective |publisher=Marianist Press |year=1991 |isbn=978-0941850186}}</ref>

Chaminade first organized lay sodalities in Bordeaux as a means of rebuilding Catholic life. From this foundation developed two religious institutes: the Daughters of Mary Immaculate for women and, in 1817, the Society of Mary for men. The new congregation was conceived as an apostolic body dedicated above all to evangelization and education, especially through communities that would bear witness to the Christian life.

The society expanded beyond France during the 19th century, establishing houses and schools elsewhere in Europe and later in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It received papal approval as a religious congregation in 1891.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stefanelli |first=Joseph |title=The Marianists: A Historical Perspective |publisher=Marianist Press |year=1991 |isbn=978-0941850186}}</ref>

By the 20th and 21st centuries, the Marianists had become an international congregation active in schools, universities, retreat centers, parishes, and various social ministries. Their contemporary work places particular emphasis on collaboration with lay members of the Marianist Family, inculturation, and service to the poor.

==Charism and spirituality== The spirituality of the Society of Mary is rooted in the thought of Chaminade and in Marian devotion. Marianists regard Mary as the model of faith, discipleship, and mission, and seek to make Christ present in the world through communities of apostolic service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marianist Charism |url=https://www.marianist.com/our-charism |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Marianist |language=en-US}}</ref>

A distinctive feature of Marianist life is the equal dignity of brothers and priests within the congregation. Members live in community and share a common mission, with emphasis on prayer, mutual support, and service. Traditional summaries of Marianist spirituality include: * formation in faith; * community life; * mission in service; * devotion to Mary; * and adaptation to the needs of different cultures and times.

The congregation's motto, ''Servire Quam Sentire'' ("Serve with Feeling"), expresses its ideal of compassionate and generous service.

==Formation== Men entering the Society of Mary ordinarily pass through several stages of formation: * '''Initial contact and discernment''', often involving retreats and accompaniment by Marianist members; * '''Aspirancy''', a period of living in community and participating in ministry; * '''Novitiate''', a more intensive period of prayer, study, and discernment; * '''Temporary vows''', during which members profess the evangelical counsels and continue formation; * '''Perpetual profession''', by which they make lifelong commitment to the society.

Some professed members remain brothers, while others undertake priestly studies, including formation at the International Marianist Seminary in Rome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marianist Vocations |url=https://www.marianist.com/vocations |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Marianist |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Organization and membership== As of 2020, the Society of Mary had approximately 930 members worldwide, including 309 priests.<ref name="gcatholic"/> Its general administration is based in Rome.

The congregation is organized into provinces, regions, and districts. Its ministries include schools, universities, retreat centers, parishes, chaplaincies, and social-service works. Marianists frequently collaborate with lay partners in educational and pastoral apostolates.

==Activities by region==

===North America===

====Canada==== The Marianists have been active in Canada in pastoral and educational work. One notable Canadian Marianist was Archbishop Raymond Roussin, S.M., who served as Archbishop of Vancouver from 2004 to 2009.

====United States==== The Marianists in the United States are organized principally into the '''Province of the United States''' and the '''Province of Meribah'''.

=====Province of Meribah===== Established in 1976, the Province of Meribah works exclusively within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island, New York. It operates several educational institutions, including Chaminade High School, Kellenberg Memorial High School, and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School. It also operates retreat houses, including Emmanuel Retreat House and Stella Maris Retreat House.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.drvc-faith.org/2012/07/emmanuel-marianist-retreat-house-uniondale/|title=Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House, Uniondale|website=Diocese of Rockville Centre|access-date=2019-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chaminade-hs.org/religious-expression/retreats|title=Religious Expression: Retreats|website=Chaminade High School|access-date=2019-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foundershollow.org|title=Founders Hollow|website=Founders Hollow|access-date=2017-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.provinceofmeribah.org/|title=Province of Meribah|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref>

