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The story of Jakob Gapp is a compelling real-life drama of a flawed man's discovery of the Gospel and the journey where it led him. His prophetic opposition to Nazi Socialism, which led to his martyrdom, serves as a clarion call for us to evaluate our own time and to oppose oppression. While we today might not take such radical steps, Blessed Gapp's life is a witness that we must follow the Gospel and not the trendy politics of the day.

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Father Thomas Thompson’s translation of Con la Lúmpara Encendida by Father Emilio Ortego, SM, is a compilation of individual biographies of three Spanish martyrs—Brothers Carlos, Eraña, Jesús Hita, and Fidel Fuidio, who were martyred in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Father Ortega traces the lives of these brothers and highlights their humble beginnings growing up in working-class families; their deep faith lives; and their apostolic involvement in Marianist schools. Key to their stories is their humanity and how God called them to become disciples of Christ and instruments of religious education. As Brother Fidel said, “The happiest moment of my life is when I open the door to my classroom, sent on mission to the students.”

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Father Vincent Vasey, SM, says in his introduction, “The purpose of this essay is not to write a biography in the strict sense of the term.  That has been done, and ably.” Vasey searches instead “for Father Chaminade’s personality in the events of his life, what in them speaks to us to discover the light which reveals the lines of his character, his style.  What was the center, the secret of his existence?”  Vasey has undertaken this challenging task so that by gazing intently at the portrait we might know our spiritual father and so better incarnate his spirit. . . . more

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Late in the 18^th century, during the French Revolution, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was inspired at the feet of Our Lady of Pillar in Saragossa to found the Marianist family. Are the aspirations and inspirations of William Joseph Chaminade still relevant in the 21^st century? This question is thoroughly addressed in Father Eduardo Benlloch’s Chaminade’s Message Today. Father Benlloch explores the influences and experiences of Father Chaminade’s lifetime, but not in a biographical context. Father Benlloch’s purpose is far more long reaching. Father Chaminade’s unfailing faith, devotion to Mary and dedication to prayer life are timeless qualities that are inspiring, and Benlloch suggests even necessary, for today’s Marianists. Father Benlloch unites Father Chaminade’s message with the problems facing the world as the 21^st century precariously unfolds. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was unique in his forethought and devotion to sharing Christ’s message with future generations. Chaminade’s Message Today inspires today’s Marianists to continue in this mission.

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Many Marianists know where we were born as a movement, Bordeaux, France, and specifically the Madeleine, the chapel where Chaminade ministered and saw his vision of Church come to life. But how many of us know the story of this building, the rich history it holds for the Marianists and for those who came prior.

Now, The Chapel of the Madeleine tells this story and provides historical context to this sacred space. This book, which was translated from the French by Thomas A. Stanley, SM, was published in English in honor of the bicentennial of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade’s appointment as minister of the oratory to be established at the Chapel of the Madeleine.

A plague in Bordeaux and the execution during the French Revolution of two Madelonnette Sisters are just two small facts that pepper the history of the time prior to Chaminade. However, the largest portion of the book is devoted to how the chapel has evolved since the arrival of the Marianists.

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Drawn primarily from the Letters of Adèle and Fr. Chaminade, 145 biographical sketches are presented – 133 are sketches of women who entered the Institute of the Daughters of Mary (Immaculate); eight describe women who lived in the convent, but did not join the Sisters; and four are vignettes of “sister-companions,” members of the Third Order. All these women were known to and interacted with Adèle during the twelve years between the founding of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary in 1816 and her death in 1828.

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During his last years—when Father William Joseph Chaminade might have looked for respite from all the turbulent periods of his life with serene and unfettered days—he was subjected to a malicious attack.  His closest associates betrayed him. Narcisse Roussel, a member of the General Administration while Chaminade was Superior General, wrote the Confidential Memorandum. His purpose was to remove Chaminade from any influence in the Society of Mary and to position himself to assume the leadership. To those living in an age where fair and just treatment under the law is fiercely guarded, the story is even more disturbing because Father Chaminade never saw the document with damaging—and false—testimony against him. . . . more

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This is a wonderful work for all lovers of Marianist history

Father Leo Meyer’s 13 Years at Nazareth captures the essence of the Society of Mary’s arrival in America and the joys and struggles of establishing a foothold in the “New World.” Emphasis is placed on the origins of Marianist life and ministries in Ohio and Texas, including the University of Dayton and Saint Mary’s University.

