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This page:        Chapter concludes          Nazareth blessing          New Superior-General           
General Chapter          Laity Year            

Nazareth blessing

In a ceremony on Sep 20 Bishop Kevin Manning of Parramatta diocese blessed the retreat and reflection centre, 'Nazareth', at Colo, NSW.

Nestling in natural bushland near the banks of the Colo River, Nazareth provides a haven for individuals and small groups to enjoy solitude and quiet as part of their spiritual journey. The centre is an initiative of the Aquinas Academy.

New Superior-General

Irish Marist, Fr John Hannan, has been elected the 13th Superior-General of the Marist Fathers (Priests and Brothers of the Society of Mary).

After a vote during the Sep 10 sessions of the General Chapter, Fr John was congratulated by retiring Superior-General, Fr Jan Hulshof, wishing him God’s richest blessing for his ministry of leadership of the Society for the next eight years.

He called the new Superior General to rely on the support of Mary, the first and perpetual Superior of the Society, and assured his successor on behalf of the Society of his religious obedience and fraternal collaboration.

Last year Fr John was elected to lead the newly-configured European province of the Marist Fathers.

In the next few days elections will be held of four Councillors to assist the new General in his leadership of the Society of Mary internationally.

Born in Limerick, Ireland, 1943
Professed 1963 in La Neylière, France.
Ordained in Dublin 1968.
Further studies in the Institute of Theology, Lyon, 1970-72, then Trinity College, Dublin 1974-78 and 1983-85.

Principal ministries: Formation:  1972-85;
Retreat Work: 1978-79
Education: Dean of Discipline 1969-70.  School Principal 1985-90.
Provincial of the Irish province 1991-97 and 2003-08.
Provincial of Europe: 2008-

General Chapter begins in Rome

The eight-yearly plenary gathering of the Society of Mary began in Rome at the Salesianum centre on Sep 01 and will continue until Sep 23.

   
Aussie Marists at the Chapter (left photo, back row: Frs Ray Chapman & Tony Corcoran (secretariate), Gerard Hall (delegate), Paul Cooney (provincial); front row: Keith Tulloch (English Marist in the province's mission in Japan), Peter McMurrich (delegate) and Kevin Bates (liturgy).

   
Going to see the Holy Father.

       
Australian Marists and Chapter glimpses.

   
Above left: Frs Paul Cooney, Peter McMurrich and Kevin Bates at the Colliseum. Right: Fr Peter McMurrich reporting for a topic group.

   
Above & below: Australian provincial, Fr Paul Cooney, during chapter sessions with fellow delegates and Marist lay visitors.

      
Above: Aussie musician and liturgist, Fr Kevin Bates, at work and play during the chapter.

      
Above left: Fr Ray Chapman with fellow secretariate members, Sophie Janssen and Fr Soane 'Ahohapo. Right: Australian delegate, Fr Gerard Hall, with fellow chapter participant and visiting the Quirinal..

More glimpses of the Chapter sessions (see also the Chapter web site)

     
Delegates preparing to move to the Chapter venue, the 'Salesianum', Rome.

International Year of the Marist :Laity

In a celebration on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary (Sep 12) Marists gathered to launch the International Year of the Marist laity.

Gathering at the church of the Holy Name of Mary, Hunters Hill, laity and other members of the Marist family reflected on the Year's theme of prayer for peace throughout all quarters of the world through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Peace.