Marianist Lay Communities

Marianist Lay Communities are Christian communities at the service of the mission of the Church in the world. Part of the worldwide Marianist Family and are inspired by the charism of their founders, they consider their personal and community life as their primary means of evangelization, in service to the mission of the Church in the world. Seeking to collaborate in all missionary activities, they aim at the multiplication of Christians and the development of a world that is more just and compassionate, more free and more interdependent.

Biographical Information

Founder: Emerged from Marianist movement founded by Blessed William Chaminade

Foundation: The lay Branch of the Marianist family, at its first meeting in Santiago de Chile in 1993, adopted its own governing structure.

Ecclesial Recognition: Recognized by decree of the Pontifical Council for the Laity on March 25, 2000.

Membership: Present in 28 countries: Africa (7), Asia (3), Europe (6), North America (5), Oceania (1) and South America (6).

Membership:
- both male and female
- lay only

Organization

Lay/Religious: lay only

Individual/Community: The MLC is structured into communities at the local, national and regional levels.
Commitment/Vows: Members live the faith in small communities, following the example of the early Christians.

Purpose and Activities

Overall Purpose: MLC communities place themselves at the service of the Church's mission in the world according to the charism of the Founders.

Apostolic commitments: Members join a small faith community.

Marian Characteristics

Major Inspirations: Communities embrace the life of total consecration to God under the guidance and protection of Mary; by her acceptance of the Holy Spirit Mary invites us to put into practice the words of the Lord so we can respond to the needs of all people

General Marian Characteristics: Mary is accepted by members as Mother, model and teacher.

Spiritual\Devotional Exercises: Consecration to God through Mary.

Pastoral/Apostolic Endeavors: To be messengers of the Gospel, watchful of the signs of the times, to spread the Kingdom of God and to build up a world of peace and justice, with a preferential option for the poor.

Sources

http://www.clm-mlc.org/english

Directory of International Associations of the Faithful, Pontifical Council for the Laity, available at: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/documents/rc_pc_laity_doc_20051114_associazioni_en.html