The Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady

The Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady was founded in Bordeaux in 1607 by St Jeanne de Lestonnac.

We are international order and our mission is worldwide. Our communities are based in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. We are called to announce the Kingdom in any part of the world where there is hope of rendering greater service to God. 

Our charism is education in the Faith that bears fruit in works of justice. It is focused mainly on the education of youth and the promotion of women, as hope for the future and the transformation of society. The way we carry this out is very varied, according to the need in each context. In many places we have Company of Mary schools, but we also work in other fields, such as educational social projects and pastoral work in parishes.

We aim at helping young people deepen their experience of God and fulfil their potential to become the person God wishes them to be, so that they may take their place in the world and play their role in making it a better place.

Characteristics of our Spirituality:

• Our Lady is our Mother and Patroness. In her total response to the will of God, she is our role model.
• The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius are central to our life.
• Contemplation in action through prayer and discernment of the will of God in the context of our world today.
• Consecration to God through the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.
• Community life, sharing all in common for the sake of the mission and caring for each one according to her needs.