Society of Mary (The Marists)

Scheduled to visit:
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Camden

Since its official recognition by the Church in 1836, the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers and Brothers) has committed itself to bringing the word of God to people around the world. Just three months after the first Marists made their profession, a group, acting at the request of Pope Gregory XVI, left for the Catholic missions of western Oceania in the South Pacific.  The Marists continue to serve there today, as well as in countries on six continents, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, the United States, and Venezuela. 

Founded by Father Jean-Claude Colin, the society, like the Church, finds its model in Mary. In the spirit of Mary, Marists are dedicated to bringing the saving word of Christ to others. Marists are called to humbly accept the gifts they have received and to allow God to work through them in service to others; to be instruments of Divine Mercy, welcoming all people; to be disciples like Mary, helping to renew and build God’s Church; to pray as Mary did to intercede for the sake of the world and on behalf of those who seem far from God; and to live simply and unselfishly.

Marists serve in parishes, in prisons, and in hospitals, but the education of children, adolescents, and young people has long been their focal ministry. Fr. Colin described young people as “God’s children that are entrusted to us.” Marists minister as administrators, teachers, counselors, and chaplains. They also reach out to youth in other ways, especially those marginalized by society, for instance asylum seekers, those living on the streets, and those with disabilities.  In addition, the Marists educate adults, operating universities and seminaries.

If you would like to support the work of the Marists, visit St. Brendan the Navigator Parish’s online giving page.

To learn more about the Marists, visit their website.