Children of Mary

The Children of Mary is an apostolate of the Sisters here in St. Mary’s open to all young ladies in 9th - 12th grades. It is run by a Sister Directress, assisted by a student president, secretary, and treasurer, who are elected by the members from among their peers. Members have a weekly meeting after school and a weekly guided meditation. Activities are organized throughout the school year, allowing times of informal contact altogether with the Sisters to encourage the family spirit and mutual support within the Association.

Young ladies may sign up during the first few weeks of each academic year. A small fee is asked at the beginning of each year to help cover the costs of the Association.

History and Background

The Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate was started at the express request of the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. In the year 1830, our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure and confided to her a twofold request for her spiritual director, Fr. Aladel. Firstly, he was to start the Association of the Children of Mary. Secondly, he was to arrange for the casting of a medal in honor of our Lady’s Immaculate Conception. It quickly came to be known as the Miraculous Medal because of the many miracles obtained through it. This became the badge of the Children of Mary. So, Our Lady herself we can say is the foundress of this Marian association which is officially approved by the Holy Catholic Church. She requested the founding of this association in order to unite young ladies who would consecrate themselves to her, love her, and through her, be fixed upon loving her Divine Son. Those who join receive more abundant and special graces from Our Lady since they not only consecrate themselves to her individually but in union with thousands of other souls within the Association who promise to live according to the Children of Mary Rule.

The original Children of Mary Rule was written by Fr. Aladel following the request of Our Blessed Mother but was adjusted by the Sisters of the Society St. Pius X to suit our modern times and was approved by his excellency Bishop Tissier de Mallerais in 1997. The Rule is very short and very simple. The members promise to live a true interior life with a devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, frequent reception of the sacraments, recitation of the daily rosary and a daily meditation of fifteen minutes. Members also promise to strive to imitate the beautiful charm of Our Lady’s characteristic virtues: joyful obedience, radiant purity, true humility, and ardent charity.