Our Charism

What is a Charism?

A charism is a distinct way for individuals or communities to live out their faith within the Catholic Church.  The four branches of the Marianist Family - that is, the Marianist Lay Communities, the Marianist Sisters, the Society of Mary (Marianist brothers and priests), and Alliance Mariale - share a common charism in service of the Church and world.

This charism is important to Lay Marianists, who know, commit to, and live out this charism in their day to day life.  The Marianist charism has been passed on since the time of the French Revolution, when our founders - William Joseph Chaminade, Marie Thérèse de Lamourous, and Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon - sought out a new way to live the gospel amid radical changes in society and the Church.

Essential Aspects of the Marianist Charism

Faith
Alliance with Mary
Mission
Being in Community
Inclusivity