=====Province of the United States===== The Province of the United States sponsors schools, retreat centers, parishes, and universities in several parts of the country, including Honolulu, St. Louis, Dayton, Cincinnati, San Antonio, and Omaha. Its three principal universities are the University of Dayton, St. Mary's University, Texas, and Chaminade University of Honolulu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marianist.com|title=The Marianists - Marianist Province of the United States|website=www.marianist.com|language=en-US|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref>

===Europe===

====France==== France, the birthplace of the society, remains an important center of Marianist life. The Province of France has also included communities in Belgium and Tunisia, as well as links with foundations in Africa. Its ministries have included schools, student residences, spiritual centers, chaplaincies, and youth work.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marianistes.com|title=Accueil|website=www.marianistes.com|language=fr-FR|access-date=2017-05-27}}</ref>

====Italy==== Rome is the site of the Marianists' general administration and international seminary. The general motherhouse is located at Via Latina 22.

====Ireland==== Since 1967, Marianists have operated St. Laurence College in Loughlinstown, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, at the invitation of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Their work in Ireland has also included school chaplaincy, prison ministry, youth ministry, drug rehabilitation, and parish work.

====Spain==== The Marianists have been present in Spain since 1887. They operate a number of schools, including Colegio del Pilar in Madrid. In 1977 they established the Santa Maria Foundation for publishing and educational initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fundacionsantamaria.org/descripcion.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813105853/http://www.fundacionsantamaria.org/descripcion.htm |title=Santa Maria Foundation |access-date=2023-03-03 |archive-date=2006-08-13}}</ref>

====Switzerland==== In 1903, Fr. François Kieffer, S.M., founded the Villa St. Jean International School in Fribourg, which operated until 1970.

===Latin America===

====Argentina==== The Marianists arrived in Buenos Aires in 1932 and opened a school in the Caballito district in 1935. They later expanded to other cities including Junín, Nueve de Julio, and General Roca.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marianista.edu.ar/|title=Colegio Marianista Buenos Aires Argentina|website=www.marianista.edu.ar|access-date=2017-05-27}}</ref>

====Chile==== Marianists have worked in Chile since 1948. A Chilean province was established in 1982. Their institutions have included ''Colegio Santa María de la Cordillera'', ''Colegio Parroquial San Miguel'', ''Instituto Miguel León Prado'', and ''Instituto Linares''.

====Peru==== In Peru, the congregation operates several schools, among them ''Colegio Santa María Marianistas'', ''Colegio María Reina Marianistas'', ''Colegio San Antonio Marianistas'', ''Colegio San José Obrero Marianistas'', and ''Instituto Chaminade Marianistas''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.santamaria.edu.pe|title=Colegio Santa María Marianistas|website=www.santamaria.edu.pe|access-date=2017-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mariareina.edu.pe/cmrweb/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205025102/http://www.mariareina.edu.pe/cmrweb/index.html |title=Colegio Maria Reina Marianistas |access-date=2023-03-03 |archive-date=2008-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sanjoseobrero.edu.pe/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530114105/http://www.sanjoseobrero.edu.pe/ |title=San José Obrero |website=www.sanjoseobrero.edu.pe |language=es-ES |access-date=2017-05-27 |archive-date=2017-05-30}}</ref>

====Puerto Rico==== Since 1938, the Marianists have operated Colegio San José in San Juan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csj-rpi.org|title=Colegio San José|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref>

===Africa=== Marianists have been active in Africa since 1946, with missions and institutions in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Togo, and Tunisia.

====Kenya==== In Kenya the Marianists have operated schools and development projects, including Our Lady of Nazareth primary school, counseling and job-training programs in Nairobi, and work in Mombasa. They also founded Mang'u High School in 1925.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/541954/-/u32byw/-/index.html|title=Precious Blood Girls tops list|work=Daily Nation|access-date=2017-05-27|language=en-UK}}</ref>

====Malawi==== In Malawi they have operated Chaminade Secondary School and MIRACLE, a rural job-training program serving young people affected by the AIDS crisis.

