Recently, a newly fashioned bronze cross was given to each Brother to be worn as a symbol of our common identity as Marist Brothers around the world. The cross marks our foundation in France by our original title, Petit Freres de Marie (Little Brothers of Mary.) In the center of the cross is an M for Mary, patroness of our community. What is unique about the M is that it mimics a young person’s handwriting, reminding us of our mission with youth. On the reverse are six small nail heads highlighting the efforts of the first Brothers, making nails to sustain the original community.

When religious communities were founded it was customary to adopt a uniform wardrobe, more commonly known as a religious habit. As a result of Vatican Council II, many communities modified their traditional habit to better identity with the people they served. In our community, the familiar Marist habit – consisting of black cassock, black cord, cross and white collar (rabat) – was made optional in the late 1960’s. Thus, today it is not unusual to find many Brothers in ministry wearing contemporary clothes while others wear the traditional habit and still others wear the black Brother’s shirt with a white collar.