I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§1

1. The Warriors of Mary Movement (hereinafter referred to as the Movement), established by the Inspector of the Salesian Society of St. Wojciech in Piła, was formed during regularly held open formation meetings for men (clergy and lay people), organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ląd nad Wartą.
2. The Movement operates in Poland and beyond its borders, with the permission of the appropriate church authorities and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
3. The Movement does not have legal personality within the Church.
4. The activities of the Movement are based on the provisions of canon law, the Statute and relevant provisions of secular law.

§2

1. For pastoral reasons, the Movement is subject to the Polish Episcopal Conference, which approves its Statute and appoints one of the bishops as the delegate of the Polish Episcopal Conference for the Movement, who cooperates with the Inspector – the higher superior of the Salesian Society of St. Wojciech in Piła, as well as with the Moderator of the Movement.
2. The Salesian Society of St. Wojciech in Piła, ul. Świętego Jana Bosko 1, 64-920 Piła, is the legal entity that directly oversees the proper functioning of the Movement.
3. The Movement was founded and operates within the Salesian charism, therefore the Inspector of the Salesian Society of St. Wojciech in Piła appoints the Moderator of the Movement from among the Salesian priests and informs the Polish Episcopal Conference of his choice.
4. The main center of the Movement is located in Ląd nad Wartą, at the Center for Spirituality and Culture, Ląd nad Wartą 101, 62-406 Lądek.

§3

The Movement, as an association of active Catholics, fully and unconditionally submits to the Pope, Bishops and higher superiors of the Salesian Society of St. Wojciech in Piła in its activities.

§4

The patron of the Movement is St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Society and the Salesian Family, a saint of the Catholic Church.

§5

The activity of the Movement in the individual dioceses of the Catholic Church requires formal consent from the local Bishop.

§6

The Movement may use its own graphic symbol as its emblem (the emblem design is provided in §22).

II. CHARISMA OF THE MOVEMENT

§7

1. The Charisma of the Movement is the imitation of the virtues of the Most Holy Mary in everyday life, as well as personal total consecration to Her Immaculate Heart and protection, for the greater glory of God, the Church, and the victory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2. The main goal of the Movement is the growth of its members in faith, hope, and love, for the greater glory of God and for the benefit of His holy Church, as well as the formation of men – according to the teachings of the Catholic Church – to be good Christians and responsible husbands and fathers. The path leading to this goal is sacramental life combined with devotion to the Most Holy Mary and practicing Church-approved devotions, especially those that honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
3. In pursuit of the mission of the Warrior of Mary, members of the Movement refer to the teachings of St. John Bosco, especially to:

a) the preventive (preventive and educational) system – an educational method that is not based on the use of force, but appeals to the potential for good, reason, and religion that the student carries within. The educator, fully respecting the young person’s free will, becomes close to him to accompany him on the path of authentic growth. The preventive system involves anticipating the actions of the ward to prevent him from doing something improper;
b) unlimited dedication to Jesus Christ (Salus Credentium) and the protection of the Immaculate Virgin Mary (Auxilium Christianorum).

4. Members of the Movement, receiving the gift of the Redeemer from the Cross: “Behold, your mother” (Jn 19:27), entrust and devote themselves entirely to the Immaculate for their own sanctification, as well as to cooperate with Her maternal mission of directing the heart of every person towards Christ. Christ Himself on Calvary performed the first act of entrustment, giving the disciple to Mary and Mary to the disciple (cf. Jn 19:25-27), so that the disciple’s life from that moment on is marked by Her maternal presence (cf. RM 45).
5. The intermediate goals are:

a) formation of men in their responsibility for the family and society;
b) care for the spiritual growth of men and their families;
c) support for marriages in overcoming all difficulties;
d) building, supporting, and strengthening the attitude of a husband and father;
e) shaping men in their Catholic identity, so that they are ready to fight for the highest values and Truths professed and proclaimed by the Catholic Church.

6. The tasks performed by members of the Movement in the course of carrying out any functions in the Movement belong to the category of volunteering, hence they are carried out without remuneration.

§8

The Movement achieves its goals through the formation of its members and apostolic activity.

1. Spiritual and Intellectual Formation

The Moderator of the Movement and Spiritual Directors of individual groups are responsible for the spiritual and intellectual formation of the members. The formation of the members of the Movement is particularly carried out through:

a) active and systematic participation in the sacramental life of the Church (frequent Holy Communion and confession) as well as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament;
b) reading and meditating on the Word of God;
c) other forms of personal prayer, in which the Rosary prayer holds a special place;
d) the practice of perpetual devotion to the Most Holy Mary and participation in devotions honoring the First Saturdays of the month;
e) working to overcome one’s own sins and weaknesses through prayer, fasting, and acts of penance;
f) personal 33-day retreats, based on the spiritual practice of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, preparing for the act of consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary;
g) systematic participation in formational meetings (regional and national) and involvement in the preparation of events organized by the Movement;
h) expanding one’s knowledge contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church, and the indications of St. John Bosco.

