In 2006 the Society of Mary celebrated its 75th Anniversary, being founded in 1931 by the amalgamation of two older societies, the Confraternity of Our Lady (founded in 1880) and the League of Our Lady (founded in 1901).
The Society has members all over the world and is not confined to Anglicans alone – there are some Orthodox and Roman Catholic members too.
The Society of Mary is not affiliated to any single Marian Shrine or institution, but seeks to promote equally all the different aspects of devotion to Mary - and particularly in the cause of unity between Christians and to address misunderstanding about the place of Mary in Christian salvation.
The Society has played a big role in developing ecumenical relationships in Europe - notably at Lourdes where very good relations were established some years ago, which has helped to secure a very warm welcome for Anglicans at Lourdes. In recent years the present Superior General of the Society, the Right Reverend Robert Ladds, the Bishop of Whitby, has led successful pilgrimages of the Society to Lourdes, renewing old friendships and establishing new ones.
The Society’s work has a broad scope. It produces a magazine ‘Ave’ three times a year, with articles and details of pilgrimages, retreats, festivals, etc., in various centres both in Britain and around the world. The Society’s magnificent May Devotion is held on the first Saturday of May in London at St Silas, Kentish Town NW5, and there is an annual Lecture in September on the Saturday nearest to the feast of Mary’s birthday. Regional October Devotions are also held in the Northern Province and Wales and the West.
The Society is currently working on a programme of educational material for use in schools and parishes. It also supports youth activities with grants.
And, of course, the Society also seeks to develop the spiritual life and discipleship of members!! There is a simple Rule of Life, involving the keeping of the Catholic Precepts and use of the Sacraments, including the use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Membership costs £7.50 (minimum) per annum or £80 Life Membership [2007 rates]. As part of their subscription, members receive free each year the three issues of ‘Ave’ (cover price £2.00). And each Ward will also have a small local subscription to cover the cost of Ward mailings and other local costs.
In the Diocese of Ely there are two Wards of the Society – the Cambridge Ward, which is based at Little St. Mary’s, Cambridge, and the West Norfolk Ward, which is based at St. Edmund’s, Downham Market. The two Wards meet together in July.
Note in the matter of Ordination
The Society of Mary maintains the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church, of the conferral of Holy Orders on men. This is the official position of the Officers and Council, although the views of individual members may differ.
JWM 03/07
