The Objects and Rules of the Society of Mary
The Society of Mary
springs from two similar societies,
the
Confraternity of Our Lady (founded 1880)
and the League of Our Lady
(founded 1901), which
united in 1931. The initials C.O.L & L.O.L on the reverse of the medal
recall these founding societies. It has members all over the world and is
not confined to Anglicans alone.
The Society was founded as an Anglican Society with these Objects:
| 1. | To love and honour Mary. |
| 2. |
To spread devotion to her in reparation for past neglect and misunderstanding and in the cause of Christian Unity. |
| 3. | To take Mary as a model in purity, personal relationships and family life. |
The Society is dedicated to the glory of God and in honour of the Holy Incarnation, under the invocation of Our Lady, Help of Christians, with the following rules:
| 1. |
Members shall keep a Rule of Life, which will include such special devotions as the Angelus, the Rosary, the Litany and Anthems of Our Lady. |
| 2. | They will pray for departed members of the Society and offer Mass for them. |
| 3. | They will take part in the Mass on the principal Feasts of Our Lady. |
| 4. |
They will engage in apostolic and pastoral work, according to opportunity, under the guidance of the local Ward Officers and the General Council. |
Where there are sufficient
members in one place or area, they combine to form a Ward, with a priest as
Superior and an elected Secretary. They can organise regular services,
meetings and many other activities. Five or more members may form a Cell
and organise joint prayer and fellowship. Isolated members are joined to the
Headquarters Ward.
The Society publishes its magazine
AVE three times each
year with details of pilgrimages, retreats, festival services, etc. It is
free to all members and is the effective link between the various Regions.
The Society is not affiliated to any single shrine or Marian institution and
is the only organisation that endeavours to promote equally all
the different aspects of devotion to Mary.
February 2007
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