The Marian Sodality

One of the defining characteristics of the spirituality of our Community, as the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa, is our consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

​From very early on, it became apparent that Our Lord desired us to share this Marian way of life with those we serve, particularly through a Marian Sodality. It began with an invitation to meet the need of forming and guiding young ladies. Over the years, this apostolate has grown dear to our Community because it manifests our charism in a special way. It is one that continues to flourish and bear much fruit today.

The Marian Sodalities were originally begun by the Jesuits, starting with Fr. John Leunis in 1563, and spread extensively among Catholic communities through the centuries. A Sodality is formed by a group of faithful who desire to intensify their relationship with Jesus Christ through consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Sodality” (Latin: sodalis) means “companion”, therefore the sodalists strive to be a companion and friend to Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and their other Sodalists. 

In the Rules of the Sodality it states that the Sodality “aims at fostering in its members an ardent devotion, reverence, and filial love towards the Blessed Virgin Mary, and through this devotion and the protection of so good a Mother, it seeks to make the faithful… good Catholics sincerely bent on sanctifying themselves, each in his own state of life, and zealous, as far as their condition in life permits, to save and sanctify their neighbor and to defend the Church of Jesus Christ against the attacks of the wicked”.

In light of its purpose, regular meetings are designed to be a time where Sodalists receive formation to grow spiritually, enjoy each other's friendship through crafts and games, and become equipped to be strong Catholic leaders for the future. In addition, throughout the year there are opportunities to participate in apostolic activities, social events, and retreats. The Sisters serve as moderators in the Our Lady of Grace Sodality at the Cathedral and in the Roses of Mary Sodality at St. Maximilian Catholic School. Some highlights from the past year include: the election of new officers, the first Advent retreat and ceremony at Mater Dei Convent for both Sodalities, and an apostolic excursion to San Francisco to join the Missionaries of Charity for their street ministry and a visit to the Carmelite Monastery of Cristo Rey.

We are looking forward to another year with these beautiful souls and are excited to see what graces Our Lord and Our Lady have in store for them!