"Through the Mother to the Son"

Exiled from Bordeaux, France, during the French Revolution, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade fled to Zaragoza, Spain, where he spent many hours in prayer and meditation in front of a statue of Our Lady of the Pillar. During these moments of quiet contemplation, he experienced a spiritual awakening and vision for reconstructing the Christian Church in France.

Father Chaminade believed Christian communities needed to bring the story of Jesus and the Good News to life through their daily activities and outreach. Mary, the Mother of God, was the model for his renewed faith formation. In Mary, he saw Christian discipleship, simplicity and hospitality. Father Chaminade thought an “alliance with Mary” would transform the Church.

Marianists strive to be like Mary – and professed religious Marianists take a vow of stability, which reflects their special devotion to her strength, grace and spirituality.

For more information on Mary, visit the Mary Page.