2. Human Formation

A member of the Movement is also obliged to:

a) build proper relationships within their family;
b) build good relationships within and outside the Movement;
c) actively participate in the Movement and the life of the Catholic Church;
d) practice self-discipline;
e) give a good witness with their way of life;
f) take care of their proper psychological and physical condition.

§9

1. The main tasks of the Movement, and therefore the broad apostolic activity, are primarily daily testimony of evangelical life combined with communal and personal prayer, especially for the shepherds of the Holy Church: the Pope, Bishops, priests, and consecrated persons, as well as for the intention of marriages and families, and spiritual and intellectual formation (in the spirit of service).
2. The tasks of the Movement also include:

a) mutual support both in the spiritual and material dimension (especially in difficult situations);
b) standing up for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death;
c) defending the sacred nature of marriage as a union of man and woman characterized by unity, fidelity, and indissolubility;
d) participating in the life of their parish community and taking care of its needs;
e) taking care of parish churches;
f) special care for the images of the Most Holy Mary in churches, chapels, and homes;
g) helping the parish community in organizing devotions, ceremonies, and liturgical events (such as the First Saturdays of the month, Fatima processions, the Way of the Cross);
h) organizing joint family formation and integration meetings;
i) cooperation with other parish groups, church and secular institutions, and local governments, always respecting the charism of the Movement.

§10

Members of the Movement use the positive gained through daily prayer, spiritual development, and activity within the Movement to benefit their everyday lives.

III. Organizational structures of the Movement

§11

1. Moderator of the Movement – a priest appointed from among the Salesian priests and presented to the Polish Episcopal Conference. If necessary, the appointment may be consulted with the delegate of the Polish Episcopal Conference for the Movement. The Moderator leads the entire Movement in all its aspects. Together with the Diocesan Guardians of the Movement, responsible for the Warriors of Mary in individual dioceses, and the Coordination Council, the Moderator prepares the formative plan of the Movement, takes care of its implementation, and is responsible for the presence of the Movement in the life and mission of the Church.
2. Diocesan Guardian of the Movement – one of the priests from the diocese indicated by the Moderator of the Movement.
3. Coordinator of the Movement – a conferred Warrior of Mary responsible for coordinating work within the community, supervising regional groups and leaders, and the formation process throughout the Movement. He/she works directly with the Moderator of the Movement, the Coordination Council, and regional leaders.
4. Coordination Council of the Movement – a group of the most experienced Warriors of Mary whose task is to support all initiatives and events of the Movement, as well as its proper functioning. The members of the Council work closely with the Moderator of the Movement and the Coordinator of the Movement.
5. Regional Leader – a conferred Warrior of Mary responsible for proper communication between groups in a given region encompassing one or several dioceses. He/she actively collaborates with the Coordinator of the Movement.
6. Group Leader – a conferred Warrior of Mary responsible for the direct supervision of group formation, working closely with the Coordinator and Regional Leader according to the guidelines of the Moderator of the Movement and the Coordination Council.
7. Spiritual Guardian of the Group – a priest who, with the consent of his Ordinary or religious superior and in close cooperation with the Diocesan Guardian and the Moderator of the Movement, takes care of the spiritual development of the group. He fulfills this mission until his resignation or recall by the Ordinary or religious superior. The Group Leader submits a formal request for the appointment of a Spiritual Guardian of the Group to the Ordinary of the place or the religious superior.

§12

Joining the Movement

1. Any adult man who has a sincere intention of serving the Lord God and desires to completely entrust himself to Jesus Christ through the Immaculate Heart of Mary may join the Movement.
2. In the case of clergy, members of consecrated life institutes, or apostolic life associations, the consent of their own Bishop or Superior is required to participate in the Movement.
3. For the proper conduct of the Movement and its formation, the Moderator of the Movement closely cooperates with the Coordinator of the Movement, the Coordinator’s Council, and Diocesan Guardians.
4. The Moderator of the Movement decides on membership in the Coordinator’s Council after consulting the Coordinator of the Movement and other members of the Coordinator’s Council.
5. The Coordinator’s Council is not subject to term limits.

§13

Participation in national or regional meetings is not synonymous with membership in the Movement. The sworn members of the Movement have a particular responsibility for the Movement’s charism.

§14

1. A full member of the Catholic Movement, a sworn Warrior of Mary, may be a man who:

a) has completed the entire formation process according to established rules;
b) has received a positive opinion from the Leader of the group in which he underwent formation;
c) has successfully passed a fraternal conversation (described in Annex No. 2);
d) has participated in the solemn knighting ceremony, i.e., made the Sword Oath (the text of the oath is included in Annex No. 1 to the Statute);

2. After the solemn knighting ceremony, the Warrior of Mary continues and deepens his own formation, and once a year he is obligated to renew his Sword Oath.

§15

1. A man may be admitted to investiture if he:

a) is between 18-50 years of age (this requirement does not apply to priests or consecrated persons);
b) has undergone a formation period of at least 3 years according to the requirements given in the Warrior’s Code (described in Annex 3);
c) actively participates in the sacramental life of the Church;
d) recites one part of the Holy Rosary every day;
e) has completed 33-day retreats preparing him to entrust himself to Jesus through Mary’s hands and has made an act of entrustment;
f) has familiarized himself with the formation materials provided during regional meetings.

