November 2024 news |
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This page: Funeral of Fr John Begg | Fr Hoppy at CEBs gathering | Star of the Sea centenary | Welcome, Fr Lauro | SM Bulletin | Euroinfo | Founder's anniversary | District Circular | Death of Fr John Begg | SM Bulletin | MMC's 75th | Colin novena | Superior-General's reflection
Funeral of Fr John BeggFr John Begg was farewelled at a Requiem Mass at St Peter Chanel’s Church, The Gap, Brisbane, on Nov 19. Seminary classmate, Fr Jim Carty, presided at the Eucharist accompanied by Bishop Brian Finnegan, Marist confreres and local clergy in addition to family members and a large congregation of mourners. Members of the Bougainvilean Catholic community were well represented, participating in song and dance, acknowledging Fr John's twenty year-long ministry in their country. The Requiem liturgy was followed by burial in the Marist section of Nudgee Catholic cemetery. For a short summary of Fr John's life, click here. [Nov 19] |
Star of the Sea centenaryThree members of the Marist Fathers' Australian District were present in Gladstone, Qld, for centenary celebrations of Star of the Sea church. Frs 'Aliki Langi, Michael Carroll and Seamus McMahon (pictured below) joined Rockhampton's Bishop Michael McCarthy, parish priest, Fr Andrew Chase, assistant, Fr Peter Doherty, visiting clergy and religious and many parishioners for a weekend of celebrations over Nov 15-17. Among the centenary events was a memorial walk through the church led by Sr Noreen Dunne SMSM. Each professed branch of the Marist Family has ministered in the parish's long history since its foundation in 1885 and the beginning of a Marist presence soon afterwards through Dean Charles Murlay SM. The church building itself was blessed by Bishop Joseph Shiel on Nov 16, 1924, and withstood the famous 1949 cyclone which demolished school, convent and many other buildings. The sturdiness of the church was attested to by a former pastor in a congratulatory message. For an excerpt: click here. [Nov 18] |
Welcome, Fr LauroSpecial guest at Villa Maria's Nov 15 celebrations was Fr Lauro Arcede SM, arriving from the Phillipines this week to join the Marist community at Marayong, Sydney. Confreres from various Sydney communities were gathered to mark the anniversary of the death Marist Founder, Jean-Claude Colin (see below). Fr Lauro is pictured below being welcomed by Villa Maria community superior, Fr Gavin Foster, former missioner in the Philippines and once a formator for the young Lauro. [Nov 16] |
SM BulletinThis week's SM Bulletin lists the delegates to the 2025 General Chapter and reports on the conclusion of General Council plenary sessions, Fr Tom Ryan's 'A Gift for Living' e-book and awards to Marists in Davao. To download, click here or go to Members' Page. [Nov 16] |
EuroinfoThe latest issue of Euroinfo reports on important gatherings at La Neylière on the eve of the Founder's anniversary. To download, click here or go to Members' Page. [Nov 15] |
Founder's anniversaryMarists throughout the world today celebrate the anniversary of the death of Jean-Claude Colin, Founder of the Society of Mary, at La Neylière, France, on Nov 15, 1875. This marks the start of a sesquicentenary year culminating with the 150th anniversary in 2025. For a commemorative liturgy, click here. [Nov 15] |
Above: Photograph of Jean-Claude Colin taken at the General Chapter of 1866. Fr Colin was then 75 years old. | The commemorative liturgy leaflet. Below: La Neylière in winter | Sunset view from Fr Colin's bedroom window. Further below: The original coffin used in Fr Colin's 1875 burial in the grounds of La Neylière. | The coffin used for re-interment in 1961. | Present burial place of Fr Colin, with headstone renewed in 2015. |
District CircularThe October issue of the Marist Australia District Circular is available at the Members' Page. [Nov 11] |
Death of Fr John BeggMarists in Australia and beyond note with sadness the passing of Fr John Begg, 86, on Nov 10. Former Bougainville missionary and pastor, Fr John died peacefully at Villa Maria, Brisbane, after 66 years of Marist life. He was a priest for 61 years. Fr John's funeral Mass will be held at 10.30 am, Tue, Nov 19, at St Peter Chanel’s Church, The Gap, Brisbane. His burial will follow in the Marist section of Nudgee Catholic cemetery. May he rest in peace. For a short summary of Fr John's life, click here. [Nov 10] |
SM BulletinThis week's SM Bulletin reports on the orientation program for new unit leaders, Canada's chapter and award, Marist Mission Centre's 75th anniversary and Fr Mikaele Tuimavave's ACU graduation. A list of confreres who have died in the past year is also included. To download, click here for SM Bulletin | List of Deceased Confreres or go to Members' Page. [Nov 09] |
Colin novenaThe customary novena for graces through the intercession of Marist Founder, Ven Jean-Claude Colin, begins on Nov 06, concluding on the eve of the Nov 15 anniversary of his death in 1875. Novena options in a choice of formats and languages are accessible on the Colin website at the Resources/Novena, with simple reflections on the qualities of Fr Colin, a prayer for graces through his intercession and selections from the Marist Constitutions. To go directly to the English Novena options, click for: Booklet (for printing) | Booklet (for scrolling) | Prayer card | Prayer leaflet [Nov 03] |
Superior-General's reflectionNoting the feasts of All Saints and Holy Souls, in his reflection for November Fr John Larsen SM cites Jean-Claude Colin's call for Marists to be men of prayer, encouraging an hour's quiet time, especially on Saturdays, for vocations. Nov 15 is the anniversary of Fr Colin's death and Marists may wishto onour him throughout this month, drawing on the many resources of the Colin website, www.jeanclaudecolin.org. To download click here or go to Superior-General's page. [Nov 02] |