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!

This is the alternative text — **ABOUT THE MARIANISTS**

Latest News

OPERATION FIAT – May, 2026

May 19, 2026

Praying for and Learning about a Marianist Religious Vocation

Once again, students of Kellenberg Memorial and Chaminade High School joined members of the Marianist Communities from both schools to participate in Operation FIAT. Under the big tents on the northern field at Chaminade, they came together on May 18, 2026, to learn about and experience the life of a Marianists religious. The program began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer from the Divine Office, much like the brothers pray each day.

Following this prayer, Bro. Roger Poletti presented his thoughts on a Marianists Vocation, based on his 50 years experience! He emphasized that the Church on Long Island, the faithful, and especially the work of education is calling more “workers” into the field of service and witness through religious life. He shared the effects that the lack of religious, especially religious sisters, have had in our diocese. Thus, in addition to the personal spiritual call to respond to a vocation given by God, there is also the clarion call of the Church. The students listened attentively and appreciated these words.

Of course, the evening continued with a delicious barbecue provided by Chaminade, during which the students and the Marianists could speak together, in smaller groups, exploring the life and mission of a Marianists religious.

Let us continue to pray for vocations to the Marianists, our Diocese, and the Church!

Celebrating 150 Years of Religious profession – June 2026

JUNE 14, 2026

Province of Meribah celebrates the 50th Jubilee of Bros. Stephen Balletta, Dermot Meehan and Roger Poletti

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Approximately 200 people gathered on in Chaminade’s Hearst Auditorium to celebrate the 50th Jubilee of first profession of there members of the Province of Meribah. Members of the religious communities of the Province, diocesan clergy, family, collegues and friends joyfally celebrated the Eucharist in thanksgiving for their vocation and generous devotion to Mary’s mission. Fr. Peter Heiskell, SM, Assistant Provincial, was the main celebrant, and Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, SM, Provincial, served as host and received the renewal of vows during the ceremony.

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The joy and celebration continued after the Mass, with a wonderful reception in the large gym of the AAC. During this gathering, Bro. Joseph presented each of the jubilarians with a Papal Blessing and an icon as a gift from the Province. The jubilarians shared their gratitude to God, Mary and all who have walked with them over the last half century in their missionary journey. Each, in his own way, expressed how the good work begun so many years ago, has transformed their own life, deepened their love for the Lord and his Blessed Mother, and given them the privilege of engaging with so many in ministry.

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We thank God and Mary for the witness of these brothers. We ask the Lord’s continued blessing of their vocation, their life in the community, and in their ministry. Let us also pray that the Lord might send more workers, like them, into the field so that the great things brought about by God’s grace in these jubilarians, might also multiply!