Company of Mary

History

The Company of Mary, also known as the Company of Mary Our Lady, is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in the early 18th century. It was established by Saint Louis de Montfort in 1705 in Poitiers, France. The congregation was formed with the primary mission of promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith through education and missionary work.

Saint Louis de Montfort, a French priest and preacher, was deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary and believed that true devotion to her was a path to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. His vision for the Company of Mary was to create a group of priests and brothers dedicated to preaching and teaching, with a special emphasis on Marian devotion. The congregation received papal approval from Pope Clement XI in 1716, shortly before Montfort's death.

Mission and Charism

The charism of the Company of Mary is rooted in the spirituality and teachings of Saint Louis de Montfort, particularly his emphasis on total consecration to Jesus through Mary. This spiritual practice is detailed in his seminal work, "True Devotion to Mary", which outlines the theological basis for Marian consecration and its significance in the Christian life.

The primary mission of the Company of Mary is evangelization through preaching, teaching, and pastoral work. Members of the congregation are engaged in various ministries, including parish missions, retreats, and educational initiatives. They aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and encourage personal devotion to the Virgin Mary as a means of spiritual growth.

Organizational Structure

The Company of Mary is organized as a religious congregation of priests and brothers. It is governed by a Superior General, who is elected by the General Chapter, the highest governing body of the congregation. The General Chapter convenes periodically to discuss matters of governance, mission, and the spiritual and apostolic life of the congregation.

The congregation is divided into provinces, each led by a Provincial Superior. These provinces are further subdivided into local communities, where members live and work together in accordance with the congregation's charism and mission. The organizational structure is designed to support the congregation's apostolic activities and ensure the effective implementation of its mission.

Apostolic Activities

The Company of Mary is actively involved in a wide range of apostolic activities, both in its native France and internationally. These activities include:

**Parish Missions**: Members of the congregation conduct missions in parishes to renew the faith of the local community. These missions typically involve preaching, catechesis, and the administration of the sacraments.

**Education**: The congregation operates schools and educational institutions that provide both religious and secular education. These institutions aim to form students in the Catholic faith and prepare them for their roles in society.

**Retreats and Spiritual Formation**: The Company of Mary offers retreats and spiritual formation programs for individuals and groups seeking to deepen their faith and relationship with God. These programs often emphasize the teachings of Saint Louis de Montfort and the practice of Marian consecration.

**Missionary Work**: The congregation is engaged in missionary work in various countries, focusing on evangelization and the establishment of local church communities. This work often involves collaboration with other religious congregations and lay organizations.

Spirituality and Devotions

The spirituality of the Company of Mary is deeply influenced by the writings and teachings of Saint Louis de Montfort. Central to this spirituality is the practice of total consecration to Jesus through Mary, which involves a complete surrender of oneself to God through the intercession and guidance of the Virgin Mary.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to cultivate a strong personal devotion to Mary, which is expressed through prayer, meditation, and the observance of Marian feasts and devotions. This Marian spirituality is seen as a means of drawing closer to Jesus and living out the Gospel in daily life.

The congregation also promotes the Rosary, a traditional Catholic devotion that involves the recitation of prayers while meditating on the mysteries of the life of Christ and Mary. The Rosary is considered a powerful tool for spiritual growth and a means of obtaining graces and blessings from God.

Influence and Legacy

The influence of the Company of Mary extends beyond its immediate apostolic activities. The congregation has played a significant role in promoting Marian devotion and the teachings of Saint Louis de Montfort within the Catholic Church. Montfort's writings, particularly "True Devotion to Mary," have been widely read and have inspired countless individuals and religious communities to embrace Marian spirituality.

The legacy of the Company of Mary is also evident in its contributions to Catholic education and missionary work. Through its schools, missions, and spiritual programs, the congregation has made a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals and communities around the world.