Marists strive to do God’s will similar to the way Mary, the mother of Jesus, did; to live and work in the Church today following the model of Mary at the beginnings of the Church.

Today we are scattered to the four corners of the world but are united in one heart and mind under the patronage of the Mother of God. Like our founder, John Claude Colin and his Marist companions, we respond to the desire of Mary, expressed in the inspiration: “I supported the Church as it came to birth; I shall do so again at the end of time.” We wish to carry out this “work of Mary”, making our own her love and concern for the Church. Sharing her zeal for the Church’s mission, we try to work in her style, as it were “hidden and unknown” – an unobtrusive presence no less zealous and engaged.

Inspired by the spirit of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Marists look to the example of the early Church. There they see a small group of disciples, united in love, moved by prayer, eager to spread the Good News, and inspired by the presence of Mary in their midst. When the early Marists spoke of the enterprise in which they were engaged they often used the term “the work of Mary”. Mary has a special interest in bringing the women and men of our time into contact with Jesus Christ her son. Marists feel called to share in this effective concern of Mary and to be drawn into her family to work on her behalf. Marists have this missionary spirit which at heart is open to all people. It excludes nobody and would like to see a brotherhood and sisterhood of all united in Christ.