Maryknoll Society

The Maryknoll Society is (also known as the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and officially as Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America; Latin: ''Societas de Maryknoll pro missionibus exteris'') is a Catholic society of apostolic life for men founded in the United States to serve as missionaries to the poor and marginalized.

The society was founded in 1911 by Thomas Frederick Price, James Anthony Walsh, and Mary Joseph Rogers. The name ''Maryknoll'' comes from the hill outside the Village of Ossining, Westchester County, New York, which houses the headquarters of all three. Members of the societies are usually called ''Maryknollers''.

Maryknollers are sometimes known as the "Marines of the Catholic Church" for their reputation of moving into rough areas, living side-by-side with the indigenous peoples and learning the language. Maryknollers focus on "combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and advancing peace and social justice" in the countries they serve and have built numerous orphanages, primary schools and secondary schools. Because of the way in which Maryknollers have especially engaged in social justice, Maryknoll is also sometimes seen as a movement that represents missionary service concerned with positive action for indigenous people. In the mid-20th century, this movement came to be associated with liberation theology.

The Christophers and The Maryknoll Affiliates are both associated with the Maryknoll Movement. ''Maryknoll'' is also the current name of the semi-monthly magazine which the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers publish.

The Maryknoll name shared by a number of related Catholic organizations, including the Maryknoll Sisters, and the Maryknoll Lay Missioners. The organizations are independent entities with shared history that work closely together in the joint focus of the overseas mission activity of the Catholic Church particularly in East Asia, the United States, Latin America, and Africa. Provided by Wikipedia