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This booklet, inspired by William Joseph Chaminade’s principles of prayer, is meant to help us use prayer to live life to the fullest.  This little book, with its reflections and corresponding scriptural references, is a guide to learning how to pray.

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Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon is well known in the Marianist Family as the founder of the Marianist Sisters. Perhaps not as well known is her gift of staying in community and communication through writing letters. In God Alone we have published quotes from these letters in a daily calendar format. A blank page has been provided in this publication to encourage the reader to write his/her own thoughts and prayers that are inspired by Adèle’s words.

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Father Hackenewerth states in his preface: “The Grain of Wheat is meant for anyone who wants to grow in virtue and develop an effective personality for dealing with the daily challenges of life. It begins with what is within the scope of everyone and moves gradually to what is totally within the power of the Holy Spirit.” This book was first published in 1967, but especially in its revision, speaks to us today. We are a society plugged into our computers and maintaining schedules that keep us withdrawn from society. A Grain of Wheat reminds and shows us that we need to reach out to others. “Our defenses and protective habits must die so that our love can reach out to others. The redemptive message of the Gospel reminds us if the grain dies ‘it bears much fruit’
(Jn 12:24).”

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The Venerable William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianists, received the gift of Charism from the Holy Spirit. It is this same charism that Father Hakenewerth integrates with the virtues of Jesus to aid us in living our lives more fully in our faith. Each chapter begins with a teaching of Marianist charism, continues with themes for prayer and meditation, and concludes with questions for personal reflection or group sharing. This book guides its readers through many facets of Marianist charism, while encouraging us to be missionaries of good works in the name of Jesus and Mary.

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The term “virtues” can conjure up feelings of outdated dogmas, old-fashioned guilt, and impossible moral standards. Father Quentin Hakenewerth provides a gentle, clear opportunity for us to grow in the virtues of Jesus together. His assumption is that we all have positive capacities in our personalities that can be magnified if we become aware of our true potential through self-awareness and prayer. In our fast-paced, success oriented world, Father Hakenewerth guides us on a journey of inner-peace and a union with Jesus, enabling us to face life in a Christ-oriented manner.

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This book presents a spirituality for small Christian communities. Each part follows a particular “road” interwoven with Marianist history and traditions. Particularly useful and practical for those beginning to share in this journey, this book encourages conversations that enliven and help insure the stability of these developing communities.

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This four-volume work by Joseph Verrier, SM, presents the life of William Joseph Chaminade from 1761 to 1816, ending with the foundation of the Society of Mary. The French title images “following the guide markers along the road which William Joseph Chaminade has taken.” We see the early influences of Chaminade, his courage during the French Revolution and exile to Spain. We witness his enduring belief in his work as a missionary to young and old alike, men and women, in the Sodality, in the religious orders, in schools and cities throughout France.

Father Chaminade wrote, “You are all missionaries.” The scholarship and dedication of Father Verrier provide us with this detailed biography, which is based on original sources and includes detailed notes. This book is for the serious reader, someone willing to follow the path of Chaminade step by step.

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Father Joe Stefanelli, SM, says the number of letters from Adèle was “certainly in the thousands. Of them, only 737 have come down to us.” Because her companions in service were scattered over a large geographical area, she developed a system of letter writing. She wrote, “It is not so much the style that should preoccupy us, but rather our own improvement.”

We gain insights into Adèle’s personality, her spirituality, her deep faith, her mission, and her desire to live for God alone. Although her life was short—she died when not quite 39—Adèle worked diligently to spread the faith to all around her. The primary work of the Daughters of Mary continued to be the development and guidance of young women of the Sodality and the Association. During her life as a religious, she founded convents at Tonneins, Condom, Agen, Arbois, and Bordeaux.

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English-reading Marianists for the first time have access to Volume 9 of Letters of Father Chaminade, which has been translated and published by the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS)

This new work includes a chronology and summary table of the 28 letters in this volume, as well as an index with proper names. Volume 9 also includes corrections made by Father Joseph Verrier, SM, in 1987 to the original French edition, as well as new acquisitions received since.

