Fr. Manuel Cortés Elected Fourteenth Superior General of the Society of Mary

Fr. Manuel Cortés Elected Fourteenth Superior General of the Society of Mary

This afternoon, at the General Chapter of the Society of Mary (Marianists) currently in session at Villa Aurelia in Rome, the delegates elected Fr. Manuel Cortés, S.M. to become their 14th Superior General. He succeeds Fr. David Fleming, S.M. who just completed his second term as Superior General. Via Latina 22 ---- Video


Daily Bulletin— July 21, 2006
Via Latina 22
General Chapter Edition - Society of Mary

Following the celebration of the Eucharist and invocation of the Holy Spirit for the election before them, the delegates from all Marianist Units throughout the world met in General Assembly for voting. At the Eucharist, presider and homilist, Fr. Bernard Vial, S.M., called on the delegates to listen to the Spirit and to reflect upon the current needs of the congregation and who might best be called to leadership at this time. Later, Fr. Manuel was elected on the 2nd ballot.

Born in Valencia, Spain in 1945, Fr. Manuel entered the novitiate of Society of Mary in 1961. On September 12, 1962 he professed his first vows in Elorrio. Following several years of study, and some time teaching, he entered the Marianist Seminary in 1970 and was ordained on March 24, 1974 in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Throughout his more than forty years as a Marianist, Fr. Manuel has served has local community superior, school chaplain, Master of Novices and parish priest. In addition, he was Provincial of the Province of Zaragoza from 1989-1997. Fr. Manuel holds advanced degrees in Physical Sciences and Theology.

He is the author of several books. He also has the ability to communicate in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Italian. As the thirteenth successor to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Fr. Manuel will serve a term of six years, renewable once. He, along with three General Counselors who are soon to be elected, will serve as the leadership team of more than 1300 members of the Society of Mary.

The Society of Mary, present in some 30 countries, was founded by Blessed Chaminade in Bordeaux, France in 1817. It is one branch of the Marianist Family which also consists of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI), Marianist Lay Communities (MLC) and a secular institute known as the Marian Alliance (AM). The Society of Mary was founded with the charism of “mixed composition”, namely that both brothers and priests live and work side by side, in community, with equal rights.

The General Chapter continues, with the election of the General Assistants. The Chapter is expected to continue until July 30th. During this time, directions and priorities for both the new General Council, as well as the Society as a whole, will be discussed and determined.

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