Bon voyage, Fr Bob!

Provincial leaves for ARC meeting

Fr Bob Barber will represent the Australian province of Marist Fathers at the yearly leadership meeting, 'Annual Review Consultation', in France next week.

Initiated by the General Chapter of 2009, 'ARC' gathers provincials and district superiors to review and plan Marist life and ministry internationally.

This year's meeting will be held using the recently-refursbished facilities of La Neylière, in central France, the resting place of Marist Founder, Ven Jean-Claude Colin.

[Sep 27]

Marist Brothers change baton

Br Peter Carroll becomes the second provincial of the Marist Brothers in Australia, taking the baton from Br Jeffrey Crowe, previously leader of the NSW province and then the amalgamated Australian province.

The change-over took place during a Eucharist led by Fr Ray Chapman SM at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW, on Sep 26.

Br Peter comments: 'I feel honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Provincial of the Australian Province, and look forward to collaborating with many wonderful Marists both within and beyond Australia, especially in our region of Oceania.'

Click here for a profile Br Peter.

[Sep 26]

First Marist vows remembered

Sep 24 marks the 179th anniversary of the religious profession of the pioneer members of the Society of Mary.

On this day in 1836, shortly after Pope Gregory XVI's approval of the fledgling congregation, Jean-Claude Colin gathered the Marist group in the chapel of La Capucinière, Belley, France. to profess their vows as Marists. Happy anniversary, Marists!

[Sep 24]

La Neylière renovations blessed

In ceremonies over the weekend of Sep 12-13, the recently-completed renovations at La Neylière, France, were blessed by His Eminence, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin.

As archbishop of the diocese in which Fr Jean-Claude Colin died, Cardinal Barbarin is a key figure in presenting the Beatification Cause of Fr Colin to Rome. During the ceremonies he paused in prayer at the tomb of Fr Colin.

Clck here for the full story

[Sep 24

Simple video explains Syrian refugee crisis

A six--minute animated video from 'In a Nutshell' looks at the European refugee crisis and Syria.

Its simple presentation locates world responses. Even Australia is mentioned -- appropriately fleetingly.

Scroll down when you click here on the 'In a Nutshell' page.

[Sep 22]

Fr Hoppy's Bolivian feast

Australian missionary, Fr John ('Hoppy') Hopkinson SM, sends images of the simple celebration marking the Holy Name of Mary feast at the Marist mission in Tarija. He reports: 'Here at Colin House we're having Community Eucharist & Dinner [Aussie Baked Leg of Lamb, etc]

Fr Hoppy has spent 25 years of his Marist life as leader of the 'Misioneros Maristas' in Bolivia. He will mark 50 years of religious life next February.

[Sep 21]

Combined leadership teams meet

A combined meeting of the Marist Provincial Councils of Australia and New Zealand held in Sydney, Sep 14-15, is focussing on factors affecting a suggested reconfiguration of both provinces.

The reconfiguration idea is being put before members of both provinces, and in Australia will be a key item for the forhcoming Province Assembly in October and possible ratification at the Provincial Chapter of 2016.

Leader of the Marist District of Asia, Fr Pat Devlin, is also taking part in the discussions.

[Sep 15]

MMC spring newsletter

For the latest news from the Marist Mission Centre and its projects click here

[Sep 14]

Holy Name of Mary feast

Sep 12 is the patronal feast day of the Society of Mary.

At the Montbel-Maryvale communoty, Hunters Hill, NSW, Fr Paul Mahony reports the first sping roses , destined to honour Mary on the special feast day.

Happy Feast Day to all our web visitors!

[Sep 12]

'The Intervention' book launch

Sponsored by the Manly Warringah Pittwater Aboriginal Support group, an anthology of Australian writers collaborating to assail Government policy on Aboriginal people will be launched on Sep 14 on Jeff McMullen.

A key focus of the book, the 2007 "intervention', has been described as 'one of the most invasive, puzzling and unprecedented actions by a government in Australian history.'

Click here for details of the launch

[Sep 11]

Herston begins patronal feast

On Sep 10 Marists of the Herston, Qld, community began their celebration of the Society of Mary's patronal feast day - the Holy Name of Mary.

With confrères from other parts of Brisbane, they began with a liturgy featuring the writings of French Marist, Fr François Marc, whose 'Marian Church' images enriched the evening.

Dinner and conviviality followed. The actual Feast Day falls on Sep 12.

[Sep 11]

Aquinas Academy news

Details of the latest courses conducted by Sydney's Aquinas Academy can be found on the Academy web site: Click here.

[Sep 10]

New tombstone for Fr Colin

As part of the renovation of La Neylière, France, the resting place of Jean-Claude Colin now has a new tombstone.  It is the third such stone in the history of the Marist Founder's interment at La Neylière.

See the full story (including the misspelling, and about the chairs and benches) at the Fr Colin website. Click here.

[Sep 10]

Latest newsletters

.. from Marists in USA and Europe, and from ACRATH

[Sep 10]

Tonga pilgrimage

From Gladstone, Qld, five parishioners of Star of the Sea parish report on a successful pilgrimage to Tonga.

One of the highlights was their.visit to Ahopanilolo Technical Institute, Nuku'alofa, where they inspected sets of stainless steel benches funded by the Marist Mission Centre.

Pilgrim guide was Tongan Marist and S.O.S. assistant pastor, Fr Aliki Langi SM, pictured (left) with the pilgrims and A.T.I. principal, Sr. Kieoma Finau.

[Sep 02]

St Patrick's parish priest, Fr Ray Chapman SM, chaired the Q&A event / panel members, Fr Paul Mahony SM, Sr Noreen Dunne SMSM, Br Greg McDonald FMS and Sr Judith Lythall SM

Q&A II

The crypt of the City Centre church of St Patrick;s, Sydney, was the scene of the second 'Q&A' evening for 2015, in response to Marist Superior-General, Fr John Hannan's suggestions for initiatives in the Year of Consecrated Life.

Young adults joined with Marist religious of the four professed branches to share, question and explore the Marist option for life.

Hot soup and fresh bread, coffee and snacks added to the first-day-of-spring evening's informality and success.

[Sep 01]

Passing of Archbishop George Pearce SM

Marists throughout the world mourn the passing of Archbishop George Pearce SM, former bishop of Apia (Samoa) and archbishop of Suva (Fiji).

Archbishop Pearce was one of the last living Fathers of the Second Vatican Council having attended its four sessions,1962 to 1965. He was well known and respected by his fellow Marists, especially throughout the Pacific.

After retirement in 1976, Archbishop Pearce returned to his native USA. On Aug 30 he died peacefully at North Smithfield, Virginia, aged 94.  May he rest in peace.

For his obituary from the U.S. Diocese of Providence, click here.

[Sep 01]

Latest Provincial Circular

Available at 'Members only' log-in (Home Page)

[Sep 01]