====Zambia==== In Zambia the Marianists have taught at Matero Boys Secondary School and have also assisted the local diocese through pastoral and liturgical ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.marianists0east0africa.catholicweb.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903164335/http://www.marianists0east0africa.catholicweb.com/ |title=Marianists in East Africa |access-date=2023-03-03 |archive-date=2006-09-03}}</ref>

===Asia and Oceania===

====Philippines==== The Marianists established a community in Davao City in 2004. In 2005 they assumed responsibility for Balay Pasilungan, a program for street children accredited by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marianistkorea.blogspot.com/2012/09/development-of-marianists-in-philippines.html|title=Marianist Life In Asia: Development of Marianists in the Philippines|last=Sm|first=Bro gene Frank|date=2012-09-16|website=Marianist Life In Asia|access-date=2017-05-27}}</ref>

====Japan==== The Marianists entered Japan in 1887 and founded several educational institutions, including Gyosei Gakuen in Tokyo, Kaisei Gakuen in Nagasaki, Osaka Meisei Gakuen in Osaka, and St. Joseph School in Yokohama.

====Australia==== In Australia the Marianists have been associated with St Paul's College, Altona, established in 1969, and were involved in the foundation of John Paul College, Frankston, created in 1977 through a merger involving Stella Maris College.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stpauls.vic.edu.au/our-school/history/|title=History of St Paul's College|access-date=2023-03-03}}</ref>

==Educational institutions== The Society of Mary is particularly known for its educational apostolate. Marianist institutions include primary and secondary schools, universities, retreat centers, and formation houses. Among the best-known Marianist universities are: * University of Dayton in Ohio, United States; * St. Mary's University, Texas in San Antonio, United States; * Chaminade University of Honolulu in Hawaii, United States.

Marianist education traditionally emphasizes the formation of the whole person and the integration of intellectual, moral, spiritual, and social development.

==Causes of canonization== ===Blesseds=== * Guillaume-Joseph Chaminade (1761–1850), founder; beatified on 3 September 2000. * Miguel Léibar Garay and three companions (died 1936), martyrs of the Spanish Civil War; beatified on 28 October 2007. * Carlos Eraña Guruceta and two companions (died 1936), martyrs; beatified on 1 October 1995. * Jakob Gapp (1897–1943), priest and martyr; beatified on 24 November 1996.

===Venerables=== * Domingo Lázaro Castro (1877–1935), priest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsaints.faithweb.com/year/1935.htm|title=1935|access-date=2025-02-23|website=newsaints.faithweb.com}}</ref> * Faustino Pérez-Manglano Magro (1946–1963), postulant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsaints.faithweb.com/year/1963.htm|title=1963|access-date=2025-02-23|website=newsaints.faithweb.com}}</ref> * Vicente López de Uralde Lazcano (1894–1990), priest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsaints.faithweb.com/year/1990.htm|title=1990|access-date=2025-02-23|website=newsaints.faithweb.com}}</ref>

===Servants of God=== * Raymond Halter (1925–1998), priest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsaints.faithweb.com/year/1998.htm|title=1998|access-date=2025-02-23|website=newsaints.faithweb.com}}</ref>

==See also== * Daughters of Mary Immaculate * Marianist Family * William Joseph Chaminade

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.marianist.org}} * {{Cite web|url=https://www.marianist.com/join-us/|title=Marianist Vocation Site|access-date=2023-03-03}} * {{Cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09752a.htm|title=Society of Mary of Paris|website=Catholic Encyclopedia|access-date=2023-03-03}} * {{Cite web|url=http://ecommons.udayton.edu/finding_aid/54/|title=University of Dayton - Guide to the Marianist Magazine and Mary Today Records|access-date=2023-03-03}} * {{Cite web|url=http://ecommons.udayton.edu/finding_aid/61/|title=University of Dayton - Guide to the Marianist Memorial Card Collection|access-date=2023-03-03}}

{{Catholic religious institutes}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Society Of Mary (Marianists)}} Category:Marianists Marianists Category:Religious organizations established in 1817 Category:Catholic Mariology Category:Catholic religious institutes established in the 19th century Category:1817 establishments in France