Society of Mary (Marianists)
Encyclopedia
The Society of Mary, a Roman Catholic Marian Society, is a congregation
of brothers
and priests called The Marianists or Marianist Brothers and Priests. The Society was founded by Blessed
William Joseph Chaminade
, a priest who survived the anti-clerical persecution
during the French Revolution
. The Society is one of the four branches of the Marianist Family
. Along with the other branches, the Marianist Brothers and Priests look to Mary as a model of faith and spirituality. They believe that the best ways to live a spiritual life are to share their faith with others, work with the poor, and educate and nourish the mind, the body, and the soul.
to become rooted in new countries, in Asia
and Africa
, and also to be in tune with the surrounding cultures that challenge us and that we call modern or postmodern."
with the Society of Mary follow an intense formation process that leads them to examine themselves and their spirituality. The first step to becoming a Marianist is to be a Contact. Contacts learn about the order and themselves through retreats and through the guidance of a Marianist whom they contact regularly. The next step is the Aspirancy - a 10-month journey of living with a Marianist community and following its daily practices. Each aspirant works in a ministry
to further his understanding of Marianist spirituality and his own faith. At the end of this period, one enters the Novitiate, which is a 20-month period divided over 2 years. During that time, the novice learns about the order, and spends time deeply discerning his call to the order.
At the end of the Novitiate, the novice professes Temporary Vows. He must annually renew the vow for at least 3 years. At the end of that time, the brother can decide to enter into Perpetual Profession, in which the brother professes the vows of poverty
, chastity
, obedience
, and stability. In addition, some brothers study to become priests at the International Marianist Seminary
in Rome
, Italy
.
, S.M., D.D., one of their number, is a former Archbishop of Vancouver
.
.
The Province of Meribah, which became separate in 1976, operates only in the Diocese of Rockville Centre
on Long Island
, New York. There it runs an educational complex: Chaminade High School
, Kellenberg Memorial High School
(including the Bro. Joseph C. Fox Latin School Division, for sixth-, seventh- and eight-graders); and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School (pre-k though eighth grade). It also runs three retreat houses. The Provincial of the Province of Meribah is Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M. Since the Province of Meribah was created, it has maintained the common life of prayer, the common dress of the religious habit
, and the common apostolates
of education. The brothers' motto, Servire Quam Sentire, captures well the spirit which animates the members of the Province. They seek to put their own fears and reservations aside, and to serve the Lord with gladness and with joy.
The Province of the United States recently updated their mission statement as follows:
Members of the Marianist Province of the United States are concentrated in Honolulu, Hawaii
; St. Louis, Missouri
; Dayton, Ohio
; Cincinnati, Ohio
, and San Antonio, Texas
. The Province runs three universities (including the Marianists' largest educational institution, the University of Dayton
), 18 high schools, 6 elementary/middle schools, and 11 parishes. Actor
and activist Martin Sheen
has credited his dedication to public causes to his Marianist education at Chaminade-Julienne High School
in Dayton, Ohio
. Marianists were instrumental in the creation and operation of Most Holy Trinity H.S in Brooklyn, NY from 1915 to 1972 and Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
in Hollywood, Florida
.
and Tunisia
. Fifty members are posted to the Ivory Coast and Congo region. Within the French Province, the Marianists operate eight schools. They also run three spiritual centers (at La Madeleine, St. Avold and Le Vic), two residences for university students, and an extensive scholarship program for Marianist schools. In addition, they serve in youth ministry, pastoral work and hospital chaplaincy.
, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
. They have also been active in diocesan youth ministry, school and prison chaplaincy, drug rehabilitation, work for peace and justice, and parish work. Four Irish Catholics have permanently joined the order since 1976.
in Fribourg, Switzerland in 1903, which operated until 1970.
.
, Malawi
, Zambia
, Republic of the Congo
, Democratic Republic of the Congo
, Ivory Coast
, and Tunisia
.
.
