Our Founders

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade

Feast Day: January 22

Under Fr. Chaminade's direction, the Society of Mary (Marianists) was formed in 1817. This congregation pledged to carry out Mary's apostolic mission in the world.  

One of Fr. Chaminade’s favorite expressions was “union without confusion.” Through a carefully developed system of interdependence, all members – of varying ages, social classes and both sexes – cooperated as equals under his leadership.

Today the Marianist Family – brothers, priests, sisters and lay people – continue Fr. Chaminade's mission in more than 30 countries.

 

St. Angela Merici

Feast Day: January 27

St. Angela Merici is the foundress of the Ursuline Sisters. Living most of her life in Brescia in northern Italy, St. Angela became well-known for her ministry of service to the marginalized: the displaced, the poor, the orphaned, the sick and especially women.

St. Angela saw women as significant agents of change in the world. While still a teen, she received a vision instructing her to form a “company of women” to further the work of God. On November 25, 1535, St. Angela and 28 young women formed the Company of Saint Ursula.

Today, thousands of Ursuline Sisters work to proclaim the Good News of Jesus on six continents, in schools, and in ministries for the poor and oppressed.