The Society of Mary is a missionary congregation. For as long as the Society has existed, that mission has meant some leave their homeland behind to share their faith and life skills with people in other countries so that they too may have life.

This pattern of leaving home began from the outset. Within six years of the first Marists being professed in 1836, 41 of them had set out for the missions of Oceania.

That tradition continues today, and it sees the Society of Mary ministering in over 25 different countries. As part of this mission the Society of Mary has international teams working together in Peru, the Solomon Islands, Africa, New Zealand, Brazil, Great Britain, Australia, the Philippines and Venezuela.

In his recent letter from Rome, the Superior General addressed all Marists and said: "Everyone realises that a common language forms the basis for communication, but everyone at the same time expects respect for what he brings with him of his own culture and language. We reject all forms of cultural imperialism, and rightly so....It is striking how, with such openness and enjoyment young people are prepared to cross borders to get to know other cultures."

In addition to the 180 Marists in New Zealand, the following Marists are contributing to the Society's international mission.