Marist Way Pillars, Values, & Themes

“Hidden and unknown” is a phrase that from early on has characterized the Marist approach to ministry. Marists are called to carry out their work in such a way that they themselves may remain “hidden and unknown in the world.” As Fr. Jean-Claude Colin explained, “When God speaks to a soul He says much in a few words. For instance, that phrase: ‘unknown and hidden in the world.’” The value of being hidden and unknown means living and serving with humility and quiet love, without seeking recognition, praise, or status. It reflects the spirit of Mary in the Gospels—faithful, present, and active, yet often unnoticed. It is doing good without needing to be seen or thanked, letting actions speak louder than words, focusing on others rather than oneself, and serving quietly, humbly, and generously. Marists, following Mary’s example, seek to make Jesus known and loved not by standing in the spotlight, but by being present, gentle, and faithful behind the scenes—bringing light in small, humble ways. To be hidden and unknown is to choose a life of humble service, trusting that God sees and that quiet goodness holds deep and lasting power.

Marists cherish humility, embracing a gentle and unassuming way of living. To live the Marist Way means practicing this humility daily, recognizing the truth about ourselves—our strengths and our limitations—while maintaining a spirit of gratitude, openness, and service. It is the virtue of seeing oneself honestly, neither overestimating nor underestimating one’s own value, and understanding oneself in relation to others and to God. This kind of humility shapes Marist life, guiding thoughts, actions, and relationships, and fostering a heart that is attentive, caring, and aligned with God’s will.

Marists promote simplicity in life, embracing minimal accommodations and shared possessions. They call the world to “live simply,” recognizing that simplicity is a daily practice of gratitude and awareness of God’s blessings, even amidst the challenges of modern society. This simplicity is closely connected to humility, which lies at the heart of Mary’s example. Humility is the virtue of seeing oneself honestly—acknowledging both strengths and limitations—while living with gratitude, openness, and a spirit of service. It means not thinking too highly or too lowly of oneself, but understanding one’s place in relation to others and to God. Mary said yes to God, not because she considered herself great, but because she trusted Him completely. In the same way, humility invites us to live with quiet confidence, deep trust, and a willingness to serve. To live simply and humbly is to embrace honesty, gentleness, and a heart open to God and others—not seeking to prove oneself, but simply being who you are, with love.

Fr. Colin told his fellow Marists that there were three fundamental points that should distinguish their way of life. The three things Marists should reject—saying “No!”—are the desire for material gain, the lust for dominative power, and the seeking of celebrity or prestige. Fr. Jean Coste, a Marist historian, suggests that these form part of Fr. Colin’s vision of a “Marian Church,” the ideal that Marists seek to realize through their Mary-inspired approach to ministry. Greed is an excessive or selfish desire for more than what one needs, particularly regarding wealth, possessions, or status. It focuses on accumulation for oneself without regard for others, often leading to harm, injustice, and broken relationships. Pride is an overestimation of one’s own abilities or importance, leading to arrogance, stubbornness, and the tendency to look down on others. Misused power is the capacity to influence or control others in ways that dominate, oppress, or harm. While power itself can be neutral or even positive when used to serve, protect, and lead, seeking it for selfish reasons can damage community and relationships. Marists say “No” to greed, pride, and the misuse of power because these attitudes block the ability to live in love, humility, and freedom. Greed draws attention away from people and toward possessions, pride separates us from God and others, and misused power creates fear and injustice. Rejecting these attitudes keeps us open to humility, gratitude, and selfless love; it allows us to build just and peaceful communities, serve others responsibly, and follow God’s example of compassionate leadership. Saying no to greed, pride, and abusive power helps us grow into the people God calls us to be—people who love, serve, and live in freedom, peace, and generosity.

Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, founder of the Society of Mary, wrote in the 1872 Constitutions that ardent love of neighbor is a fundamental Marist value. In paragraph 49, he listed it alongside intimate union with God, humility, and self-denial (discipline), showing that these four values together form the foundation for living and sharing the Marist Spirit. Ardent love of neighbor is a deep, passionate, and active love for others. It goes beyond mere kindness or sympathy, involving a heartfelt desire to care for, serve, and support people in practical ways. This love embodies selflessness, compassion, and generosity, promoting the good, well-being, and dignity of every person. In the Marist context, it is inspired by God’s love and calls Marists to treat everyone—especially the poor, marginalized, and suffering—with the same care and concern that Christ shows.

“Being instruments of divine mercy” is a phrase Marists use to describe their mission and identity. Fr. Jean-Claude Colin and his fellow missioners would often remind people, “God sends us into your parish to be the instruments, all unworthy though we be, of his mercy toward you.” For Colin, Marists became such instruments through prayer, study, and the practice of virtue. To be an instrument of divine mercy means allowing God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to flow through us so that others may experience His healing, peace, and boundless love. It is shown in forgiving without judgment, offering help with a compassionate heart, caring for the suffering and marginalized, reflecting God’s unconditional love in our words and actions, and practicing patience and gentleness even when it is difficult. In this way, every small act of kindness becomes a channel of God’s mercy, making us true instruments of His grace in the world.

Marists have always sought to serve those on the margins—the least favored or forgotten. When Marist School was founded in Atlanta in 1901, it was established in what was then considered mission territory for the Catholic Church in the United States, reflecting the missionary spirit at the heart of the Marists. Around the world, they continue to go where the need is greatest. This spirit is captured in the value of “doing what others cannot or will not do,” which means embracing generous service and courageous commitment, especially in places or tasks that are difficult, overlooked, or unpopular. It calls Marists to be bold, compassionate, and faithful, choosing to serve in ways that others might avoid—bringing hope and love exactly where it is needed most.

Marists are called to go from place to place to spread the Good News, even to the ends of the earth. Though they began in France, their very first mission was to serve in the South Pacific/Oceania, showing that at their core they are a missionary order. This same call extends to all who share in the Spirit of the Society of Mary: to “be missionary.” The Marist value of being missionary means living with a heart open to sharing God’s love and the message of Jesus with others, especially those who may not yet know it. To be missionary is to be both messenger and servant of God’s love, bringing light, hope, and faith to the world through words, actions, and a spirit of compassion.

Marists welcome all. The phrase “All are welcome in this place” has long been a hallmark of Marist missions and parishes, expressing the openness and inclusivity at the heart of the Marist spirit. While some Marist schools around the world may be selective in their admissions, the true Marist spirit lives on in the hearts of students, teachers, and communities who are called to embrace visitors, show kindness to classmates, and respect those who guide them. This is the essence of hospitality: welcoming others warmly and generously, creating a sense of belonging and family. In the Marist way, hospitality means opening hearts and communities to everyone—especially those who are strangers, marginalized, or in need—and becoming loving hosts who reflect God’s inclusive love by inviting others into friendship, care, and support.

Fr. Colin once said, “Our aim is nothing less than to make the whole world Marist.” In this, he likely had two things in mind: the potential for the Society of Mary to embrace everyone in its family, including through the Lay branch, and the hope that the Gospel virtues embodied in Mary—the spirit of humility, love, and service at the heart of the Marist way—would spread throughout the world. To “make the whole world Marist” means living and sharing these values so widely that their influence touches people everywhere, inspiring others to embrace Mary’s example in their own lives. At the heart of this vision is inclusiveness: welcoming and embracing every person, regardless of background, culture, abilities, or differences, just as Mary’s love is open to all. Inclusiveness reflects the Marist spirit of hospitality, compassion, and unity; it builds communities where everyone feels valued and loved, and it ensures that no one is overlooked, especially the marginalized. By being inclusive, we break down barriers and create unity of “one mind and one heart,” making the Marist Spirit truly alive in every person, culture, and place. In this way, the dream of making the whole world Marist becomes a reality, as Mary’s love and the Marist mission take root across the globe.