Marian
Sodalities

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What Is a Sodality?

Satisfying a Holy Restlessness

The Marian Sodality unites lay people who are filled with a holy restlessness for more, ‘magis’, and thus commit themselves to greater than ordinary spiritual and apostolic activities. An early definition of the Sodality captures its spirit perfectly, “The first aim of a Sodality must be the cultivation of a more perfect life like to the life of Christ.” – Sodality Rules, 1601

A Community of Catholics

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind.”
– Acts 4:32

Conformed to Christ

“For those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” – Rom. 8:29

Consecrated To Mary

“He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” – Jn. 19:26-27

Commissioned for the Salvation of Souls

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History of the Sodality

Fr. Jan Leunis, SJ formed a group of lay students at the Roman College in 1563 to focus on prayer, spiritual growth and Christian service, under the patronage of Our Lady. This ‘Sodalitas’, Latin for ‘community’, became a model for other groups of students that formed at Jesuit colleges throughout Europe and all over the world. These individual Sodalities were connected to the original ‘Marian congregation’ in Rome, which came to be known as the first or head congregation, the Prima primaria, of all of the Sodalities in the world. The ‘Sodality of Our Lady’ has a very venerable history, with many saints having been formed in their ranks, and with a flowering of apostolic activities in many cities throughout the centuries. The Sodality of Our Lady has received Papal endorsement many times throughout its history, with the latest approval coming in 1949 with Pope Puis XII’s promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution, Bis Saeculari.

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Sodality Locations

There is a network of ‘Marian Sodalities’ that extends throughout the world. Most Sodalities are made up of students at a Jesuit school or university, and date back to the nineteenth century. There are also adult Sodalities that exist in cities and draw members from throughout the city. One can see a list of some of the Sodalities in the United States on the website:
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Testimonials

“Since encountering Sodality in high school, it has been the framework of my relationship with God and his Church. I have been extraordinarily blessed to be able to make this offering of myself and receive a hundredfold more, not just in the graces that come from living out the commitments to prayer and the sacraments, but also though the deep friendships which the Sodality gives birth to. They are how the Lord nourishes me.”

Alex Scalco

Jesuit High New Orleans Sodalist
“The Sodality of Our Lady forever changed the trajectory of not only my faith, but of my entire life. It was through the Sodality at Spring Hill College that God revealed His divine will for me to enter the Society of Jesus. As a sodalist, I was formed to be a better disciple and put in positions of leadership so as to be a better apostle.”

Hunter D’Armond

Gonzaga Branch, Spring Hill College Sodalist
“Sodality gave me the opportunity to share in prayer, service, and formation with fellow Sodalists who have become true lifelong friends, friends who years later continue to form me and guide me as we strive to follow Christ each day.”

Dr. Sofia Ruiz Castaneda

Therese Branch, Spring Hill College Sodalist
“The Therese branch of the SHC Sodality deeply formed me and changed my entire college experience. I had the joy of living alongside other men and women who were striving after a life of integration and holiness. The formation I received in college was a foundation for a fruitful life in the Spirit that I am grateful for!”

Alyssa Myles

Therese Branch, Spring Hill College Sodalist

Resources

Sodality Formation

Materials to help you grow in Marian devotion and live out sodality life.

Spiritual Exercises

Guides to prayer and discernment rooted in the Ignatian tradition.

Homilies

A library of past homilies for prayer, reflection, and formation.

Take the Next Step

Sodalities are meant to be lived in community. See if there’s a sodality near you and take the next step.

Find a nearby sodality