Congregation (catholic)
The term "congregation" has three usages specific to the Roman Catholic Church. One concerns the Roman Curia, the other two concern religious institutes.- Roman Curia :...
of brothers
Brother (Catholic)
A religious brother is a member of a Roman Catholic religious order who commits himself to following Christ in consecrated life of the church by the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. A layman , he usually lives in a religious community and works in a ministry that suits his talents and gifts...
and priests called The Marianists or Marianist Brothers and Priests. The Society was founded by Blessed
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
William Joseph Chaminade
William Joseph Chaminade
William Joseph Chaminade or Guillaume-Joseph Chaminade, now called by his liturgical title of Blessed Chaminade , was a French Roman Catholic priest who survived persecution during the French Revolution. He founded the Society of Mary, also called the Marianists, in 1817...
, a priest who survived the anti-clerical persecution
Dechristianisation of France during the French Revolution
The dechristianisation of France during the French Revolution is a conventional description of the results of a number of separate policies, conducted by various governments of France between the start of the French Revolution in 1789 and the Concordat of 1801, forming the basis of the later and...
during the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
. The Society is one of the four branches of the Marianist Family
Marianist Family
The Marianist Family is a group of four Roman Catholic organizations which trace their origins to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and Mother Adèle de Batz de Tranquelleon...
. Along with the other branches, the Marianist Brothers and Priests look to Mary as a model of faith and spirituality. They believe that the best ways to live a spiritual life are to share their faith with others, work with the poor, and educate and nourish the mind, the body, and the soul.
Marianists around the world
There are about 1,560 Marianists: 500 priests, three bishops, and 1,060 brothers, on four continents and in 30 countries. The Marianists say that they "devote the major part of their efforts to inculturationInculturation
Inculturation is a term used in Christianity, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, referring to the adaptation of the way Church teachings are presented to non-Christian cultures, and to the influence of those cultures on the evolution of these teachings....
to become rooted in new countries, in Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
and Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, and also to be in tune with the surrounding cultures that challenge us and that we call modern or postmodern."
Formation process
Men who pursue a vocationVocation
A vocation , is a term for an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.-Senses:...
with the Society of Mary follow an intense formation process that leads them to examine themselves and their spirituality. The first step to becoming a Marianist is to be a Contact. Contacts learn about the order and themselves through retreats and through the guidance of a Marianist whom they contact regularly. The next step is the Aspirancy - a 10-month journey of living with a Marianist community and following its daily practices. Each aspirant works in a ministry
Christian ministry
In Christianity, ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith. 2003's Encyclopedia of Christianity defines it as "carrying forth Christ's mission in the world", indicating that it is "conferred on each Christian in baptism." It is performed by all Christians...
to further his understanding of Marianist spirituality and his own faith. At the end of this period, one enters the Novitiate, which is a 20-month period divided over 2 years. During that time, the novice learns about the order, and spends time deeply discerning his call to the order.
At the end of the Novitiate, the novice professes Temporary Vows. He must annually renew the vow for at least 3 years. At the end of that time, the brother can decide to enter into Perpetual Profession, in which the brother professes the vows of poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
, chastity
Chastity
Chastity refers to the sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the moral standards and guidelines of a culture, civilization, or religion....
, obedience
Vow of obedience
The Vow of Obedience in Catholicism concerns one of the three counsels of perfection. It forms part of the vows that Christian monks and nuns must make to enter the consecrated life, whether as a member of a religious institute living in community or as consecrated hermit...
, and stability. In addition, some brothers study to become priests at the International Marianist Seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.
Canada
The Marianists are active in Canada, where The Most Reverend Raymond RoussinRaymond Roussin
Raymond Roussin was the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver from 2004 to January 2009, when his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI.-Ordination:...
, S.M., D.D., one of their number, is a former Archbishop of Vancouver
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver is a Roman Catholic archdiocese that includes part of the Province of British Columbia. It is the metropolitan see of the ecclesiastical province which includes the suffragan dioceses of Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, and Victoria...
.
The United States
The United States is home to two Marianist provinces: the Province of the United States and the Province of MeribahMeribah
Meribah is one of the locations which the Torah identifies as having been travelled through by the Israelites, during the Exodus, although the continuous list of visited stations in the Book of Numbers doesn't mention it...
.
