
The Marianist Cross
The MARIANIST CROSS incorporates a capital “M”, in the shape of a circle with a simple cross.

- Jesus Christ is the living center of all things, beings, and enterprises in the Church. “All things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:17). Through his cross, too, everything was saved from what was lost: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14). Finally, it is through him that all people will find their unity in charity: “to gather all things together in Christ” (Eph 1:10).
- This Cross incorporates an “M” in the shape of a circle. This carries a double meaning:
- This circle is the image of the world. But Jesus says: “before the world was, I am!” The foot of the Cross is therefore outside the circle. But, once incarnate, Christ is definitively part of our world: the Cross is therefore fixed to the world, giving it all its meaning and its true “dynamic”. The universe may be in revolution, but the Cross remains firm!
- This circle is in the shape of an “M.” Was it not through Mary that Christ entered the world and made his home among us? He existed prior to her, and it is in God’s Son that Mary herself subsists. But once he has come into the world, Christ remains indissolubly bound to it, until the Cross and the Resurrection. Thus, it is always with Mary’s motherly help that Christ comes to be born in each one of us, so that we may be re-formed in his likeness (S.F. I, No. 90).
Various rederings of the Marianist Cross and Coat of Arms of the SM
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The Marianist Charism
The Marianist charism is a gift from God that inspires the Marianists’ way of life and actions. It’s characterized by five pillars, or primary beliefs and focal points, that guide the Marianists’ lives:
+ Faith: Marianists are spiritual people who believe in God and serve others through prayer and action.
+ Mary: Marianists view Mary as a model of Christian living and discipleship.
+ Community: Marianists live in welcoming communities and believe that living, praying, and supporting each other strengthens their faith.
+ Mission: Marianists are called to make the world a better place by responding to those in need and working for the coming of Christ’s kingdom.
+ Inclusivity: Marianists practice discipleship of equals, where brothers and priests share equal status and priesthood is seen as a ministry.
The Marianists are a worldwide Catholic family of brothers, priests, sisters, and lay people. The Society of Mary is the male religious congregation, and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate is the female religious congregation.

Sons of Mary
“To Make Mary Known, Loved and Served”
Joining in her mission of bringing people to Christ

Understanding our
Mixed Composition
“There is only one Marianist Vocation.”
Lay religious and priests in complimentary vocations

About the Society of Mary throughout the World
Serving God’s People throughout the World
Together, forming “the man who never dies.”

About the Province of Meribah
Service in a Spirit of Hope, Faith and Gratitude
Driven to inspire love, hope, and faithfulness everywhere.
Community Life and Family Spirit
“The Marianist community aims to be an image of the first community of Jesus’ disciples, united with Mary and filled with the Holy Spirit. We give ourselves to community life in order to bear witness to God’s love,
to attain holiness, and to fulfill our apostolic mission.
We form a new family, based on the Gospel of the Lord, in which we share in common prayer, friendship, possessions, work, successes, and difficulties. We aim to make family spirit the distinctive mark of our communities, growing in the characteristics of Mary, particularly her faith, humility, simplicity, and hospitality.” – From the Rule of Life of the Society of Mary (Art. 34-35)
For the religious of the Province of Meribah, the fostering of a community, inspired by faith, animated by mutual service and sharing, and sustained by fraternal concern and compassion, is a key pillar of our life and mission. Like the first community of Jerusalem, having one heart and one soul, we hope to bear witness to the presence of Christ and to show that still today, the Gospel can be lived in all the force of its letter and spirit.