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When people call the NACMS office to ask for a good introduction to the essential elements of Marianist Spirituality, this is the book we recommend. Father Hakenewerth’s book, now in its second printing, was written to give readers an easy-to-understand description of the inspirations of Father William Joseph Chaminade that he gave to members of the Marianist Family to progress on their spiritual journey.

Hakenewerth says, “The uniqueness of our spirituality does not lie in the fact that we have elements which are not found elsewhere.  All the essential elements of the life of the Spirit should be found in every spirituality.  What is unique is the particular emphasis that is given, the specific methods used, and the particular way of understanding and living the life of the Spirit.”

A psychologist by training and a gifted teacher, Father Hakenewerth writes about Chaminade’s unique perspective and methods for the spiritual life in a style that will appeal to people’s intellects and hearts.

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This scholarly work presents a complete collection of Father Chaminade's writings to his religious and lay followers regarding Mary in scripture and tradition. These writings include letters, sermons, notes, personal reflections, conferences, and loose note pages taken from original sources and in Father Chaminade's own handwriting.

Father Armbruster's work contains many valuable tables and indices of interest to the analytical scholar. For example, Father Chaminade's biblical and non-biblical sources are indexed. Non-biblical sources include Father Chaminade's contemporaries as well as Saints Bernard, Augustine, and Ambrose.

Marianist scholars will appreciate the detailed completeness of this work with its use of resources from the Marianist archives, cross references and Table of Historical Introductions which give valuable insights into the origins of these documents. Also included is a key to foreign language titles that allows one to go from an English title document to the original document in the language in which it was written.

Many letters of Father Chaminade make at least an allusion to the Blessed Virgin. Some of them contain a more lengthy development and these are presented first. They "are like the milestones in the life of the Founder to which we must constantly refer."

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Throughout his life, Father Chaminade wanted to give to his religious sons and daughters a manual for spiritual direction. The four volumes of Direction, contain the various attempts made by Chaminade and his disciples at achieving this goal. Many of the texts are rough-drafts, sketches, or outlines for said manual. In the beginning, Father Chaminade delegated this task to various disciples, and much of what is found in the first two volumes are the results of those attempts. The entirety of volume three contains texts written by Father Chaminade himself. Volume four chronicles the contributions made to Chaminade’s legacy of spiritual direction by Fathers Rothéa, Caillet, Chevaux, Vernois, de Lagarde, and Simler, and Brother Fabries.

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Contains short articles of interest to Marianists, both lay and vowed religious. Published fall and spring; in an easy-to-use
7 x 8.5 inch format.

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This concise text marvelously highlights the history of the Society of Mary from it’s inception through the late sixties.  Relying heavily on primary sources, Gadiou and Delas chronicle the triumphs and sorrows of the Society of Mary through the eyes of its most prominent members.  Gadiou and Delas’ insights on where the Marianists have been and are going are very valuable.  Eminently readable, this text makes for a wonderful introduction to the Society’s history.

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The title of this short biography succinctly captures the life of Marie Thérèse de Lamourous. The reader will get swept away in the trials and adventures of life during the French Revolution, as you learn of Marie Thérèse’s unflinching faith and courage in this tumultuous time of history. Father Stefanelli paints a portrait of a rather unwilling heroine who eventually embraces her God-graced mission in life and adopts the prostitutes of Revolutionary France,creating a place of refuge, safety,and prayer at the Miséricorde. Marie Thérèse’s devotion to her faith and to the women she served is a positive lesson for women of and for all ages.

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This booklet contains a clear explanation of how Mary was called to bring the whole world to Christ. The two themes of “seeing” and “listening” are instructional to modern-day Christians in their call to do likewise. Sin is defined in personalistic terms: holding one another at a distance. The result of sin is loneliness and a feeling of being worth nothing. Redemption from this state comes from the willingness to be defenseless and unprotected, as Mary was. Learning how to see and to listen frees one from alienation and sets one on a path of a meaningful life: to bring Christ into the world, with Mary as a role model and resource.

The size of this booklet is very deceiving. Its length is 49 pages, but is published in very small print format. The author’s depth of thought and development of the subject matter belies its size. The enlistment of Mary’s help in rechristianizing France formed the original basis of the Marianist charism. Father Hakenewerth invites the reader to be part of bearing Christ to the whole world.

