Society of Mary: Marianists

The Society of Mary’s ministry in education needs to be placed in the context of the Marianist family. The Marianist family is comprised of men and women who are religious brothers, sisters, and priests and vowed and non-vowed members of Marianist lay communities. The implementation of the Marianist mission is the result of the collaboration among all members of the Marianist family. To understand why members of the Society of Mary (male vowed religious) are involved in education, it is helpful to know the founding story and the vision of William Joseph Chaminade, Marie Therese de Lamourous, and Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon. William Joseph Chaminade knew there was great diversity among members of the Catholic Church. Members of the Catholic Church who chose to serve God and His Church in a variety of ways came from many walks of life and many socioeconomic levels. It was this diversity of people who were to be founders and members of the Marianist family. In developing the Marianist family, Chaminade did not work alone. He maintained an ongoing collaboration with Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon and Marie Therese de Lamourous to carry out the mission he knew he had to accomplish. Chaminade firmly believed and taught that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the model for all he did, and the woman who influenced all that he would accomplish. The inspiration and enthusiasm of the three founders have motivated and inspired members of the Marianist family from its foundation in the early 19th century to the present time.