Society of Mary, SM, is a Roman Catholic religious order of brothers and priests called the Marianists or Marianist Brothers. The community was founded by William Joseph Chaminade, a priest who survived the persecutions of Catholics during the French Revolution. This work is copyrighted. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Father William Joseph Chaminade, a survivor of the French Revolution persecutions of Catholic leaders, founded the Society of Mary in 1817. ... During the French Revolution (1789–1799) democracy and republicanism overthrew the absolute monarchy in France, and the French portion of the Roman Catholic Church was forced to undergo radical restructuring. ...

The Marianists look to Mary as a model for faith and spirituality, and they feel that the best ways to live a spiritual life are through work in the trades, missionary work, and, most importantly, through education. In Christianity and Islam, Mary (Judæo-Aramaic מרים Maryām Bitter; Septuagint Greek Μαριαμ, Mariam, Μαρια, Maria; Arabic: Maryem, مريم) was the mother of Jesus of Nazareth who at the time of his conception was the betrothed wife of Joseph, awaiting the customary Home-Taking that would permit them to start living together...

In the Marianist Province of the United States, the Society runs three higher learning institutions, about 17 high schools, 6 elementary/middle schools, and 12 parishes. In each of these institutions, the Characteristics of Marianist Education guide the curriculum. These five characteristics are:

• To educate for formation in faith
• To provide an integral, quality education
• To educate in family spirit
• To educate for service, justice, and peace
• To educate for adaptation and change.

Men who pursue a vocation with the Society of Mary follow an intense formation process forcing them to examine themselves and their spirituality. The first step to becoming a Marianist is to be a Contact. Contacts learn about the order and themselves through retreats and through the guidance of a Marianist who they contact regularly. The next step is the Aspirancy - a 10-month live-in with an actual Marianist community. Aspirants work in a ministry to further their understanding of Marianist spirituality and their own faith. At the end of this period, one enters the Novitiate, which is a 20-month period divided over 2 years. During that time, the novice learns about the order, and spends time deeply considering his call to the order.

At the end of the Novitiate, Temporary Vows are professed. These vows must be renewed every year for at least 3 years. At the end of that time, the brother can decide to enter into Perpetual Profession, in which the brother professes the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability. In addition, some brothers study to become priests at the International Marianist Seminary in Rome, Italy. A seminary is a specialized university-like institution for the purpose of instructing students in religion, often in order to prepare them to become members of the clergy. ... City motto: Senatus Populusque Romanus – SPQR (The Senate and the People of Rome) Founded 21 April 753 BC mythical, 1st millennium BC Region Latium Mayor Walter Veltroni (Democratici di Sinistra) Area  - City Proper  1290 km² Population  - City (2004)  - Metropolitan  - Density (city proper) 2,546,807 almost 4,000,000 1...

The Marianists can be found all over the world, and in the United States, they are concentrated in St. Louis, Mo.; Columbus, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas. The largest educational institute operated by the Marianists is the University of Dayton. Actor and activist Martin Sheen has credited his dedication to public causes to his Marianist education at that university. The Gateway Arch, shown here behind the Old Courthouse, is the most recognizable part of the St. ... Columbus is a latinized version of the Italian surname Colombo, which means Dove. ... San Antonio (the Spanish name of Saint Anthony) is a common toponym in parts of the world where the Spanish language is or was spoken: Argentina San Antonio, Jujuy province Belize San Antonio, Cayo District Chile San Antonio Mexico San Antonio, San Luis Potosí Philippines San Antonio, Quezon San Antonio... The University of Dayton is a private Catholic university operated by the Society of Mary located in Dayton, Ohio. ... Martin Sheen as President Josiah Jed Bartlet Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an American actor. ...

External link

• Marianist Province of the United States Home Page
• Marianist Vocation Site
• Marianist International Home Page
• Marianist Family in Spain Home