The Society of Mary in Boston: A Brief History

Founded in 19th-century France, the Society of Mary has sent its members to live and work in far corners of the world, where they have brought the good news of God’s grace to an array of cultures. Their mission choices have centered on serving in places where no one else would serve —among the poorest of God’s people in the most abandoned places. The Society is known for its tradition of living the Gospel “in the manner of Mary”.

Fr. Jean Claude Colin, founder of the Marist Fathers, recognized that Mary had lived without making a fuss of herself, with no fanfare and yielding abundant fruitfulness. He described her presence as “hidden ... as it were unknown.” Fr. Colin modeled this as the Marist Fathers’ style of presence in the Church and the world.

The Marists first came to America in 1863, where they served in parishes, colleges, and in regions as bishops. In 1924, the American Province was split into the Boston and Washington Provinces, with the Boston Province serving a largely French-immigrant population in New England. The Boston (or Northern) Province served in Canada, New England, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. With the exception of Canada, which became its own province, this geographic designation has remained the defined area of the Province since that time. < Back to About Us