Blessed William Joseph Chaminade 1761-1850 Feast Day: January 22 Patronage: Society of Mary, Marianist, Marian Sodalities Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was born in France to a large Catholic family. In 1785 he was ordained a diocesan priest, then in 1790 came the French Revolution. He was considered an enemy of the state but clandestinely continued