September 2025 news

Peace with Creation

All branches of the Marist Family were represented at a 'Season of Creation' event at Hunters Hill on Sep 14. With the theme of 'Peace with Creation', participants reflected on the words of Pope Leo (coincidentally, his birthday) prepared for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

The gathering was hosted by the Marist Family Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee in the parish hall and concluded with a festal afternoon team provided by the Hunters Hill Marist Laity group.                                [Sep 14]

Parish feast day Mass

Members of Holy Name of Mary parish, Hunters Hill/Woolwich, were blessed with a fine, spring day as they gathered in the grounds of Villa Maria monastery on Sep 14 to celebrate their parish feast day. Parish priest, Fr Michael Carroll SM, presided at the open-air Eucharist in the historic monastery precinct.                             [Sep 14]

Marayong Marian celebrations

From the Marist Omnes Gentes community at Marayong in Sydney's west Fr Lauro Arcede SM reports on Holy Name of Mary celebrations: 'The people were delighted to know more about the Marists and expressed enthusiasm to know more about our life and spirituality.'

Fr Lauro is pictured below with Marayong confrere, Fr Floyd Gatana SM, cutting the feast day cake.                              [Sep 13]

Sep 12 at Tulip Drive

From Davao City, southern Philippines, Fr Christopher Ganzon SM reports on Holy Name of Mary celebrations (pictured below) amongst the Marist Family: 'There were about 150 people came to join us at Tulip Drive. It started with a Mass by Fr Roque with Fr Pat Muckian preaching. A simple program and dinner followed. 

'It was beautiful to see and encounter many Marists who live the spirit and bear the name of Mary. Through us, the love and mercy of God is proclaimed and shared. It is indeed a grace to belong to the family of the blessed Virgin Mary.'                              [Sep 13]

Glimmers of Grace

Sr Judith Lythall SM has shared a report from Parramatta Diocese's Catholic Outlook on an event at Mary Immaculate parish, Quakers Hill, on Aug 23: 'The parish hall came alive with a vibrant gathering, celebrating the many ways men and women express their baptismal call and unique charisms. The event showcased inspiring displays from various religious congregations and lay associations committed to serving the mission of the Church together. 

'This type of outreach focused on continuing to allow the quest of Jesus to unfold and be realised, as stated in the Bible: “I have come that you may have life – life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10). 

'Through their presence, posters and attractive brochures, members of the groups and congregations shared the various ways they express their gifts in outreach to others. The gathering reflected the insights of the Vatican II Council which in its document on the Church, Lumen Gentium, spoke of the variety of charisms which aims at unifying the ecclesial body, the Church. Furthermore, such charisms promote mission in different places and cultures.  

'Marist Family groups shared a display presenting a unified expression of the one family, men and women together living the charism of their founders.'

Pictured below are Fr Kevin Redmond SM, Sr Anne Suman Lata SMSM and Sr Judith Lythall SM.                         [Sep 13]

Fr Hoppy's letter

From the community of Misioneros Maristas, Tarija, Bolivia, Fr John ('Hoppy') Hopkinson SM sends his latest circular letter.

To download click here.                            [Sep 13]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin updates on arrivals and reporting arrangements for the General Chapter, the Colin pilgrimage and a new Marist website, www.maristfathers.net. 

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                              [Sep 13]

Holy Name of Mary

On Sep 12, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Marists across the world celebrate their patronal day. To assist with preparation and focus they can draw on a variety of resources on the website of Marist Founder, Ven Jean-Claude Colin.

One simple resource summarising key aspects of the Marist spirit is The Marist Way leaflet with its 'Twelves faces of the Marist spirit' . Inspired by Fr François Drouilly's 'Fifteen Days of Prayer with Jean-Claude Colin', the leaflet is available in a number of languages and now in large print (English only).

Click here for the Prayer to Our Lady of Pope Francis from Evangelii Gaudium.                                [Sep 12]   

Safeguarding Sunday

National Child Protection Week (Sep 7-13) concludes with Safeguarding Sunday, Sep 14. Its theme is 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.

'Defending the rights of vulnerable people is integral to our Christian faith. Sadly, the Church hasn’t always done this well. So on Safeguarding Sunday we ask all to remember the tragedy in our past and pray for those whose lives have been traumatised that they might find lasting peace and healing.'

For prayers to support reflection click here. or the Marist Fathers' Australia District safeguarding policy and information, click here                           [Sep 11]

MMC newsletter

The Spring issue of the Marist Mission Centre newsletter is now available. To download, click here or go to Members' Page.                              [Sep 09]

Fr Gavin at Brothers' Chapter

Fr Gavin Foster has arrived at Tagaylay in the northern Philippines to assist as chaplain the General Chapter of the Marist Brothers. He is pictured below leaving Sydney on Sep 05 and being welcomed at the Chapter venue in the compnay of Marist staffer, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Superior-General, Br Ernesto Sanchez FMS.                                  [Sep 08]  

Superior-General's Reflection and Chapter Report

In his September reflection Superior-General, Fr John Larsen SM, expresses gratitude for personal blessings during his term of office. He has also prepared a report for the forthcoming General Chapter of the Society of Mary, commencing in Nemi, Italy, next week.

For the September reflection, click here or go to Superior-General's page.  For the General Chapter Report go to the Members' Page (Other Documents).                           [Sep 06]

Provincial Circular

The latest issue of the Australian Marist District Circular is now available on the Members' Page.                             [Sep 06]

Br Kevin's farewell

Fellow Marists, family and friends gathered on Sep 03 at Holy Name of Mary church, Hunters Hill, to farewell Br Kevin Jackson SM. Vigil prayers were held the evening before in the chapel of Br Kevin's community of Montbel.

The Requiem liturgy was led by District Superior, Fr Tony Kennedy, assisted by parish priest, Fr Michael Carroll, and Maryvale/Montbel superior, Fr Ray Chapman. Br Kevin's SM Brothers, Brs Terry Garrett and Charles Randle, were present on the sanctuary with the Mass attended by other members of the Marist Family. Interment at Macquarie Park cemetery followed the Mass.

Scenes from Br Kevin's farewell are pictured below. For more on Fr Kevin click here.                                [Sep 04]

Yukimbia celebrations

From Bolivia Fr John ('Hoppy) Hopkinson SM reports on recent events at Yukimbia: 'The Misioneros Maristas celebrated on Aug 15 with the Guarani indigenous community of Yukimbia in Bolivia's Gran Chaco district on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the foundation of APG (Association of the Guarani People).

'The Marist team thirteen years ago initiated the process of Base Church Communities (CEBs) among the Guarani people and have gained their deep affection and confidence.'                              [Sep 02]

Above: Fr Hoppy with the children of the village in their traditional dress. Below: With Marcia, animator of the Yukimbia community, whose daughter,  Jessie, is in her third year of training as a nurse at the university in Tarija city in accommodation supported by the community of Misioneros Maristas.   |   Traditional dancing as Guarani folk celebrate their anniversary.

OMP bulletin

Expanded to four pages the latest Oceania Marist Province bulletin offers a pictorial summary of recent events in the Marist Pacific.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                              [Sep 01]