Japan Foundation interviews Fr Paul Glynn

For the final session of its 2011 'Living Histories' interview series 2011, the Sydney-based Japan Foundation interviewed Marist author and former Japanese missionary, Fr Paul Glynn SM.  In the series former Tokyo correspondent, Ian McArthur, has interviewed Japanese and Australians who are shaping the relationship between the two countries.

Many of the 50 people attending the Sep 28 session came through their association with Fr Paul, especially through his books on reconciliation with Japan.

Fr Paul spoke of the beginnings of the Marist mission in Japan through the P.O.W. experiences and inspiration of Fr Lionel Marsden SM.

Click here for more on the Japan Foundation activities

Following a General Chapter decision in 2009, major superiors of all Marist provinces and mission districts have gathered in Rome for their second annual review beginning on Sep 23, the eve of the 175th anniversary of the first Marist professions in 1836.

Present with the General Administration are: Frs Jacques Arguin (Canada), Hubert Bonnet- Eymard (Europe), Paul Cooney (Australia), Brian Cummings (New Zealand), José Maria da Silva (Brazil), Damien Diouf (Africa), Ted Keating (USA), Ben McKenna (Oceania), Larry Hermes Sabud (Philippines), and Jean Vienne (Mexico). General Assistant Alejandro Muñoz is also acting in his role as major superior of Peru-Venezuela.

Passing of Br Mua Saurava SM

On Sep 20 at Wairiki hospital, Taveuni, Fiji, Br Mua Saurava went to the Lord.

Many had hoped he might receive a miraculous cure through the intercession of Marist Founder, Fr Jean-Claude Colin. Perhaps the miracles have happened in other ways...

Men's shed

Planning continues for Villa Maria's 'Men's Shed' project.

A meeting at the Hunters Hill site on Sep 21 took further steps in shaping an historic Marist building into a modern recreational facility for woodcraft and metal-working for local residents as Br Terry Garrett SM met with community and council representatives.

The 150-year old building has been a space for generations of Marists and their agricultural, mechanical and training activities.

Marist Sisters' regional base now at Sefton

The Asia-Pacific leadership team of the Marist Sisters has moved from Auckland, NZ, to the western suburbs of Sydney.

Regional leader, Sr Julie Brand SM, and her councillors, Srs Margaret Vaney SM and Vivienne Goldstein SM, are settling into their Hector St, Sefton, residence and regional centre.

The Sisters' region of Asia-Pacific embraces the four country sectors of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Philippines.

Sydney Alliance
launching assembly

Marists were amongst the overflow crowd at Sydney Town Hall on Sep 15 for the launching assembly of the Sydney Alliance.

The Alliance's catch-cry, 'The way to have your say', hung from flags flying in Gerioge St, Sydney, as the assembly began after four years of preparation.

Marist priests as well as students and staff of Marist Brothers' and Marist Sister's schools were among the crowd of 2,100. Catholic Care's Fr Jim Carty SM commented: 'It was a marvellous event. The very concept of being able to put aside the significant differences in such a wide group is quite remarkable. Let's hope we can continue to maintain the sense of communal solidarity so obvious at the launch.'

Representing over 500,000 people the coalition of community, religious and union groups includes the three Catholic dioceses of the Sydney area.

Full story and more pictures... go to JPIC 2011

Departures

Two Marists are leaving Australia this week for international travel.

Pictured left: Provincial, Fr Paul Cooney, farewells leader of the Marist community in Nara, Japan, Fr Keith Tulloch, after a short visit to Australia.

Fr Paul himself leaves on Sep 14 for Rome and meetings of major superiors and the international finance committee of the Society of Mary of which he is the chairman.

Year of Constitutions begins

Beginning on Sep 12, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Marists around the world have begun a year of revisiting and reflecting on their Constitutions.

Twenty-five years ago, on Sep 12, 1987, the post-Vatican II constitutions were approved by the Holy See.

Australian Marists have been encouraged to read one number of the rule each day at a community meal in conjunction with prayerful reflections using Fr Craig Larkin's 'Bearings'.

Emmaus series on You Tube

Fr John Thornhill's 'Emmaus series" theology lectures are now online.

Emmaus colleague, Fr Patrick Lim, has made the popular series available on You Tube. DVDs have been available for some time.

For the first of the series, "An introduction to Catholic theology", click here.

Members of the Marist Family gathered at Emerald, Central Queensland, on Sep 05 to farewell the Marist Brothers.

The Brothers established a Catholic secondary school at Emerald 16 years ago preparing it for eventual lay leadership and imbuing the college community with Marist ideals and spirit.

Marist priests and Missionary Sisters from Gladstone and Tannum Sands joined the Brothers for their farewell.

Pictured, back from left: Br Bernard Yamaguchi FMS, Sr Margaret Gilbert SMSM, Br Mark Murphy FMS, Fr Bernard McFadyen SM, Br Gerry Steele FMS; front: Sr Noreen Dunne SMSM, Fr Stephen Hanley PP, Fr Paul Mahony SM  /  with Mrs Marie Martin, present college principal.

'In the footsteps of the Marists'

As its contribution to Hunters Hill Municipality's 150 year celebrations, the Holy Name of Mary Parish held an open day at Hunters Hill on Sep 04 of both Villa Maria church, monastery and grounds as well as St Peter Chanel church, Woolwich,

Hundreds of visitors and parishioners wandered the grounds, followed guided tours and inspected the uniquely historic buildings and precincts.

Short biography of Fr Colin available

The latest resource in promoting the Cause for Beatification of Marist Founder, Fr Jean-Claude Colin, can now be downloaded from this web site.

The small leaflet has a short 200-word biography of Fr Colin, with the recently-produced icon on the cover and Beatification Prayer on the back.

To download go to: Father Founder Resources

Provincial retreat at 'Maryvale'

Thirty Marist priests and brothers are gathered at 'Maryvale', Hunters Hill, NSW, for the annual provincial retreat.

The retreat is being led by retired Marist theologian, Fr John Thornhill, and concludes on Sep 02.