May 2022 - Marist Fathers Australia

May news

For previous years, go to News menu, above

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on Marist Laity in New Caledonia, Fr John Larsen's recent visit to England and Fr Tom Ryan's book 'The Eyes and Ears of Conscience'. For the Bulletin click here or go to Members' Page. [May 28]

Burma Campaign

Marists from Australia and Thailand participated In the webinar hosted by Young People for Development Australia, on May 17 in which UK-based Burma Campaign activist and authoress, Zoya Phan, (pictured below) presented a sobering update on the situation of violence and injustice in her native Myanmar. Other input came from Australian authority, Chris Sidoti, a member of the U.N. Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, and Karen leader, Kwi Kwith, founder and coordinator of the Young People for Development (YPD) network in Thailand and Myanmar (pictured below).

For the video record click here. For websites, click: Burma Campaign | YPD Australia. . [May 25]

SM Bulletin

From Rome this week's SM Bulletin reports on a Marist Commission for Migrants and Refugees and on Marist preparations for World Youth Day 2023.

To download, click here or go to Members' Page. [May 20]

Marist Brothers' Vocation Year

The anniversary of the birth of St Marcellin Champagnat has been chosen by the Marist Brothers to begin a Marist Year of Vocations. Marcellin was born in the hamlet of Le Rozey on May 20, 1789. As part of the pioneer group of Marist aspirants in July 1816 pledging to form the Society of Mary he declared 'There must be Brothers!'. . [May 20]

Below: The shrine of St Marcellin Champagnat adjacent to his birthplace at Le Rozey, France.

Sister's General Council

Pictured below, following their recent General Chapter at Nemi, is the first photo of the Marist Sisters' new General Council. From left, Srs Mari Aranda Sánchez-Lara (Mexico - Councillor), Kate McPhee (Australia - Councillor), Sylvette Mané (Senegal -- Superior-General), Silvia Sanz de Diego (Spain/England - Councillor) and Noelene Simmons (Australia - General Bursar). [May 20]

Euroinfo

From Paris, Euroinfo reports on jubilee celebrations and a special ministry in Spain, youth camp in Norway and Laudato Si project in Cameroon. They also send the latest Vocation Year reflection. Click for: Euroinfo | Vocation Year reflection [May 18]

SM Bulletin

From Rome, this week's SM Bulletin reports on visits to England and the Asia District, the Marist Sisters' new leadership and Colinian Renewal preparations.

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

Marist Sisters meet the Pope

From Rome, Sr Noelene Simmons SM, attending the General Chapter of tghe Marist Sisters, reports: 'What a joy to attend the General Audience with Pope Francis. We had a good spot during the audience. He sent greetings to the Marist Sisters General Chapter delegates. Later we were able to have a group photo with him and greet him personally as we passed by.'

Pictured below: Scenes from the Sisters' encounter with Pope Francis, including the personal meeting with newly-elected Superior-General, Sr Sylvette Mané SM. [May 13]

Fr John Worthington interment

In simple ceremonies at Montbel, Hunters Hill, and the mission cemetery of Villa Maria, the ashes of Fr John Worthington SM were interred on May 11. Despite inclement weather the final farewell was well attended by fellow Marists and family members with prayers led by Fr Paul Mahony.

Fr John's ashes were laid to rest beside those of his close friend and confrere, Fr Bob Barber. May they both rest in peace. [May 11]

Marist Sisters' new team

During their General Chapter at Nemi the Marist Sisters have elected a new leadership team to be led by Sr Sylvette Mané SM, as Superior General. Her Councillors include Australian, Sr Kate McPhee, with Srs Silvia Sanz de Diego and Mari Aranda Sánchez-Lara. Congratulations and blessings, Sisters. [May 09]

Above, from left: Srs Sylvette Mané, Silvia Sanz de Diego, Mari Aranda Sánchez-Lara and Kate McPhee..

News from Brazil

From the Marist formation community of St Peter Chanel, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, comes their latest newsletter with a special English edition. To download, click here. [May 09]

Conflict in Karen State

The Australian Cardijn Institute and Young People for Development (YPD) Australia are partnering to present a webinar, 'Conflict in Karen State'. With the world’s attention focused on the tragic events in Ukraine, little media attention has been paid to the situation of the Karen ethnic community in Myanmar, particularly since the February 2021 military coup.

All are welcome to participate in the webinar on Tue, May 17 at 7.00 pm AEST. Speakers will be Zoya Phan, Chris Sidoti and Kwi Kwith.

For details of the webinar and its speakers, click here. [May 08]

Superior-General's reflection

In his May reflection Fr John Larsen speaks with sober challenge of new and different possibilities for Marist life ahead.

To download click here or go to Superior--General's page. [May 06]

The Eyes and Ears of Conscence

'Lessons of encouragement' is the subtitle of Fr Tom Ryan's latest book, The Eyes and Ears of Conscience'. One reviewer comments: 'Thomas Ryan SM brings the Church’s teaching on conscience to life in an exciting, challenging, and fruitful way. His unique combination of reflectiveness and clarity, infused with examples from Scripture, daily life, history, and popular culture, speaks to both the heart and the mind. It will be of enormous value in the formation of lay people, ministers, educators, and theologians alike.'

To order from St Paul's Publications, click here. [May 04]

Provincial Circular

For the latest Provincial Circular go to the Members' Page. [May 03]