Our Story

When the Disciples of Jesus and Mary was first established, Fr. Pinto began travelling and preaching to many different groups about the love of God, His plan for us, and our capacity to allow Him to manifest His greatness within us. Father knew from his own experience the transformation that he went through when he came to recognize God’s love and plan for him. He grew in trust and confidence as the path set before him became clear.

Many sensed a powerful presence when they were with Father. It was the Lord’s presence which allowed others to witness His greatness in the life of Fr. Santan Pinto. He was a very holy priest who lived as the person he was called to be and tried to teach others to do the same. This living witness of faith was an integral portrayal of the Lord’s handiwork in establishing the Disciples of Jesus and Mary.

With the support of his SOLT Community and beloved founder, Fr. James Flanagan, Fr. Pinto began spending more time working with the DJMs as the mission continued to spread. He focused on fine- tuning the actual formation process as well as the overall structure for the Disciples of Jesus and Mary. He developed a simple, comprehensive program that would help individuals going through the formation experience true freedom and joy in discovering who God created them to be.

This discovery became the threshold in recognizing how the Lord is always present in our lives. There are joyful, sorrowful, and glorious experiences allowed by God to help teach us how to respond to His call within our hearts. This call—this plan of life from God for us—is His plan. It is this recognition of God’s plan that Fr. Pinto ardently tried to instill in everyone he met. 

Father knew that his time here was short, and he was steadfast with his guidance so the work would continue when he was no longer with us. Before he entered eternal life, he appointed one of the disciples who had been under his care and direction for many years to be the spiritual madre for the Disciples of Jesus and Mary. He instructed her to encourage and help them know and understand the mission of the Disciples of Jesus and Mary as well as help them to remain steadfast in this work.

Fr. Pinto provided a solid foundation with a structure and clear direction for the Disciples of Jesus and Mary to follow. He trained those serving in the core groups to know how to work together, listen to one another, and discover the movement of the Holy Spirit in their respective areas. This training instilled a simple protocol that is followed to this day. The establishment of the structure became the living legacy for the DJMs to move forward and carry on the work as it continues to grow and become more solidified and recognized by the Church. 

Working together, praying together, and listening and following the directives allows these disciples to discover how the Lord is helping them discover His will. It is the path of obedience, and it is the path that the Disciples of Jesus and Mary have come to know and trust. May it always be for the glory of God and salvation of souls!