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.
Our Journey Through Time
Fourviere Pledge
On July 23, in the chapel of Our Lady at Fourviere, Lyons, a pledge is made by young priests and seminarians to found a society of Mary.
First community
The first community of four priests is formed to preach missions in the Bugey district. This period also sees the beginnings of the Marist Sisters, Marist Brothers and lay groups.
Foundation & Recognition
In January, Pope Gregory XVI confides the missions of Western Oceania in the South Pacific to the new group of Marist fathers.
Pope Gregory XVI approves the Society of Mary in April.
On September 12, the first twenty Marists, including Marcellin Champagnat, make the religious profession and elect Jean-Claude Colin as the first Superior General.
On Christmas Eve, the first group of Marist missionaries, including Bishop Battailon and Peter Chanel, leave for the missions in the South Pacific.
Growth of the Society
1840 – Death of Marcellin Champagnat.
1841 – Martyrdom of Peter Chanel in Futuna.
1861-63 – First foundations in Ireland and USA.
1873 – Definitive Rule of the Society approved.
1875 – Death of Jean-Claude Colin.
Expansion & Challenges
1880 – Anti-religious decrees in France lead to the formation house being set up in other parts of Europe.
1886 – First foundation in Rome.
1889 – Beatification of Peter Chanel.
1889 – New provinces in England, Ireland, NZ, America.
1898 – Establishment of the Province of Oceania.
1900 – First foundation in Germany.
1902-1911 – Expulsion from France (Including General Administration).
20th Century Missions
1920s – Provinces in Germany, USA, Canada. And, persecution in Mexico.
1936–39 – Spanish Civil War: 10 Marist fathers killed in odium fidei, as well as many other priests and religious including many Marist Brothers.
1947–50 – New foundations: Netherlands, Africa, Japan, Peru.
1954 – Canonization of St Peter Chanel.
1959–62 – New provinces: Spain, Mexico, San Francisco.
1962–65 – Second Vatican Council; call for renewal.
Renewal & New Horizons
1969 – General Chapter of Renewal, Rome.
1970s–80s – New missions in Pakistan, Brazil, Philippines.
1985–87 – New Constitutions completed and approved.
1989–90 – Mission districts in Africa and Peru-Venezuela.
Modern Era
1999 – Canonization of Marcellin Champagnat.
2008 – The provinces of Europe combine to form one Province.
2009 – The provinces of USA unite to form the Province of the United States of America. And, the first international novitiate held in Davao, Philippines.
2012 – Erection of the International Marist Scholasticate in Rome, “Casa di Maria”
2016 – Brazil & Peru-Venezuela merge into “District of South America.”
People and Places that Shaped Us
Discover how our comprehensive solutions empower your journey.
Our Founder
Discover the life of Jean-Claude Colin, who laid the foundations of the Marist family.
Witnesses of Faith
Meet the saints and witnesses whose lives embody the Marist charism and inspire generations.
Our Beginnings
Follow the journey of the first Marist missionaries who brought the mission to Oceania.
Marist Places
Explore the key locations where the Marist story began and continues to thrive worldwide.