Frs Pio Fong & Paul Sullivan  /  Chanel House residence for S&L participants

Spiritual and Lifestyle program final preparations

The 'S&L' program for Marist priests and brothers from the Asia-Pacific region is about to commence at Villa Mara, Hunters Hill, NSW.

Team members, Frs Paul Sullivan SM (co-ordinator), and Pio Fong SM (participant liaison) have taken up residence and begun the final preparations for the 10-week program for Oceanian and Filipino Marists.

This year's 'S&L' is the third to be held since 2011 and begins on Oct 08 to conclude on Dec 11.

Pope Francis' message for 100th world day of Migrants and Refugees

In his annual message, Pope Francis remarks 'Each Individual is a part of humanity and, with the entire family of peoples, shares the hope of a better world.'

Full text or JPIC

Star of the Sea celebrations

From Gladstone, Qld, parish priest, Fr Paul Mahony SM, reports on the multi-cultural occasion:

'The parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea gathered to celebrate its Feast Day of the Holy Name of Mary on Sunday Sep 15. 

'35% of our parishioners are born overseas and 25% are born overseas speaking a language other than English. 

'We celebrated at Chanel College, Gladstone, with 600 people gathering from as far away as Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Agnes Water and Tamworth.It was a most enjoyable day for all.'
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Fr Paul Glynn in Tonga

After recent retreats in Fiji, Australian Marist and writer, Fr Paul Gynn SM, has returned to the Pacific to lead the annual retreat for Marists in Tonga.

Fr Paul is highlighting Pope John Paul II's teachings on the universal call to holiness, evangelisation in the new millenium and the Rosary as contemplative prayer.

The retreat which began on Sep 21 is being held at the Marist College in Nuku'alofa.

Jubilarians honoured

At the end of the provincial retreat (see below) celebrations were held at Hunters Hill on Sep 20 to honour ten Marist jubilarians.

The four present at a Mass at Holy Name of Mary church (pictured left) were Br Colin Campbell SM (60 years professed), Frs Sid Nugent SM (60 years ordained) and John Begg SM (50 years ordained) and Br Mika Cilicewa SM (40 years professed).

At the dinner afterwards Fr Kevin Stewart spoke of and toasted the jubilarians who also included Fr Paul Glynn (60 years ordained), Jim Carty (50 years), James Collins (40 years), Luke Holohan and Michael Jacques (25 years)

Kiwi provincial-elect presents Australian retreat

Fr David Kennerley SM is leading twenty-five Australian Marists in their annual retreat at Hunters Hill, NSW.

The retreat calls participants to examine the 'signs of the times' in respect of the world, the Church, the Society of Mary, community and oneself.

In the New Year Fr David will begin his ministry as leader of the New Zealand province of the Society of Mary.

Herston Marists host patronal feast

Eleven of the thirteen Marist priests working in Queensland were present at the Marist community, Herston, Brisbane, on Sep 12 to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary.

They were joined by Marist Brothers and laity, as well as special guest, Bishop Paul Ssemogerere, of the diocese of Kasana- Luweero, Uganda. A paraliturgy to mark the feast preceded dinner.

New-look European Marist web site

The Society of Mary's Province of Europe has chosen Sep 12, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, to launch its updated, multi-lingual web site.

Click here to visit the site.

Fr Jim Carty begins 'The Way'

Sep 11 sees Australian Marist and former-provincial, Fr Jim Carty SM, set out on the 'camino' pilgrim's way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, traditional burial place of the apostles James.

Fr Jim begins the classic walk at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (below) in the foothills of the Pyrenees in south-western France.

After months of training walks around Sydney and describing the journey as 'my own personal way, Fr Jim plans to be on the road for 800 Km and more than 40 days.

'Catholic identity or identities? - refounding ministries in chaotic times

In his latest book internationally recognized author, educator, and facilitator, Fr Gerry Arbuckle SM, argues that it is time to acknowledge that the programs and processes used in the past are inadequate to our postmodern age.

The systems previously used to educate the staffs of our hospitals, universities, schools, and other institutions rarely succeed today. Although didactic teaching and discursive learning have their place, they cannot be the primary method for forming identities.

Catholic Identity or Identities? will assist a wide range of people-bishops, theologians, pastoral workers, institutional leaders and staffs, and more-in their various ministries.

Fr Arbuckle draws on several disciplines, including Scripture, theology, and history, but in particular cultural anthropology, to explain the importance of refounding adult formation for Catholic ministries and the practical ways to achieve it

Pope Francis' prayer for peace in Syria

As tensions rise in the middle east the Holy Father calls Christians and non-Christians alike to fasting and prayer for the sake of peace in troubled Syria.

See JPIC

New manager for St Patrick's

Following the retirement of Tony Brooker in late August, a new Business Manager for St Patrick's, Church Hill, NSW, has joined the parish staff. He is John Attneave who has worked closely with Tony in recent weeks learning 'on the job' since Jul 15.  John's background is in stockbroking and real estate.  

Parish Priest, Fr Ray Chapman SM says: 'John is relishing the challenge of a very demanding position and will bring many gifts to the staff and parish community.'

Welcome to the team, John!

Latest Provincilal Circular

August newsletter uploaded. Go to 'members only' log-in, Home page

Justice & Peace calendar for September

Significant anniversaries include Sep 11, as well as special Marist dates: foundation of Australian province and first professions of pioneer Marists.

See JPIC Diary