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The story of Faustino Pérez-Manglano (1946-63) by one who knew him well is an example of how the attitude of service, the touchstone of the Christian, developed and was lived out within the context of a teenager’s home life and school experience. This real-life account draws on Faustino’s diary as well as many firsthand accounts gathered by the author from his family and others.

This is a very moving little book. And a challenging one! How this remarkable young man remained patient throughout a painful terminal illness, never losing his trust in God nor giving in to self-pity, remaining cheerful and loving to others, is a lesson humility.

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This biography of Marie Thérèse is intriguing in the variety and number of “hats” she wore during her long life. She was from the aristocratic class and had lived on a country estate; during the Revolution, she bravely ministered in Bordeaux; when she fled to the country at Pian, she served as spiritual leader of the townspeople. She began a long association with William Joseph Chaminade and was instrumental in the development of the Sodality, the foundation of the Daughters of Mary, and the early years of the Society of Mary. Her major work was the Miséricorde, a refuge for women who wanted to reform their lives.

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(From the Foreword)

This booklet is not only to be read, but to be prayed and lived. It is about the Mother of Jesus. . . . She is a significant presence in the world and in our lives. It is our grace to experience that presence and to be blessed by it in surprising ways.  . . When you arrive at the end of the booklet, may you discover that all along the way, “the Mother of Jesus was there.”

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If you like writing letters, sharing with friends, or listening to personal faith stories, a new Marianist interactive experience may be for you.

We at NACMS have created My Dear Friend, a three-set spiritual companioning series based on the letters of Adèle, the young and energetic Founder of the Marianist Sisters. Her writings provide a rich source of personal and spiritual insight for today, the type of  material that is best shared with others.

People from various geographical locales, ages, denominations, and states of life lay, vowed or religious) pair up and become friends who reflect on topical background sheets and correspond with each other based on conversation starter questions that guide writing sessions. Joyce Detzel, former NACMS intern is the author.

"Power of the Pen"
Joyce Detzel
$15.00 each

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Write, share, and talk about topics relevant to everyday faith.  Learn the art of spiritual companioning.  Explore what it means to be faithful leaders/followers who try to understand how God is at work in their life.  Consider new ways to put your faith into action.  See how silence and speech can be spiritual tools and walk more closely with Mary as a companion.

"Heroic Hearts"
Joyce Detzel
$15.00 each

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We all need strong hearts of faith.  Explore peak spiritual experiences.  See how you, your friends, and other role models of faith deal with death and loss, spiritually advance, focus on God rather than self, and encounter amazing examples of grace through everyday life, people, and the sacraments.

Click here to read an excerpt from the "Heroic Hearts" session.

"Arising Anew"
Joyce Detzel, $15.00 each

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The paschal mystery of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection brings radical change to lives, families, and communities. Gain a new appreciation for how temptation, sin, and guilt can be transformed into moments of healing and life--find renewed hope that the spirit of fire and love can strengthen and empower broken places of life, ministry, and service.

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The NACMS Cumulative Index provides members of the Marianist Family with a guide to materials published by NACMS, the Marianist Resources Commission, and other groups for whom we provide a distribution service. All the listings are available from NACMS.

The NACMS Cumulative Index has four sections: a title index, an author index, a numerical index for publications issued in series (such as the MRC Bulletin, Marianist Soundings, andThings Marianist), and a subject index. The index is available in two formats: on a CD in Word for $3.50 or in 8 1/2 x 11" copied pages for $3.50, plus shipping.

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This thorough review of the first one hundred years of the Society of Mary is very well written.  Father Lebon has managed to capture (in a concise manner) the founding spirit of the Society of Mary while retaining the historical rigor demanded by such an endeavor.  His accounts of Father Simler are particularly moving, and it is clear that working with Father Simler as Head of the Office of Instruction affected him deeply.

Lebon does a marvelous job of painting a vivid picture of life in the Society of Mary from its inception through the generalate of Good Father Hiss.  Lebon’s liberal quotation of primary sources throughout the text makes the reader feel as though the first and second generation of Marianist priests and brothers are speaking across the ages, and lends an intimate ambiance to the piece.