The Province of Meribah, which became separate in 1976, operates only in the Diocese of Rockville Centre
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre comprises the territory of Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York state, USA. Founded in 1957, this diocese was created from territory that once belonged to the Diocese of Brooklyn...
on Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
, New York. There it runs an educational complex: Chaminade High School
Chaminade High School
Chaminade High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory high school for young men. Located in Mineola, New York, the school was founded in 1930 by the Society of Mary , an international Roman Catholic teaching order of priests and religious Brothers. The school is named for Father William...
, Kellenberg Memorial High School
Kellenberg Memorial High School
Kellenberg Memorial High School is a Roman Catholic college-preparatory school in Uniondale, Long Island, New York. Kellenberg is the second Marianist school on Long Island and prides itself on high academic standards combined with a strong focus on faith....
(including the Bro. Joseph C. Fox Latin School Division, for sixth-, seventh- and eight-graders); and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School (pre-k though eighth grade). It also runs three retreat houses. The Provincial of the Province of Meribah is Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M. Since the Province of Meribah was created, it has maintained the common life of prayer, the common dress of the religious habit
Religious habit
A religious habit is a distinctive set of garments worn by members of a religious order. Traditionally some plain garb recognisable as a religious habit has also been worn by those leading the religious eremitic and anachoritic life, although in their case without conformity to a particular uniform...
, and the common apostolates
Apostolates
Apostolates are organizations of the Catholic laity devoted to the mission of the Catholic Church.-Explanation:Most understand the term "apostolate" to be synonymous with the term ministry, or outreach, such as "youth ministry." The disambiguation is seen when one considers that within Catholic...
of education. The brothers' motto, Servire Quam Sentire, captures well the spirit which animates the members of the Province. They seek to put their own fears and reservations aside, and to serve the Lord with gladness and with joy.
The Province of the United States recently updated their mission statement as follows:
"Empowered by the Holy SpiritHoly SpiritHoly Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
and inspired by the dynamism of Blessed Chaminade's charismCharismIn Christian theology, a charism in general denotes any good gift that flows from God's love to man. The word can also mean any of the spiritual graces and qualifications granted to every Christian to perform his or her task in the Church...
, we —- brothers and priests —- vowed religious in the Marianist Family, live in community as equals. Through lives of prayer and GospelGospelA gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
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 in 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."
Members of the Marianist Province of the United States are concentrated in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
; St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
; Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
; Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, and San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
. The Province runs three universities (including the Marianists' largest educational institution, the University of Dayton
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton is a private Roman Catholic university operated by the Society of Mary located in Dayton, Ohio...
), 18 high schools, 6 elementary/middle schools, and 11 parishes. Actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and activist Martin Sheen
Martin Sheen
Ramón Gerardo Antonio Estévez , better known by his stage name Martin Sheen, is an American film actor best known for his performances in the films Badlands and Apocalypse Now , and in the television series The West Wing from 1999 to 2006.He is considered one of the best actors never to be...
has credited his dedication to public causes to his Marianist education at Chaminade-Julienne High School
Chaminade-Julienne High School
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School is a private, co-educational, center-city, Catholic high school located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, operated by the Society of Mary and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. It is named after Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and St...
in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
. Marianists were instrumental in the creation and operation of Most Holy Trinity H.S in Brooklyn, NY from 1915 to 1972 and Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School is a private Marianist school located within Hollywood, Florida on Chaminade Drive, in front of Nativity Catholic School in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami...
in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida
-Demographics:As of 2000, there were 59,673 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of...
.
France
The Marianists remain active in France, where they first were founded. The Society's Province of France includes 117 brothers and priests in 18 "houses," or community residences, in France, BelgiumBelgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
and Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
. Fifty members are posted to the Ivory Coast and Congo region. Within the French Province, the Marianists operate eight schools. They also run three spiritual centers (at La Madeleine, St. Avold and Le Vic), two residences for university students, and an extensive scholarship program for Marianist schools. In addition, they serve in youth ministry, pastoral work and hospital chaplaincy.