§16

The title of Honorary Warrior of Mary is approved by the Movement Moderator upon the recommendation of the Coordinator’s Council. It is bestowed upon an individual with special merits for the entire Movement.

§17
Method and rules of selecting coordinators and leaders

1. The Movement Coordinator, Regional Leaders, and Group Leaders are elected for a term of three years with the possibility of extension in exceptional situations for the good of the forming group. The evaluation of the situation and the decision to extend the term belong to the Movement Moderator.
2. A new person is appointed for each new term.
3. The Movement Moderator appoints and dismisses the Movement Coordinator after consulting the members of the Coordinator’s Council.
4. The decision to establish a Regional Leader and Group Leader is made by the Coordinator’s Council together with the Movement Moderator. In case of a lack of unanimity, the final decision lies with the Movement Moderator.
5. By decision of the Movement Moderator and the Coordinators’ Council – the Movement Coordinator, Regional Leaders, and Group Leaders may be removed from their positions before the end of their term.

§18

1. The Group Leader’s specific tasks include:

a) obedience to the decisions of the Movement Moderator and priests (Spiritual Guardians of the groups);
b) close cooperation with the Regional Leader, Movement Coordinator, and Coordinators’ Council;
c) preparation and conduct, in close cooperation with the Spiritual Guardian of the group, of regular formation meetings of the group, in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Code;
d) formation of candidates for Warriors of Mary according to the Movement’s statute;
e) care for fraternal relations within the group;
f) ensuring discipline, order, and adherence to the established rules of the Movement.

2. Each Movement group has a Group Council consisting of members with the longest tenure and experience, who support the Group Leader in all matters related to the group’s functioning.
3. Each Group Leader, together with the Group Council, selects their deputy from among the members of the Movement, who assists them in carrying out statutory tasks and organizing meetings. The Deputy Leader serves in this capacity until they are dismissed by the Group Leader or the Movement Coordinator.

§19

Creating New Movement Groups
1. The process of creating a new group begins with expressing the desire to create a new group to the Regional Leader of the given diocese. In the absence of a suitable Warrior of Mary, the temporary organizer of the group is entrusted to the Regional Leader.
2. The Group Leader or organizer, together with the Spiritual Guardian of the group, begins the formal process of obtaining the Bishop’s approval to create a new Movement group.
3. After obtaining the necessary approvals from the Bishop, the Movement Moderator, and the Movement Coordinator, the group begins the formation process as Warriors of Mary.

§20

Investiture as a Warrior of Mary

1. After completing the required formation period and fulfilling all the requirements specified in §14, men may proceed to the investiture as Warriors of Mary. The investiture is carried out during a ceremony, the key elements of which are the Eucharist and the reading of the Act of Sword Oath.
2. The candidate participates in the investiture with his own sword – a symbol of active struggle for the reign of God’s order, and particularly the spiritual battle against one’s own sins and satanic temptations.

§21

Termination of Membership in the Movement
1. Membership in the Movement terminates as a result of:

a) voluntary resignation reported to the group leader;
b) expulsion, due to persistent adherence to a morally reprehensible stance;
c) questioning Catholic Church teaching or promoting content inconsistent with it;
d) lack of active participation in the life of the Movement, in regional and nationwide meetings.

2. The basis for expulsion may also be:

a) disobedience towards the Moderator of the Movement, Spiritual Guardians of the groups, and Movement Leaders (Coordinator of the Movement, Coordinator Council, Regional Leaders, and Group Leaders);
b) actions harmful to the Movement that may result in breaking the unity of the Movement.

3. The final decision on expulsion is made by the Moderator of the Movement in consultation with the Coordinator of the Movement and the Coordinator Council.
4. The group leader notifies the person concerned of the decision of the Moderator of the Movement and the Coordinator Council, indicating the date of expulsion from the Movement. If necessary, information about the expulsion is communicated to:

a) group members (in agreement with the expelled person);
b) group leaders;
c) delegate of the Polish Bishops’ Conference for the Movement.

5. The expelled member of the Movement is not allowed to wear any emblems of the Warriors of Mary Movement. They also cannot participate in regional and nationwide meetings of the Movement.

IV. Final Provisions

1. Changes to the Statute can be made by the Inspector of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco in Pila at the request of the Moderator of the Movement. Additionally, the changes require approval by the Polish Bishops’ Conference to be valid.
2. In matters not regulated in this Statute, the relevant provisions of canon law or secular law applicable in a given matter shall apply.
3. The Warriors of Mary Movement may be dissolved by the decision of the Superior of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco in Pila, in consultation with the Polish Bishops’ Conference, after prior consultations with the Moderator of the Movement and the Coordinator Council.
4. List of additional materials related to the activities of the Movement:

a) Formula of the Sword Oath;
b) Code of the Warrior of Mary;
c) Formation Program of the Warrior of Mary.