Conference of Major Superiors of Men

The Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 20,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the United States, ten percent of whom are foreign missionaries. CMSM provides a voice for these communities in U.S. church and society. CMSM also collaborates with the U.S. bishops and other key groups and organizations that serve church and society.

CMSM was formed in 1956 as a conference for leaders of religious congregations and institutes in the United States. It was organized at the request of Pope Pius XII who, in l950, urged religions around the world to come together in national associations. The newly established Conference established several goals that have been refined and expanded over the years. The primary goal is to support leaders and provide them with the resources necessary to be effective leaders. Second, the Conference strives to promote the dialogue and collaboration among the leaders of religious institutes and with the Catholic Church and society. Finally, CMSM provides a corporate influence and voice for male religious leaders through its national and regional structures.

CMSM addresses the life and concerns of religious and communities of apostolic life in the United States, including their evangelizing mission in the context of Church and culture in this country. CMSM also represents the U.S. male religious and apostolic communities before a number of national and international bodies, including the Congregation of Religious and Secular Institutes of the Holy See, which officially recognizes CMSM as the national representative body for men in religious and apostolic communities in the United States.

The Conference is divided into six regions that meet twice a year. The entire membership of the Conference, which represents approximately 25,000 male religious priests and brothers, meets each year in August.