Third Order of Mary

The Marist Third Order is made up of many fraternities of lay members who meet, often once a month to pray and plan together. Other persons may be members-at-large. All participate in the graces that come through the religious congregation of Marists. But it is clear that for founder Fr. Colin the Third Order or other lay Marist groups must not be thought of as sodalities or prayer groups. Pray they must, and fervently, but their vision must be much more apostolic and all-embracing.

Colin’s view of the Third Order, despite the rather static name, was that of a great affiliation of people from all walks of life, a Marian people of mercy. It was to be the entire Church, but this Church transformed into a people of mercy through the influence of Mary and those in the world who professed to make her present in today's world. "The whole world Marist," repeated Fr. Colin. This was not a mere throwaway line, a bumper-sticker, a slogan. It was the expression of a Marian vision offered to the modern world — a vision still in search of a strategy.

For more information about the Third Order of Mary, contact:

Rev. Albert Dianni, S.M.
Our Lady of Victories Rectory
27 Isabella Street, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: (617) 426-4448
email: SMvocations@AOL.COM