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First published in 1974 and revised in 2003, this book began as retreat presentations in 1971. Its aim is to probe the life of faith, the centrality of Jesus Christ, the role of Mary, and the value of community. It probes some specific questions, such as, what is it about the Society of Mary that gives it a special role in the Church, and what is it about the Society that guarantees the diversity of gifts in the church.

In addition to laying out a bird’s-eye view of the times in relation to religious life (in the preface), the author discusses Father Chaminade’s spirituality (characterized by openness to reality), its scriptural and historical underpinnings, Mary and some of her titles, and the concept of community within the institute and within the Church as a whole.

The author includes other parts of Marianist heritage in the form of The Three Offices, The Three Categories, The System of Virtues, and Father Chaminade’s understanding of the apostolate.

Father Stefanelli asks very probing questions of the Society of Mary. While he spoke and wrote for the Society in particular, this book is an important orientation for lay Marianists in understanding the charism and apostolate they have committed themselves to, and points a direction in the formation that is needed to think, feel, and act as a Marianist.

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If one wishes to know the wide array of perspectives in the Marianist world about our common spirituality, this collection of papers will be of interest.  Some are remarkable for their scholarship; others are touching in their ability to capture the spirit of a particular culture and how Marianist spirit interfaces with it.  While the richness of the work lies in the expansive scope of thought and experience contained in its pages, individuals and groups might find that focusing on a set of papers from a cluster of writers will provide much grist for the reflective mill. . . . more

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Father John A. McGrath has surveyed the main elements of Catholic theology of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in this book. He concentrates on currents in Western Europe, especially France, Germany, and Italy, to show connections with Marianist life in this period. He begins with the stream of French traditionalism after the French Revolution and then follows the liberal line of thought of Felicité de Lamennais. He treats the Tübingen School and the developments in English Catholicism, especially as seen in the work of Cardinal Newman. . . . more

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A Retreat with Adèle is a spiritual guide which takes readers on a seven-day retreat. The booklet is filled with scripture passages centering on Jesus and Mary; the words of Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, Foundress of the Marianist Sisters; and reflection questions which can be used for personal or group activities. It is geared toward anyone making a personal retreat or for someone seeking moments of quiet away from the "busyness" of life.

This 24-page booklet has been published as part of the 50^th Anniversary of the foundation of the Marianist Sisters in the United States. 

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In a literary world filled with Jason Bourne, James Bond, and Robert Langdon, we Marianists have our own exciting man of action: William Joseph Chaminade. Yet, there is a critical element that separates our Blessed Founder from the rest. Chaminade actually existed, and the spine-tingling drama—chases, narrow escapes, forced exile, and long-awaited return to rebuild the Church of France—was all real.

Running Giant, a top-selling Marianist publication, is an easy-to-read historical retelling of the life and times of Blessed Chaminade that is true not only to the historical reality of Chaminade's life but also to the suspense it contained. This new printing has updated language that is suitable for today's readers, yet it retains the integrity of the original work.

This 137-page novel is an especially helpful introduction to the beginnings of the Marianist Family. The new printing has updated language that is suitable for today's readers, yet it retains the integrity of the original work. This book may be useful to teachers in a classroom environment or to promote discussion in small community groups.

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This book is a thoroughgoing development of the topic by a Marianist priest and well-known scripture scholar. He reveals the background out of which Father Chaminade developed his Marian teaching and devotion to the Bible, including the French School of Spirituality and his reading of the Fathers of the Church. Father Buby tells us that while Father Chaminade was not a Mariologist, his love for and devotion to Mary prompted him to use the whole of the Bible to teach about Mary in a practical, wisdom-like manner. He observes that Father Chaminade gave us a Marianist heritage that is close to Vatican II’s synthesis of Mary in chapter 8 of the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church (Lumen Gentium, §§ 52-68), thus affirming just how far Father Chaminade had tapped into the roots that later flourished in the 1960’s. The book is thoroughly researched, using Marianist sources and contains numerous direct quotations from Father Chaminade. A bonus is a page-long prayer by the author that begins each of the ten chapters to help the reader focus on the spiritual content.

