Our History
The Marist Brothers are an international religious institute of Brothers (lay consecrated men) dedicated to making Jesus Christ known and loved through the education and evangelisation of young people, especially those most in need.
Founded by St Marcellin Champagnat in 1817 in France, there are over 3,100 Brothers across 80 Countries. The Marist Brothers are educators, youth ministers, counsellors, social workers, and missionaries. Every day, Brothers transform the lives and situations of thousands of young people through education and spirituality programs, challenging young people to live to their fullest potential and make a difference in the world around them.
Known originally as the Little Brothers of Mary, the Catholic Church approved our Congregation in 1863 giving us the title: Fratres Maristae a Scholis (FMS) or Marist Brothers of the Schools.
In the Province of Australia, close to 200 Brothers live in Marist Communities across the country, including Brothers working in Marist ministries in schools and universities across Australia, Cambodia, East Timor, Italy (General Headquarters, Rome), Philippines, and Vietnam.
The Province Of Australia was created on December 8, 2012, bringing together the former provinces of Melbourne and Sydney. Our current Provincial is Brother Peter Carroll, FMS. The Provincial Headquarters is located at Mascot in Sydney.
The General Headquarters of the Marist Brothers is located in Rome. Our current Superior General is Brother Ernesto Sanchez Barba, FMS. To find out more about the mission and ministries of the Marist Brothers throughout the world, go to www.champagnat.org
