Organization and Life of the Association

With regard to the expansion of the Association from its beginnings, through the 19th century until the middle of the 20th century, the "Manuals" were the links and the vehicles for living the spirit. These Manuals were at the same time: a rule, the statutes, and a book of prayers and of spiritual life.

After these initial Manuals prepared by Father Aladel, several revised editions made by Fathers Crapez, Tricot and Henrion came out. These revisions were made in accordance with the epoch and the needs of the time.

The Marian Congresses were intense times of formation and renewal, which the Association needed to adapt to what life required at the time.

The Faith-life of the members of the Association produced fruits at the level of social and public life. The Children of Mary, marked by Christian commitment and, moreover, as members of the Catholic Action, showed that they were equal to their task in difficult moments, at the time of the organization of the workers' movement, unions, etc. The era of industrialization had arrived bringing with it struggles and difficulties in striving out to livea Christian life.

When the Daughters of Charity in Mexico were expelled from their Houses and their works in 1875, the Children of Mary took charge of the service of the poor…

The canonization of Saint Catherine Labouré in 1947 by Pope Pius XII brought about an increase of fervor in spirit, fortified by the renewing climate of the Council, and contributed to communicating and intensifying this vital breath in the world.

The Manual helped to unite minds.

The Marian Congresses were times of intense formation and renewal.

Social and public meaning of the Association from its origins.