Society of Mary (Marianists)
| Societas Mariae (Latin) | |
Marianist Cross, symbol of the Society of Mary | |
| Abbreviation | S.M. (post-nominal letters) |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Marianists |
| Formation | 2 October 1817 |
| Founder | Blessed Fr. Guillaume Joseph Chaminade, S.M. |
| Founded at | Bordeaux, France |
| Type | Clerical Religious Congregation of Pontifical Right (for men) |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 41°54′4.9″N 12°27′38.2″E / 41.901361°N 12.460611°E |
| Members | 930 members (309 priests) as of 2020 |
Motto | Latin: Servire Quam Sentire English: Serve with Feeling |
| Rev. Fr. André Fétis, S.M. | |
Ministry | Educational work, youth ministry, social justice |
Patron saints | |
Main organ | General Administration |
Parent organization | Roman Catholic Church |
| Website | www |
| Remarks | Part of the Marianist Family, alongside the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Alliance Mariale, and Marianist Lay Communities |
| Part of a series on the |
| Mariology of the Catholic Church |
|---|
| Catholic Church portal |
The Society of Mary (Latin: Societas Mariae, abbreviated S.M.) is a clerical religious congregation of Pontifical Right for men (brothers and priests) commonly known as the Marianists or Marianist Brothers and Priests. Members append the post-nominal letters "S.M." to their names to signify membership. Founded by William Joseph Chaminade, a priest who endured the anti-clerical persecution during the French Revolution, the Society is one of four branches of the Marianist Family, which includes the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI), Alliance Mariale, and Marianist Lay Communities. The Marianists draw inspiration from Mary as a model of faith, emphasizing a spirituality of service, education, and community. They aim to share their faith, work with the marginalized, and foster holistic education of the mind, body, and soul.