TheCompany of Mary (Latin:Societas Mariae Monfortana; abbreviatedSMM), commonly known as theMontfort Missionaries, is amissionaryreligious congregation within theCatholic Church. The community was founded bySaintLouis de Montfort in 1705 with the recruitment of his first missionary disciple, Mathurin Rangeard. The congregation is made up ofpriests andbrothers who serve both in the native lands and in other countries. The Montfortian Family comprises three groups: the Company of Mary, theDaughters of Wisdom and theBrothers of Saint Gabriel.[1]
As early as 1700 Montfort had conceived the idea of founding a society of missionaries. Five months after hisordination, in November 1700, Montfort wrote: "I am continually asking in my prayers for a poor and small company of good priests to preachmissions andretreats under the standard and protection of the Blessed Virgin".[2]
In 1713 he went toParis with a view to recruit members for his community. The director of the seminary Du St-Esprit promised to send him such young priests as would feel called to do missionary work. During the intervals between his missions Montfort wrote the Rule of the Company of Mary though no official membership would develop before his death. After de Montfort died in 1716, two young priests and occasional collaborators, Father Adrien Vatel and Father Rene Mulot continued his mission. From 1718 to 1781 the "Mulotins", although few in number, gave over 430 missions throughout western France, most of which lasted a month.[2]
After theFrench Revolution Montfort's community was reorganised by Father Gabriel Deshayes, electedsuperior general in 1821. He received fromPope Leo XII a brief of praise for the Company of Mary and for theDaughters of Wisdom, which had also been formed by de Montfort with the help ofBlessedMarie Louise Trichet. Father Dalin who was superior general from 1837 to 1855, obtained canonical approbation of both congregations. Hitherto the missionaries had but one residence, the mother-house atSaint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre (where de Montfort and Trichet are buried) in thePays de la Loireregion. During Dalin's administration as general, several establishments were made in France. Under his successor, Father Denis (1855–1877) the community accepted the direction of aseminary atPontchâteau in theDiocese of Nantes, from where priests were sent toHaiti, the company's first attempt at foreign missions.[2]
Theanti-clerical sentiment which arose in the French government in the late 19th century, resulted in the enacting of theJules Ferry laws which led to many religious congregations which operated schools to leave France. The Montfortian novices took refuge in theNetherlands, where a novitiate and a scholasticate were established. In 1883, a school was also begun atSchimmert. That same year saw the establishment of the first house inCanada. Thebeatification of de Montfort, in 1888, gave a new stimulus to the company's expansion. A novitiate and a scholasticate were founded nearOttawa (1890); a mission school atPapineauville, Quebec (1900) and missions inDenmark. In 1901 the company took charge of what was then theapostolic vicariate of Nyassa Land (Malawi) where the congregation ministers to this day.[3]The 20th century witnessed the expansion of the company throughout the world, and its members now serve on every continent.
As members of areligious congregation Montfortians embrace theevangelical counsels, taking the three traditionalreligious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Post novitiate is where the newly professed religious deepens his commitment as a member of the Montfortians and decides whether or not to make a lifelong commitment to vowed life. For those with a vocation to be abrother suitable training is pursued in his particular field of interest. It is normal for a brother to make his perpetual profession to the Congregation after 3 or 4 years. The Company of Mary asserts that
The Brothers in particular enrich the Mission with their talents as builders especially, as agriculturists, secretaries, leaders in catechesis and in liturgy: services that they continue to offer with the help of the computer and the internet.[4]
Those called toHoly Orders study for a degree intheology, taking courses inphilosophy if they have no experience of that discipline. At the end of this period of formation, which, according to Canon Law, may last between 3 and 6 years[5] perpetual profession (final vows) is made and ordination to thediaconate follows and then to thepresbyterate between six months and a year later. In exceptional circumstances, temporary vows may be extended beyond the 6-year period, but for no more than 3 years.[6]
As with allreligious congregations in theLatin branch of theCatholic Church, the Montfortians are led by a superior general who calls a general chapter according to the constitutions of the company.
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