From a small inspiration to a global mission
The history of the Society of Mary begins in rural France in the early 19th century, when Jean-Claude Colin, together with other young priests and seminarians, pledged at Fourvière to form a community dedicated to Mary’s work. From preaching in the mountains of Bugey to receiving from Pope Gregory XVI the mission of evangelizing Western Oceania, the Marists quickly grew into a worldwide family, including priests, brothers, sisters, and lay groups. Over two centuries, through trials, persecutions, and the call of distant lands, the Society expanded across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania — always seeking to think, judge, feel, and act as Mary did, bringing Christ’s presence wherever they served.
