The Society of Mary (Marists) is commonly known as the Marist Fathers. The international Roman Catholic religious congregation was founded in France by Father Jean-Claude Colin in 1816, and named for the Blessed Virgin Mary. The suppression of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) left an opening for the creation of a new Marian body, particularly after the French Revolution. The original inspiration for the congregation came from Jean-Claude Courveille, but Father Jean-Claude Colin emerged as its principle founder. The fall of Napoleon in 1815 offered the opportunity for a revival of Catholicism in France and the Society of Mary was to be part of this effort. Colin drafted a tentative rule for the group of priests and, along with Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, he also founded the Sisters of the Holy Name of Mary, which became the Marist Sisters. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, another member of the group, established the Little Brothers of Mary. The organization was slow to grow because local diocesan bishops were hesitant to lose priests from their control, prefering a diocesan institute only. However, when Catholic evangelization turned to Africa, Asia and Oceania, the Holy See entrusted its efforts in Micronesia, Melanesia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga to the Society of Mary (Marists). In 1836, Pope Gregory XVI approved the Priests of the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) as a religious institute with simple vows. The Little Brothers of Mary (Marist Brothers) and the Sisters of the Holy Name of Mary (Marist Sisters) were made separate institutes. Today, the Society operates in seven provinces (Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Oceania, and the United States), as well as in four mission districts (Africa, Brazil, Peru-Venezuela, and the Philippines), although Marists also work in countries that are not named, including Japan, Thailand, and Norway.
Recommended Resources
Marist Fathers Australian Province
The Priests and Brothers of the Society of Mary are also known as the Marist Fathers, and the Australian Province of the Society of Mary is a member of the Marist Asia-Pacific, and a participant in its mission in the Asia-Pacific region. A history of the organization and biographical information relating to its founder and Marist saints are put forth, and schedules and contacts are included.
http://www.maristfathers.org.au/
Founded in 1901, the private, non-profit, college-preparatory Catholic school is operated by the Marist Fathers and Brothers, educating students in grades seven through twelve in Atlanta, Georgia. Its history, campus, strategic vision, and other facts about the school are put forth, along with its board of trustees and a directory of faculty and staff. School schedules and admissions policies are included.
https://www.marist.com/
Societas Mariae in Europa - Ireland
The Marist Fathers (Society of Mary) in Ireland is part of the European Province of the worldwide Catholic Order. The mission and history of the Marist Society is told, and its locations in Ireland and worldwide are posted, along with documentation and informational articles, an overview of its membership policies, formation process, policy statements, and spirituality.
http://www.maristfathers.ie/
The Society of Mary is a religious congregation of the Roman Catholic Church. Its history and biographies of its founder and saints and heroes within the order are highlighted, along with its mission, vision, and religious vows, an overview of community life within the Marist community. Other features include a list of Marist publications, archives, and access to Forum Novum, a Marist journal that is published once per year.
http://www.maristsm.org/
The Marist Fathers and Brothers came to the Philippines through the New Zealand Province in 1981, spreading to other parts of Asia over the years. A history of the Order and its work in Asia is put forth, including an overview of its communities, membership information, and its formation process. Other resources include a calendar of events, contacts, and a gallery of photographs.
https://maristasia.org/
Society of Mary, Marists in the US
Roman Catholic priests, brothers and laity are part of the Society of Mary in the United States. A global Order, the Society came to the United States in 1863. The Marist family includes the Marist Brothers of the Schools, Marist Sisters, Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary, the Society of Mary, Marist Laity, Marist Associates, and the Third Order of Mary. Its history, locations, and leadership are defined.
http://www.societyofmaryusa.org/
Marist Fathers and Brothers are members of the Society of Mary, a religious congregation in the Roman Catholic Church who model themselves on the person of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A description of the work and lives of members of the community is put forth, along with an overview of its work in New Zealand and elsewhere. Membership information and contacts are included.
https://www.sm.org.nz/
