Marist
/ˈmɛːrɪst
/ /ˈmarɪst /noun
1 (also Marist Father) A member of the Society of Mary, a Roman Catholic missionary and teaching order.The First Catholic missionaries, Marists, landed in Samoa in 1845....
- In 1826, the Methodist Mission successfully introduced Christianity to Tonga, and Marists introduced Roman Catholicism in 1842.
- The Marists viewed themselves initially as itinerant missionaries, prepared to answer spiritual needs wherever they might arise.
2 (also Marist Brother) A member of the Little Brothers of Mary, a Roman Catholic teaching order.
Origin
Late 19th century: from French Mariste, from the given name Marie, equivalent of Mary.