What does the “Marianist” in MEEC’s name mean? The Marianist Family is an international Catholic community of religious priests, brothers, sisters, and lay men and women who live their Christian life as Mary did, open to God's loving action, responsive to the Spirit's invitation, and willing to be a dynamic participant in Jesus’ mission.
Like Mary and with Mary, we form Christ within us and embody Christ in our world and in our times. We cry out for justice, stand with the suffering, pray at times of great uncertainty for discernment and for the courage to go out to do “whatever he tells us.” (John 2:5)
MEEC is sponsored by the Society of Mary (brothers and priests). In the United States, Marianists sponsor the University of Dayton, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 18 high schools, seven parishes and four retreat centers.
The order is distinguished by certain charisms, or gifts given by God for the benefit of the Christian community. These charisms guide all Marianist ministries and programs:
People of faith - As spiritual individuals, Marianists carry out God’s will in their service to others.
Followers of Mary - Marianists view Mary as the model of discipleship. Just as Mary gave birth to Jesus, Marianists seek to bring the presence of Jesus to life within themselves and others.
People of Community - Marianists believe that living, praying and supporting one another in community enriches their faith and strengthens their ability to meet world challenges – especially problems associated with poverty and ignorance.
Discipleship of equals - Brothers and priests share equal status within the Society of Mary.
Leaders in mission - The Marianist mission is to bring Christ to the world and to work for the coming of His kingdom.
Mission Statement of the Society of Mary
Empowered by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the dynamism of Blessed Chaminade’s charism,
we – brothers and priests – vowed religious in the Marianist Family, live in community as equals.Through lives of prayer and Gospel 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.
The Marianist Family was founded in France at the end of the French revolution by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon, and Marie Therese de Lamourous.
The Marianist Family in North America is comprised of the following branches:
Other Marianist Links
- The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative works to strengthen the combined efforts of lay and religious members of the Marianist Family in educating and acting for social justice.
- The North American Center for Marianist Studies seeks to help the Marianist Family grow in understanding, appreciating, sharing and developing its heritage and its place in the Church today.
- The World Council of the Marianist Family represents Marianists around the world.
- MEEC partners with the Hanley Sustainability Institute at the University of Dayton.
- We also collaborate with the fine folks at Mission of Mary Cooperative in the Twin Towers neighborhood of Dayton.