The Claretians, formally the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Latin: Congregatio Missionariorum Filiorum Immaculati Cordis Beatae Mariae Virginis; abbreviation C.M.F. for Cordis Mariae Filii), are a community of Roman Catholic priests and brothers, founded in 1849 by Anthony Mary Claret. They are active as missionaries worldwide, in more than 65 countries on five continents. The number of Claretian priests and brothers is estimated at more than 3,000.[year needed][1] The Congregation has a particular devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and members have published extensively in Mariology.