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Life as a Maryknoll Priest

Through baptism, Jesus calls on us all to be missioners — He calls some of us to a uniquely enriching life overseas serving God’s children most in need as missionary priests.

First Departure 1918

We have served in lands affected by World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts around the globe–Maryknollers have been imprisoned, tortured and even killed. But the enthusiastic and joyful dedication of Maryknollers to their apostolic calling has never diminished as they carry the Gospel and witness the mercy and compassion of Jesus to Africa, Asia and Latin America.

  • We live side-by-side with the poor, the suffering, and the powerless
  • We work side-by-side combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and advancing peace and social justice as a living witness to God’s Love

For over 10 decades, more than 2,000 men have been ordained to the Maryknoll missionary priesthood (and, several hundred more have taken oaths as Brothers.

Our call to mission is compassion at work!

If you feel this is the kind of global spiritual journey for which God is calling you, we invite you to join us in our works of compassion around the world.

First Departure 1918
First Departure 1918
First Departure 1918
First Departure 1918

If you are a young, single, Catholic man living in the United States and hear the call of God to explore priesthood, consider the unique path of Maryknollers as a life of overseas mission.

As you discern your vocational call, you may want to ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I have an understanding of our Catholic Faith?
  • Do I have a commitment now to those who are less fortunate, and do I participate in some type of volunteer work?
  • Do I have an openness to people of other cultures, to people who have other visions of the world and ways of living?
  • Could I attain the skills needed to live a celibate life that will make me totally accessible to those in need?
  • If you think this could be your calling, do consider these requirements for priesthood vocations with Maryknoll:
  • An undergraduate degree that includes requirements in philosophy and theology
  • Earn a Master of Divinity Degree through Theological Studies
  • Take part in an Overseas Training Program for 2 – 3 years, gaining practical experience of overseas missionary life

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the path to priesthood as a Maryknoller.

To learn more about Maryknoll’s history visit Maryknoll Mission Archive website.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

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