Who? 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 persecutions of Catholics 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 for faith and spirituality, and they feel 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.

Around the World: There are currently almost 1,560 Marianists--five hundred priests, including three bishops, and a thousand and sixty brothers--in four continents and thirty countries. The Marianists say that they "devote the major part of their efforts to inculturation in order 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."

How do I join? Men who pursue a vocation with the Society of Mary follow an intense formation process forcing 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 live-in with an actual Marianist community. Aspirants work in a ministry to further their understanding of Marianist spirituality and their 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 his call to the order.

At the end of the Novitiate, Temporary Vows are professed. These vows must be renewed every year 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.

Where are they? They occupy France, the USA, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Argentina, Chile,Peru, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.

(contributed by Dario - he's at one of their schools in the USA)

to find out more, visit the Marianist web site (USA Province)

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