Society of Mary in Japan
1. Society of Mary is a Boys' Catholic religious order founded by 1888 members who came to Japan in 5. Its headquarters was in Tsukiji, then moved to Kojimachi, and finally to Kudan, where it remains to this day. This year marks the 133rd anniversary of its founding (as of 2021).
2. Society of Mary Members in Japan
The Society of Mary is a religious order consisting of priests and lay members. There are 32 members of the Society of Mary in Japan (as of 2021). They have monasteries in Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagasaki, and are dedicated to evangelizing the gospel.
3. Characteristics of Society of Mary: "Mixed Structure"
The Society of Mary aims to promote holiness and service to others, and is a community of priests and lay religious who share the same rights and obligations. This structure is called a "mixed structure" due to the Society's unique charism.
4. Missionary Activities of the Society of Mary in Japan
The Society of Mary's main tool in Japan is education. Since its founding, it has contributed to the church and society in Japan through school education.
There are Gyosei Gakuen in Tokyo (founded in 1888), Kaisei Gakuen in Nagasaki (founded in 1892), Myojo Gakuen in Osaka (founded in 1898), and Kosei Gakuen in Sapporo. Kosei Gakuen was founded by the Sapporo Archdiocese in 1934, but was transferred to the Society of Mary in 1946, where it remains to this day.
5. Societies of Mary around the World
The headquarters of the Society of Mary is in Rome. It is an international religious order consisting of about 1000 members. It is currently active in 29 countries, scattered throughout Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia. It is also involved in education, parish activities, and renewal activities such as welfare activities closely related to the local community and cooperation with the poor.
6. Blessed Father Guillaume-Joseph Chaminade, Founder of the Society of Mary
Father Guillaume Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850) was in exile in Spain for 3 years from 1797 due to the influence of the French Revolution. During that time, he spent his days in meditation and prayer at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, and he planned to bring the Gospel to his homeland. Upon his return in 1800, he immediately gathered young men together to realize his plan.
7. Founding of the Society of Mary
The young people group that gathered in Bordeaux quickly formed the "Lay Marianist Community" (MLC). This group was a "Sodalitiy" group dedicated to the name of the Virgin Mary for the purpose of evangelization. From this group, the secular congregation "Alliance Marial" was born, and in 1816, the "Congregation of Mary Immaculate" was founded by Blessed Adele de Batz de Tranqueléon, and in 1817, the "Society of Mary" was founded by a group of young men. These four groups are called the "Marianist Family" and are firmly united by the same spirit. They bear the name of the Virgin Mary and put into practice Father Chaminade's motto, "You are all missionaries."
8. Marianist Family in Japan
Compared to Europe, the presence of the Marianist family in Japan is not as large, but under the guidance of the Japan Marianist Family Council, we share the founding spirit and are beginning a collaborative mission for the future.
9. Growing as a Member of the Marianist Family
The 35th General Chapter of the Society of Mary, held in 2018, stated that "the survival of the religious life of the Society of Mary is in jeopardy unless it coexists with the Marianist Family" (General Chapter Document no. 3), emphasizing the Society's relationship with the Marianist Family and calling for cooperation and active collaboration between the families.
10. As a member of the Asia Zone
The Japan District of the Society of Mary belongs to the "Asia Zone of the Society of Mary." Together with the Marianist Family in India and Korea, we are seeking international collaboration to spread the presence and charism of the Marianist Family.
