The Women & Justice Issue Team upholds the value of the discipleship of equals within the Marianist Charism. Priests, brothers, sisters and lay people all bring gifts that are equally valued and can be used to serve others. There is no hierarchy within the Family of Mary - a gift that the Marianists can advocate for within the larger church. 

We are also inspired by the example of one of our foundresses, Marie Therese de Lamourous. When the local pastor took the schismatic oath to the new Republic of France, Marie Therese, together with the members of the parish, shunned the services held by the pastor. She herself became the "pastor-shepherd" to the community.  

Why is the Marianist Family called to work on this issue?

Marie Therese also dedicated her life’s work to serving women, some of the most vulnerable in France’s society, who had previously been engaged in prostitution. We feel, as a team, that we can act as a force lifting the voices of vulnerable women worldwide, just like Marie Therese did so many years ago. 

The Women & Justice Issue Team, through our Marianist lens, promotes increased leadership and influence of women in our Church and works to support and lift up all women in the world.