Father Buby’s genius is his ability to use his talent and education as a scripture scholar to lay the foundation of his books on solid research. Yet, his work is never lofty or up in the clouds cut loose from his pastoral, practical, work of using scripture to inspire the reader to greater devotion to Jesus and Mary and to greater response to the demands of discipleship.

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By the sesquicentennial year of 1999, Marianists from the United States had been associated with the work in Mexico for 30 of their 150 years, one-fifth of their history.  Volume Two of the Sesquicentennial Series, The Society of Mary in Mexico by Robert Wood, SM gives a brief overview of the diversity of works which have been developed from the two foundations of the Society of Mary in Mexico.

The first section, written in 1983, covers the years from 1904 to 1914 and the establishment of schools in Durango and in Hermosillo, Mexico. This implantation of the Marianist charism ended when the Mexican Revolution caused the eviction of all religious from Mexico in 1914.

Part Two was written by Brother Wood in 1994 as part of a general history of the Society of Mary requested by the General Chapter of 1991. The second implantation began in 1980 as he, Fr. Christian Janson, and Bro. Gerald Sullivan took up an apostolic work in parish ministry in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. In 1981 a second community was established to direct a school in Apaseo el Grande. Other chapters describe ministry with lay Marianist groups; the community at Saint Joseph Parish in Lomas de Capula, Mexico City; and the building of the novitiate in Querètaro.

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"In the wake of these two revolutions, the French Revolution (1789-99) and our contemporary 'technological revolution,' Catholics have gathered in small groups to try and figure things out. Whereas we tend to view the two revolutions as series of linear events, taking place chronologically, we view the responses, of gathering in small communities in the circular sense.”

Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill, a lay Marianist and professor of English at St. Mary’s University, in Stories from the Wake: The Revolutionary Reponses of the Sodality of Bordeaux and Small Christian Communities, examines the development of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) related to these two revolutionary moments.

She describes shifts in the “grand narrative” of the day—defined as the foundational sources of meaning that organize and direct people and behavior in a meaningful way—caused by these events.

In light of such dramatic changes, where society has become un-glued, how does one create a new cohesive bond that draws people into the Christian story?

Hill examines the rise of the Small Christian Community movement, both during the time of Father Chaminade and the original Sodality and in terms of today’s postmodernism, for possible answers.

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This is a fascinating history of what happens when a government promulgates laws promoting anticlericalism.  Sr. Lucia situates the struggles of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate not only in the historical perspective of the French government’s repressive attitude towards religious institutes, she also deals with the consequences of these attitudes.  Relying on interviews and archival material, Sr. Lucia objectively reports the failings and mistakes unavoidable when anyone is forced to grapple with laws and attitudes that threaten an institute’s very survival and, by extension, one’s own “survival” or way of life.  Another interesting part of this history describes the providential merger of the Third Order of Auch, a merger that assured the survival of the Daughters of Mary.

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"May the anthology you hold in your hand–whether you be a Redbead or a Greenbead–open your mind to that textual joy or that textual passion which you steadfastly avoided in the first half of your reading life. May the Power of Enantiodromia be with you." Using the metaphor of Mary as the "reader's guide," we are introduced to:

• 15 rosary beads in red and green
• A painter and a doctor
• Newspaper articles and a bookstore gathering
• Friendship and alienation
• Loss and discovery
• Crusaders and contemplatives
• Words and silence
• Sorrow and joy . . .

Enantiodromia is the tendency of everything to become its opposite. Jump in wherever you are in your life with what you know and have been, and find your other self. Brother Peter Daino explores the discovery of wholeness, of finding and losing and finding anew, of the healing power of loving opposites, of learning to participate with joy in the sorrows of the world.

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Venerable William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850) was one of the very few forerunners of today’s Secular Institutes. Born in Perigueux, France, he devoted half a century after the French Revolution to the expansion of a prosperous Marian Sodality and to the direction of two religious congregations, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary and the Society of Mary. But his true plans had been to unite certain young men and women within the ranks of his Bordeaux Sodality in the observance of the traditional vows of evangelical perfection while remaining in the secular world. . . . The time has come however for his pioneering initiatives to be presented to the modern Church in which Secular Institutes have become an approved vocation to evangelical perfection. That is the purpose of the present study.

