MLA

Marist Laity Australia co-ordinator, Andrew Dumas, sends the December issue of the MLA newsletter. Thank you, Andrew!

Click here

[Dec 30]

Emmaus series

Marist theologian, Fr John Thornhill's, popular 'Emmaus Series' web site is available now with new links to video presentations on questions Catholics ask.

The improved web site includes easily accessed weekly reflections on the current liturgical cycle. Click here.

[Dec 28]

Senior Santas

Principal carer for Sydney-based retired Marists, Fr Paul Mahony, sends these images of smiling senior Santas, Frs Keith Shepherd and John Hill, residents at St Catherine's facility, Eastwood, NSW.

Frs Keith and John regularly join the Montbel retirement community, Hunters Hill, for Sunday Mass and lunch... as they did for recent Christmas festivities.

Left: Frs Keith Shepherd, Paul Mahony and John Hill / Fr John Hill
with St Catherine carer, Maureen Pitts

[Dec 28]

Vigil at Villa Maria

Once again the popular outdoors Vigil Mass for Christmas attracted hundreds of parishioners to the grounds of Villa Maria monastery, Hunters Hill, on Dec 24.

Frs Kevin Bates and Willy Melteras were attended by angels, animals, kings and choirs in addition to a diminutive Holy Family and throngs of prayerful parishioners.

[Dec 26]

Which crib is that?

Christmas cribs, mostly from the Marist world, near and far.... which is which?

Casa di Maria theologate community, Rome  |  Villa Maria parish, Hunters Hill  |  Misioneros Maristas, Bolivia  |  St Anne's Nursing Home, Hunters Hill  |  Marian House, Woolwich  |  Sarnelli Mission, Thailand |  Chanel House, Hunters Hill  |  Marist formation community, Dumalag, Philippines  |  Villa Maria monastery, Hunters Hill.       [Answers: click here]

[Dec 24]

Lost sheep from Christmas crib

A crime scene has been set up near the Villa Maria parish centre, Hunters Hill, NSW, as forensic Marists investigate the overnight disappearance of a sheep from the parish Christmas crib.

Brain-child of veteran missionary, Fr Sid Nugent SM, the crib was constructed last year and recently re-erected in the grassy area near the Mary St roundabout.

Anyone who can help with the enquiries, please contact Marist Crime Stoppers.       [Dec 23]

Hesed 2015

From Fiji, Fr Tony Kennedy SM reports on the recent 'Hesed' program conducted at the Marist Brothers Novitiate at Lomeri:

'Hesed is a two week program for those preparing for perpetual profession in the Pacific. Topics include community life, childhood memories, Jesus and women, Mary, the three vows: obedience, poverty and chastity, addictions and commitment.'

Fr Tony's fellow facilitator was Sr Veronika Cokanasiga SOLN.    [Dec 22]

Marist Sisters' new units and web site

From Rome, Australian Sr Vivienne Goldstein SM reports on the international reconfiguration of the Marist Sisters.

Sr Viv says: 'We are now living as one WHOLE made up of 13 Units, each with its own character... We have also launched a new website - you might like to have a look.'

For the Sisters' new web site: click here

[Dec 22]

Leadership for Mission, Mark 2

Superior-General, Fr John Hannan's, letter to Major Superiors and Provincial and District Councils of the Society of Mary.

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

[Dec 19]

Tarija news and celebrations

From Tarija, Bolivia, Fr John Hopkinson SM reports on the 25th anniversary celebration of 'Misioneros Maristas':

'We had a very beautiful and joyful celebration for Nov 22 .

'The festivities commenced with a concelebrated Eucharist in the church of our barrio, presided by our bishop, Msgr Javier.'

For more on the event click on Fr John's Christmas circular

[Dec 17]

MMC Christmas newsletter

Click here       

[Dec 14]

Carol walk success

A first-ever Christmas carol walk from St Mary's cathedral, Sydney, to St Patrick's, Church Hill, on the evening of Dec 12 was hailed a heartening success.

Ninety people began the walk after prayers led by Fr Garry Reynolds SM and finishing with more carols, exposition, Reconciliation and Benediction at St Patrick's.

Hundreds of Sydneysiders and tourists joined in the carols as the group wended its way through Hyde Park, the Westfield Mall, Martin Place and George St. 

The walk, organised by St Pat's pastoral team member, Sr Fidelis McTeigue SM, and Jonathan Alvin, was supported by the Young Adult group, parishioners and choral groups.         [Dec 13]

Brazilians' reflection day

Led by Portuguese-speaking, Fr Paul Mahony SM, members of Sydney's Brazilian Catholic community spent a day of reflection in the picturesque setting of Villa Maria monastery on Dec 12.

Fr Paul's lengthy experience as a Marist missionary in Brazil continues to bear fruit in a ministry to Brazilian Catholics in Sydney, Brisbane and Rockhampton, Qld.

[Dec 12]

One year ends, another begins

Religious of four congregations in the Hunters Hill area came together on Dec 08 to mark the end of the Year of Consecrated Life and to begin the Year of Mercy in a ceremony led by local Dean, Fr Paul Monkerud.

Gathering in the chapel of St Joseph's Hostel were sisters, brothers and priests from the Josephite and Marist orders. Organising team member, Fr Paul Mahony SM, estimated the combined years of service of local religious at 7,346 years!

[Dec 08]

Marist themes and the Year of Mercy

French Marist and author, Fr François Drouilly SM's, short YouTube reflection highlights the place of mercy in the teaching of Marist Founder, Jean-Claude Colin, and in the role of the Blessed Virgin in the Church.

It is the first of a series, 'Dialogues on Mercy', being prepared for this holy year. English and Spanish sub-texts.

Click here

[Dec 08]

Year of Mercy beginning

On Dec 08 the Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, begins.

Click here for the text of the Formal Announcement of the Year of Mercy and here for Pope Francis' recent letter.

[Dec 07]

AMCC news

At their pre-Christmas gathering on Dec 06 members of the Australian Myanmar Catholic Community included young adults in their new leadership team.

Elections took place after Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary church, Fairfield, NSW, during which eleven youth spoke of their experience of the Adelaide Catholic Youth Festival, Dec 03-05.

Early Christmas gifts for the children were distributed by Santa and his Burmese elves.

Marists continue to minister to Burmese, including refugees and asylum seekers, in Thailand and Australia.

[Dec 07]

Villa Maria talk published

The dinner address given by Fr Peter McMurrich SM commemorating the 150th anniversary of Villa Maria monastery has been published in the Society of Mary's international journal, 'Forum Novum'.

Click here to enjoy Fr Peter's informative and entertaining piece on the historic Hunters Hill building.

[Dec 05]

News from Paris

Latest 'Euroinfo', from the Marist European province. Click here

[Dec 02]

Social Justice and Marist Diary for December 2015

This month's anniversaries include Wik High Court decision (Dec 23, 1996) and the Sisters of Mercy foundation (Dec 12, 1831)

Go to JPIC diary

[Dec 01]