Ireland
In 1967, Archbishop John Charles McQuaid of Dublin invited Marianists from the United States to establish a mission in Ireland. Still part of the Province of the United States, the Irish Marianists operate St. Laurence College in LoughlinstownLoughlinstown
Loughlinstown is a south Dublin suburb. Located in the County of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown it lies on the N11 National Primary Route.Loughlinstown is the location of St. Columcille's Hospital, which serves both south Dublin and north Wicklow...
, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown is a county in Ireland. It is one of three smaller counties into which County Dublin was divided in 1994. Located to the south-east of Dublin city, its county seat is the town of Dún Laoghaire. It is one of the four constituent parts of the Dublin Region...
. They have also been active in diocesan youth ministry, school and prison chaplaincy, drug rehabilitation, work for peace and justice, and parish work. Four Irish Catholics have permanently joined the order since 1976.
Spain
In 1977, the Marianists in Spain established the Santa Maria Foundation, which publishes Marianist Editions and organizes pedagogical programs.Switzerland
Fr. François Kieffer, a French Marianist priest, established the Villa St. Jean International SchoolVilla St. Jean International School
Villa St. Jean International School, originally named College Villa St. Jean, was a private school in Fribourg, Switzerland from 1903 to 1970.This article was translated into French in February 2009 by François Ronsin....
in Fribourg, Switzerland in 1903, which operated until 1970.
Argentina
The Marianists (1917) founded their school in Buenos Aires in the neighborhood of Caballito. It is still located there.Chile
The Marianists have been active in Chile since 1948, invited by Cardinal Jose Maria Caro. In 1982, the order formed the Province of Chile, along with the Province of Argentina, by dividing the Province of the Andes. The Marianists' educational institutions in Chile include Colegio Santa María de la Cordillera, Colegio Parroquial San Miguel, Instituto Miguel, and Instituto Linares.Peru
The Marianists have founded various educational institutions suchvarious educational institutions such as >Santamaria.edu.pe Colegio Santa Maria Marianistas, Colegio Maria Reina Marianistas, Colegio San Antonio Marianistas, Colegio San José Obrero Marianistas and El Instituto Chaminade MarianistasInstituto Chaminade Marianistas
El Instituto Chaminade Marianistas is a technical school in the Santa Rosa urbanization of Callao, Peru. It was founded in 1997 by the Marianists to allow for further education to Peruvian students in order to pursue future jobs in technical areas, such as hardware support, accounting, marketing,...
.
Puerto Rico
The Marianists have been active in Puerto Rico since 1938 when Colegio San José was founded. It is considered as one of the leading educational college preparatory institutions of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.Marianists in Africa
Marianists came to Africa as missionaries in 1946. They are active in KenyaKenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
, Zambia
Zambia
Zambia , officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west....
, Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo , sometimes known locally as Congo-Brazzaville, is a state in Central Africa. It is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo , the Angolan exclave province of Cabinda, and the Gulf of Guinea.The region was dominated by...
, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
, Ivory Coast
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
, and Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
.
Kenya
They operate Our Lady of Nazareth primary school and the IMANI counseling, job training and child care center in Narirobi; and another such center, the Mastianist Development Project, in Mombassa. They serve members of the Sudanese Diocese of Rumbec in northwest Kenya. They operate the St. Bakhita Formation Center, with a seminary and training schools for nurses, teachers and catechists. In 1925, they founded the prestigious Mang'u High school (Mangu High School) in Kenya.Malawi
The Marianists' projects are the Chaminade Secondary School and M.I.R.A.C.L.E., a rural job-training service for youths orphaned by AIDSAIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
.
Zambia
The Marianists teach at Matero Boy Secondary School, reach out to the alumni of that school, and help the surrounding diocese by celebrating mass with their neighbors.External links
- Society of Mary - Lincolnshire Wards
- Marianist International Home Page
- Marianists Around the World
- Marianist Newsletter
- Marianist Vocation Site
- Marianist Province of the United States Home Page
- Marianist Family In Ireland
- Marianist Family in Spain Home
- Marianist Family in Chile
- Marianists of France
- Swiss Marianists
- Marianists in Eastern Africa
- Santa Maria Foundation
- Society of Mary of Paris - Catholic Encyclopedia article