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Rome’s declaration of Father Chaminade as “blessed” affirms him as an experienced spiritual guide who systematized his insights into a coherent whole. As Carol Ramey comments in the foreword, Father Lackner “bridges the spiritual insight of Father Chaminade with contemporary explorations into theology and psychology,” thus making this book easy to understand and eminently practical.

Spirituality or spiritual growth can sound very nebulous. Father Lackner’s title, Virtues for Mission, sets the reader on the path of seeking spiritual development for a reason: to prepare oneself to be an active participant in the Christian mission, to be purposeful, to have a goal. This book presents a path (not the only or the path), but a path, tried and proven over the years since the foundation of the Society of Mary. In the present crisis of insufficient priests at the parish level, lay people need to be thinking ahead about how we can prepare ourselves to minister to each other. Part of that preparation can well be formation. The process of formation has traditionally been part of religious life and the priesthood. It has served to form attitudes, dispositions, feelings and behaviors to enhance whatever ministry one has been called to. Now lay people are being called by present and future circumstances to assume more active roles in their parish. This book is an excellent guide that can be used individually, but especially in a group setting where challenge and support are helpful.

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Introduced by an excerpt from one of Adèle’s letters and closed with a prayer summarizing Adèle’s thoughts on a subject, each chapter in this little book invites the reader to see the subject with Adèle’s heart and spirit. Each chapter offers, in flowing narrative, excerpts from Adèle’s letters encouraging a deepening in the chosen virtue, devotion or attitude deemed important to her.

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This daily devotional helps the reader gain a deeper understanding into one’s own faith through the inspirational words of the Venerable William Chaminade.  Each short chapter discusses Chaminade’s thought while gently nudging readers to explore their own hearts and strengthen their relationship with Mary, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

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This text, the first biography of Father Chaminade, remains the most comprehensive account of his remarkable life, following him from his earliest days at the seminary in Mussidan, through the dangers of the French Revolution, the years of patient exile in Saragossa, the early years of re-Christianizing France, the foundation and growing pains of two religious orders, and the trials of the final years of his life, to his death. It was written by Father Joseph Simler, fourth Superior General of the Society of Mary, whose soul was deeply penetrated by the authentic spirit of the Founder. Often called the “Second Founder”, Father Simler was endowed with a unique understanding of Father Chaminade’s vision and charism. As Father Simler himself wrote in the “Forward”: “We have chosen as our guiding principle to present the facts such as they are, and not to yield to any subliminal wishful thinking, to treat these facts with simplicity and frankness, and not to be guided by some preconceived notion. Our primary concern is for the truth.”

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This volume is a collection of original texts on mental prayer from the letters, writings on prayer, and talks and retreats given by William Joseph Chaminade; therefore, the language is from the 19th century. Father Chaminade believed the religious habit was to be interior, developed through the prayer of faith. "We must be the image of Jesus Christ," he said. "His actions must be the model of ours. To make a copy, one must first cast one's eyes upon the original." This is the goal of the prayer of faith.

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This book includes 52 articles that reflect the major themes in the life of Marianist religious. For a listing of subject matter in this work, please click on the link below for the contents page.

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NACMS is the Marianist distribution site for this book on the foundation and development of the Society of Mary in the United States.

Education and Transformation: Marianist Ministries in America Since 1849 situates the history of the Marianist brothers in religious culture, americanization and modernization, ethnicity and race issues, spirituality, and modernization of schools, colleges, and universities. The book underscores the significance of the specific character of the Society of Mary. It is framed by a prologue on William Joseph Chaminade, the Founder of the Marianist Family, and by the French roots of the Marianists during the Napoleonic era, and an epilogue on contemporary convergences, past and present. . . . more

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A Short History of  Marianist Spirituality is exactly that—short. Yet within its 139 pages, Cada captures the essence of the origins and development of Marianist spirituality. Ever attentive to language, Cada examines the evolution of many phrases and concepts dear to Marianists and carves a solid analysis for why Marianist spirituality is fundamentally “lay,” “adaptive,” and “Modern.”

This work is an essential primer for anyone wishing to enter more fully into the history of our charism.

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This dynamic, "living" document is based on the experiences of members of North American Lay Communities. It is "living" in the sense that the document is open-ended to possible future updates and additions. A very practical, down-to-earth guide to forming and building communities, the suggested resources and strategies make this an invaluable tool for establishing and continuing faith-based communities. What sets this apart from other resources is the proven effectiveness of the ideas to actually work in the forming and sustaining of small communities.

