Think Judge Feel and Act
Marist Moment: Being Another Mary
Marists do not promote devotions to Mary; they seek to be like Mary. This is at the heart of the name they bear - Marist means ‘like Mary’. This attitude and way of being is expressed most powerfully by a special phrase Colin believed he received from Mary herself; ‘they must think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things, otherwise they will be unworthy sons and daughters of her name’.
A popular Marist Book called ‘A Marian Consciousness’ offers some thoughtful ideas on the Marist Way of looking at and living life.
Think as Mary, Judge as Mary, Feel and Act as Mary
At the heart of this book is a startling idea: Mary is not only someone to love and admire — she is a place to stand. Colin never promoted new Marian devotions. Instead he invited his followers into something far more intimate: to see the world through Mary's eyes, to make her heart and mind their own vantage point. This is what Fitzgerald calls a marian consciousness.
The classic text is Colin's article on the spirit of the Society, still cherished by Marists today. Those who bear Mary's name, he wrote, must 'try constantly to breathe her spirit: a spirit of humility, self-denial, intimate union with God, and the most ardent love of neighbour.' And then the famous words: they must 'think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things.'
Notice what this is: not a doctrine to memorise but something to do. Fitzgerald finds in it a whole spiritual practice: remember that you have been graciously chosen; treasure the name you have been given; breathe Mary's spirit until it animates you; and then use her as your touchstone of discernment — before a decision, a word, a judgement, quietly asking: does this resonate with Mary's heart, or clash with it?
This is why the Society of Mary can be called 'one of the least and one of the most Marian' of families: the least, because it multiplies no devotions; the most, because it attempts nothing less than identification with Mary's own way of seeing. Her gaze is always fixed where hers always was: on Jesus, and on the people who need him.
Marist Reflection Question
Faced with the most difficult person or situation in my life right now — how would Mary see them? What changes when I look with her eyes?
Marist Practice for Daily Life
Adopt Colin's beloved exercise, the examen of consciousness: each evening, review one decision or reaction from the day and ask simply, 'Did I think, judge, feel and act as Mary would?' No guilt — just gentle recalibration.
Marist Resource Download
This resource was created from the Marist Spirituality Series ‘A Marian Consciousness’ by Fr Michael Fitzgerald SM. Click here to view the full reflection guide.
