SOCIETY OF MARY (Marianists)
Missionaries of Mary…
Forming Disciples of Christ
The Province of Meribah welcomes you to our website as we share our faith and our vocation as Marianists. We are members of an international Catholic religious congregation of Brothers and Priests, the Society of Mary (Marianists), founded in 1817 by Fr. William Joseph Chaminade. We form communities dedicated to bringing others to Christ, as Mary, our Blessed Mother, did. We seek to grow in holiness as Sons of Mary. Christ is the center of our life as we strive to become more like Him.
We specialize in the education of young people of Long Island, New York, helping them to grow as persons; developing their talents and their faith. We invite you to explore our life and works as you navigate these pages. As you do, you may also contemplate your own faith and perhaps, God may be calling you too!
Embrace Our Marianist Journey of Faith
Welcome to the official website of the Marianist Province of Meribah. We aim to deepen our faith, share it with others, and grow in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the salvation of all. Go ahead, explore our life and mission on this page, and through the links to the right –>. May the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be glorified through the Immaculate Virgin Mary!
Latest News
REST IN PEACE, POPE FRANCIS
April 21, 2025
It has pleased God to call to himself, Pope Francis, our Holy Father, Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Christ.
The news early on the morning of April 21, 2025, that Pope Francis had passed from this life to eternal life in the “House of the Father” shocked and saddened us all. While we know of his delicate health, his appearances on Easter Sunday gave us hope that he was on the road to recovery. His unwavering spirit and desire to be close to all the faithful gave us the impression that he would remain with us for some time. But, the Lord saw fit to call our dear Holy Father to himself.
With profound thanks to God, we honor his memory and cherish the many gifts Pope Francis has left us. We are a Church more sensitive to the plight of the marginalized and needy; to the care of our common home; of the call to peace and the absurdity of war; and of the limitless love that God has for us, no matter who we are or how imperfect we may be. May he rest in the Peace of Christ, the arms of Mary and the eternal Easter Joy of Heaven!
Here are some photos of Pope Francis with members of the Province of Meribah. He was a good friend to the Marianists throughout the world!
Easter Vigil
Arguably the richest liturgy of the entire year, the Easter Vigil celebrates to victory of Christ over sin and the infinite love of God for us. As we welcome the “Light of Life” in the blessing of the “new fire” and the lighting of the Easter Candle, we celebrate Christ’s conquering the darkness of evil. The ancient hymn, The Exultet, recounts this event and beckons us rejoice with the entire world. We listen to the 10 readings telling the story of our salvation and God’s unwavering faithfulness. We bless and sprinkle holy water, symbolizing the cleansing that the Cross has achieved and recalling our promises at baptism to reject the lure of Satan. We sing hymns of joy and exultation. Fr. Peter Heiskell, SM, Assistant Provincial, was the principal celebrant, with the other priests of the Province concelebrating and the members of the Province united at the Chaminade Community. Several guests joined the two communities for this liturgy and for a fraternal celebration following it.
Easter Sunday
he joy of Easter continued, this time at Stella Maris, a retreat house of Kellenberg Memorial. Glorious weather contributed to a wonderful atmosphere. The celebration of Morning Prayer and the Easter Sunday Mass was first, followed by a delicious dinner. Fr. Albert Bertoni, SM, was the principal celebrant. A team of brothers prepared the celebratory meal. Later on, the two communities prayed Evening Prayer and then enjoyed dessert.
Holy Week 2025
April 18, 2025
Members of the Province Gather for the Liturgies of Holy Week
Holy Thursday
In commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the impending passion and death of our Savior, the Province members, along with some graduates of our schools as guests, gathered at Meribah, Chaminade Retreat House. Fr. Thomas Cardone, SM was the principal celebrant. In his homily he reminded us that is “truly food for our journey though life towards God; food for our own spiritual growth; and food for our mission.” During the Eucharist, we observed the traditional washing of the feet, as well as a special blessing of a newly crafted tabernacle for the Meribah Chapel. Following the Mass, there was an opportunity to adore the Holy Eucharist, held in exposition on the altar.
Following the liturgy, all move from the “Table of the Eucharist” to the “Table of Fellowship” for a community celebration of a traditional Passover Meal. Amidst special prayers, the brief ceremony included the lighting of candles, blessing of the matzo, wine, the bitter herbs and lamb. Finally, all shared this special meal in fraternity.
Some photos from the celebrations…
Good Friday
In commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and Death, the members of the Province and their guests gathered at Kellenberg Memorial for the liturgy of Good Friday. This entailed the solemn reading of the Lord’s Passion, the invocations, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. Fr. Garrett Long was the principal celebrant.
Cemetery Visit
A sacred tradition within the Province is the visit to cemetery on Holy Saturday morning. Here, at the tombs of the members of the Province who have passed into Eternal Life, we pray for their souls, and recall with thanksgiving their lives and apostolic service. In a special way, this year, we recalled our recently departed members, Bros. Gary Eck and Richard Hartz.
Once our prayer is concluded at the Province tomb, we process to the nearby gravesite of the Marianist Province of the USA, where in fraternal union, we pray for and recall the lives of those religious.
Upcoming Events
Monthly Music Selection
LEAD ME TO THE CROSS
by Hillsong United
The video features a musical rendition of a worship song titled “Lead Me To the Cross.” The lyrics reflect themes of surrender, devotion, and seeking guidance from divine love. The singer expresses a longing to be led to the cross, symbolizing a desire for spiritual connection and redemption, while articulating the importance of relinquishing self-centeredness and belonging to a higher purpose.
OMG – Our Monthly Gem
View monthly reflections referencing the teachings of and hosted by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Founder of the Marianist Family.
April 2025
“I am like a brook…”
“I am like a brook that makes no effort to overcome obstacles in its way. All the obstacles can do is hold me up for a while, as a brook is held up; but during that time it grows broader and deeper and after a while it overflows the obstruction and flows along again.
Like death and taxes, obstacles are an inevitable fact of life. It does not matter if our motives are good, bad or indifferent, we will surely encounter obstacles along the way!!
Connect with the Province of Meribah
NOTE: Use this form for general contact information.
For contacts regarding VOCATION DISCERNMENT, please use the form on our Vocations Page
Marianist Province of Meribah
Long Island, New York
