March 2026 news

A word of encouragement

On Mar 09, 1822, the Marist pioneers received a letter of encouragement from Pope Pius VII, a letter of encouragement. On behalf of his fellow aspirants, Marist Founder, Jean-Claude Colin, had been hard at work doing the groundwork for the eventual approval of the Society of Mary.

In the sixth chapter of his biography 'Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder', ('Attempts to establish the Society of Mary') Fr Justin Taylor describes in detail the events leading up to the letter and its eventual arrival, including the delight of the Colin brothers when they received the Pope's message: 'The letter from Rome arrived at the presbytery at Cerdon. Pierre Colin tells us how he and his brother received it. Filled with joy they went to the church to give thanks to God.' 

Whilst Pope Pius' letter was not an official approval, nevertheless is came as a boost to the spirits of the early Marists, making Mar 09 a special date in the Marist calendar. 

The anniversary, along with other dates of Marist significance, is noted in the Colin calendar produced annually for those wishing to celebrate Marist anniversaries. The calendar reminds Marists of suggested Mass intentions for particular anniversaries. On Mar 09 they remember deceased confreres.                         [Mar 09]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on the 20th anniversary events in Ranong and the Asia District Assembly, the DC 2025 and an alumni retreat for Marist School, Atlanta.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                                  [Mar 06]

Farewell to Fr David Wilson

A vigil ceremony on Mar 05 at Montbel, Hunters Hill, preceded the funeral of Fr David Wilson SM at Holy Name of Mary church on Mar 06 as Asian Catholics joined family and Marists to farewell their former chaplain who died on Feb 26.

District Superior, Fr Gavin Foster, presided at the Requiem while Fr Jim Carty led the committal prayers before the burial in Villa Maria monastery's mission cemetery.  A eulogy was presented by Fr David's niece, Linda Wride, and the homily preached by Fr Michael Whelan. Franciscan chaplains from the Chinese Catholic community concelebrated the Mass.

Click here for more about Fr David and his life and ministry.  May he rest in peace.                              [Mar 06]

Fr Paul Hachey returns to USA

Sydney-based Marists gathered at Montbel, Hunters Hill, on Mar 04 to thank and farewell Fr Paul Hachey SM after his years of service in the Australian Province/District. 

Fr Paul, a graduate of St Paul's Pontifical University, Ottawa, has spent almost ten years as a member of the St Patrick's, Church Hill, community during which time he was available for some time to work at the Marriage Tribunal of the Sydney Archdiocese. 

At his farewell Fr Gavin Foster, District Superior, and Fr Michael Whelan, former parish priest of St Patrick's, expressed their appreciation of Fr Paul's cheerful and competent presence while in Australia.

Fr Paul left on Mar 05 to join the community of Marist School, Atlanta, and take up a position as a judge on the Marriage Tribunal of Atlanta Archdiocese.

Bon voyage, Fr Paul, and thank you!                                [Mar 05]