First World Day against Traffickng in Persons

Each year millions of children, women and men from all regions of the world are trafficked, their hope is stolen.

To mark the first ever United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons, Jul 30, people across the globe are encouraged to symbolically help give back this precious item.

Click here for ACRATH web site and find out how you can give hope.

 [Posted Jul 30]

Historic trees felled

After witnessing much of the early history of the Marists in Australia several of Villa Maria's ancient camphor laurel trees have been felled .

Situated by the mid-19th century stone flagged path leading up from Tarban Creek, Hunters Hill, the trees formed part of an avenue through which early worshippers walked on their way to Holy Name of Mary church.

As the old trees came down the grounds of the Villa Maria filled with the sound of chainsaws and scent of camphor, but opening up better views of the historic and picturesque grounds.

 [Posted Jul 28]

100th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Click here for details of August event

 [Posted Jul 25]

The ancient chapel of the Blessed Virgin at Fourvière today / sanctuary where the Marist aspirants knelt on Jul 23, 1816

198 years since the promise

On Jul 23 each year Marists throughout the world recall the promise to form the Society of Mary made in 1816 by twelve young men in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin at Fourvière, Lyon, France.

They believed that Mary was asking for a new religious family with several branches and under her name and with her spirit. They would be known as 'Marists'.

For the Fourvière pledge and an invitation to reflect (courtesy, Fr Ben Kenna SM, Oceania Marist Province): click here.

[Posted Jul 23]

New Sarnelli video

Australian volunteer, Kate Introna, features in a new video report of Sarnelli House, Thailand.

In 2002 and following the request of Sarnelli director, Fr Mike Shea CSsR, Kate left her senior nursing position in Sydney to work under the Marist International Care program of the Marist Mission Centre.

In subsequent years Kate spear-headed developments in HIV-AIDS care and medication especially among the orphaned children of Sarnelli while MMC continued support of Fr Mike at Sarnelli and with rural development programs in northern Thailand.

For the video (some images below) click here.

Posted Jul 22]

Fourvière preparations

Two Australian Marists have figured recently in preparations for a combined Marist celebration of the bicentenary of the Fourvière pledge in 1816.

Marist Secretary-General, Fr Tony Corcoran, is part of the Fourvière Bicentenary Committee meeting in Rome.
See Colin web site news.

As part of the preparations a new series of images of Fourvière has been commissioned. In the course of this the 'Fourvière heart scroll' containing the names of all Marist missionaries in the Pacific, fell open at the name of Oceania provincial, Fr Ben McKenna. (see below)

 [Posted Jul 17]

Multi-tasking for Fr Gavin

Kiwi Marist, Fr Gavin Foster SM, wears several caps as a staff member of St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW.

This year has seen him take on the role of Director of Mission as well as that of College Chaplain in the giant Marist Brothers' school. The new position involves development and support of the religious education, spirituality, culture and leadership in the college.

With extensive missionary background in the Philippines and expertise in clinical pastoral education, Fr Gavin brings a rich experience to ministry with the college staff and students - and is a popular coach of one of the College's junior rugby teams.

 [Posted Jul 12]

Whose prayers will win?

 [Posted Jul 11]

Recent releases on Justice & Peace

1. From the Sydney Archdiocese's 'Justice and Peace' desk comes the latest 'Act Justly' bulletin

2. Statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops on the processing of asylum seeker claims

Also at JPIC

 [Posted Jul 05]

Social Justice Diary for July

This month's anniversaries include birth of Dalai Lama (1935) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags become official (1995).

Go to JPIC Diary

 [Posted Jul 01]