Mixed Composition

In using the term “Mixed Composition” we refer to the unique way in which Marianist priests and lay religious live and serve together in mission, as equals in dignity, albeit diverse, according to their personal gifts and skills, as well as is appropriate to the particular state in which they live their vocation. Each state, that of the lay religious or priest, responds to the call to generously share their vocations as we live and work in common. Blessed Chaminade called this “union without confusion.”

A candidate who enters the Society of Mary primarily seeks to live as a “brother” among other brothers. Thus, the initial religious formation of members is common for all. The eventual decision to live one’s vocation as either a lay religious or priest is made later on, in mutual dialog between the individual, the Community, and the Province, since one’s vocational call ultimately comes from both the Lord and the Community.

The Society of Mary considers mixed composition to be a precious charism, and even more, “a treasure for the whole Church” (GenChap 1986, 96). It constitutes an important element of Marianist ecclesiology, and as such, expresses, at least partially, our identification with the local and universal Church as well as our loyalty to the same. Thus, mixed composition “seeks to portray a more faithful image of the Church” (RL, 13).

Article 12: There is only one Marianist vocation, but we welcome as our members
men of varied background and training.

All have the same rights and duties as religious. The one Spirit is manifest in a variety of complementary gifts and ministries.

Article 13: The lay religious live out their total commitment to God and to gospel values in a variety of ways, especially in the domains of science and culture, in technical and manual labor.

The priests express this commitment in a variety of ways as well, principally by offering their ministry first of all to their Brothers,
and then by joining their Brothers in serving God’s people.

Thus the Marianist community seeks to portray a more faithful image of the Church; it rejoices in the mutual enrichment this mixed composition brings to its community life and mission.

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