The work is divided into four parts–a kind of step-by-step process that those beginning to establish or seeking to enrich their community will find useful and exceedingly practical. Part I addresses issues of "Growing Communities" with specific examples involved in balancing, developing, and building community. Part II offers "Group Survival Skills" that have been proven to work in community conflict situations and group dynamics. Part III presents the framework of community within the Marianist tradition, supported by a strong heritage from the Founders, reaching into the future of the Marianist Charism. Finally, Part IV allows the reader to benefit from both resources and networks which provide practical tips for formation of small communities.

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Through personal stories gathered from vowed and lay Marianists, this document captures the joys and challenges of interaction among the various branches of the Marianist Family, and serves as a practical guide for future collaboration. It is the second volume in the (Just) Do Whatever He Tells You series, developed through the Marianist Lay Network of North America to provide resources that nurture the growth of Marianist Lay Communities. Yet, all Marianists, religious and lay alike, will benefit from the wisdom shared. The document itself exemplifies collaborative efforts within the Marianist world. Both religious and laity contributed to its creation during a working meeting held in Cupertino, CA in June 1998.

The document explores the unique family spirit found in Marianist community and the faith tradition common to all Marianists. It provides ideas for gatherings that unite Marianists of varying age, gender, culture, and lifestyle, and celebrates the rich diversity within the Marianist family! It also highlights joint efforts between vowed and lay Marianists in response to justice issues, while offering suggestions for future endeavors. The document closes with recommendations regarding lay Marianist formation and increased organization among the Marianist family.

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If you are look for a connection between the foundation of the Marianist Family and Marianist ways of responding to today's world in building community, this is a great source. Jack Ventura, SM, includes information and statistics on who makes up the Marianist Family, as well as the relationship between Marianist Spirituality and the history of Christianity. According to Brother Jack, "Marianists in communities can be agents for systemic change, thus positively helping to usher in the Reign of God." Discover how Marianists bring Christ into the world through community, despite a strongly individualistic nature.

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Fr. Paul Landolfi, SM, offers an extended understanding of the ways in which we can further pray the Apostles' Creed as we proclaim our faith. He begins by simply describing prayer as being in contact with God. Fr. Landolfi continues by explaining that there are many methods to do this, but we should always ask ourselves if our chosen method strengthens our relationship, or contact, with God. The Creed is broken down, piece by piece, to offer an understanding of what we believe, as outlined by the Creed, and challenge us to meditate on what that means in our times and faith.

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We are called to be uncomfortable, according to Brother Joseph Jansen, SM. The Marianist Charism calls us to action in our Christian faith to bring forth justice. This short read challenges us to consider our solidarity with the poor, no matter how we define the poor, and to respond to injustice with faith as Mary did. He says, "We cannot claim the name of Christian and be comfortable in the face of pollution, contamination, hunger, homelessness, insecurity, and injustice . . . maldistribution, maldevelopment, overconsumption, structural reform, poverty, social disintegration. . . ." This book offers great insight into how the charism is already alive in our work, and further challenges us to live the charism.

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What are the teachings of Father Chaminade regarding the relationship between Mary and the Holy Spirit? How do we, as Marianists, view the collaboration between Mary and the Holy Spirit, and build a relationship within this collaboration? Paul J. Landolfi, SM, addresses these two questions in his book, Mary, Collaborator with the Holy Spirit. Dividing this book into two sections, Father Landolfi begins by submitting a "summary of the teaching of Father Chaminade on the relationship of Mary and the Holy Spirit." And in order to assist those who want to meditate on Father Chaminade's words, the second part "is a compilation of texts of Father Chaminade that relate to this topic." This well researched work thoroughly examines this important aspect of Marianist life.

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Brother Steve Glodek gave this keynote address at the Province of Cincinnati Assembly in Dayton, Ohio on June 17, 1995. Framed by the scripture and images of the wedding feast at Cada (John 2:10), he explores the relationship of Marianist laity and Marianist religious men and women–at how, working together, the end projects will be "better and greater than either community could have accomplished without the collaboration."

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