September 2024 news

Final Professions

In a ceremony in Rome on Sep 28 six young Marists took made their perpetual profession as members of the Society of Mary.

The vows were accepted by Superior-General, Fr John Larsen SM, who presided at the Eucharistic Liturgy accompanied by formators, Frs Tony Kennedy and Larry Duffy and other clergy including Archbshop Paul Martin SM.

The finally professed are seminarians of the Marist International Theologate community, Casa di Maria: Joseph Koffi Adjokpa, Joël Sébastien Eyango  Ebono, Hemi Waerengaahika Ropata, Godlove Ngwese Ndema, Clovis Gwencho Nformenteng and Charles Sangul. Congratulations! 

Scenes of the ceremony, pictured below.                           [Sep 28] 

Pacific News

The Oceania Marist Province's News Bulletin, September edition, offers a three-page pictorial coverage of events across the Marist Pacific.

To download, click here or go to Members' Page.                             [Sep 29]  

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on General Administration movements, two centenaries in Europe, Br Faustino Ferrari's new book and final profession live streaming.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                                     [Sep 29]

Pioneer professions recalled

On Sep 24, 1836, in Belley, France, the first religious professions were made by the priests of the Society of Mary. Rome had not long given its approval to the fledgling missionary group and Fr Jean-Claude Colin, reluctantly, agreed to become their Superior-General.

From eye-witness accounts, Marist author, Fr Justin Taylor, describes the event as the small group assembled in the chapel of La Capucinière in Belley:

‘Jean-Claude Colin knelt on the step before the altar with a lighted candle in his hand and pronounced aloud the formula of profession that is still in use among the priests of the Society of Mary. All the others stood round him as witnesses of the solemn act.

'Then he took his seat again…  all came forward in their turn and made their vows as they held the superior general’s hand.’                              [Sep 24] 

Marist Laity e-Newsletter

The committee of Marist Laity Australia report on the September issue of their e-Newsletter: 'This month, Cathy Larkin offers insights on grace and faith, reflecting on her visits to a residential aged care facility, while Margaret Woods shares a powerful reflection on the Marist founders' pledge at Fourvière, encouraging us to continue their mission of love and compassion.

'The newsletter also highlights a modern Marist pilgrimage across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, inspired by the original journey of the founders. Additionally, it features the inspiring Street Retreats led by Mercy College Chatswood students, where they engage with Sydney’s homeless community, and the heartwarming 'Other Half' program, connecting students with orphans in the Philippines through Zoom sessions to foster intercultural understanding and empathy.'

For the newsletter, click here.                                         [Sep 23]

Marist Family meets

Marist Laity Australia reports on a Marist Family event on Sep 21 in the parish hall, Hunters Hill: 'The gathering brought together leaders of the six Marist branches in Sydney - Marist Fathers, Marist Missionary Sisters, Marist Brothers, Marist Association, Marist Sisters and Marist Laity Australia.

'The leaders and Marists reflected on their identity, current position and future collaboration under the theme "A Conversation: Come Together." The agenda included three key conversations on the topics: "Where are you right now?", "What is your dream for the future?" and "How can we work together more in the future?"

By the end of the meeting each participant expressed a desire to continue collaborating more often with a great sense of energy and willingness to being Mary's presence in today's world.' The group is pictured below.                             [Sep 21]

SM Bulletin

This wseek's SM Bulletin reports on the ordination of Fr Clinton Kube, Fr Hayden Powick's appointment to Ranong and a Catechumenate celebration in Samsun. To download click here or go to Members' Page.                         [Sep 21]

Fr Clinton Kube SM

In a colourful ceremony in Cameroon on Sep 17, Marist deacon, Clinton Kube, was ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Bamenda, Most Rev Andrew Fuanya Nkea. The ordination took place in Our Lady of Fatima's church, Bambili, established in 1999 by Australian Marist, the late Fr Bob Barber SM, who played an important part in the Clinton's vocational journey.

Other Australian Marists have figured in Fr Clinton's formative years with Fr Tony Kennedy of the Marist International Theologate and Fr Ben McKenna as Clinton's spiritual director.

Congratulations, Fr Clinton.  Ad multos annos!                                 [Sep 18]

Holy Name of Mary at Villa Maria

Braving cold and gusty winds on Sep 15, hardy parishioners of Holy Name of Mary parish, Hunters Hill/Woolwich, gathered in the grounds of Villa Maria monastery to celebrate their parish feast day. Marist District Superior, Fr Tony Corcoran SM, presided at the open-air Eucharist, assisted by Frs Brian Wilson and 'Aliki Langi.                                    [Sep 18]

Brothers' jubilees

Fifteen Marist Brothers were honoured at jubilee celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne on Sep 15.  Eight were present at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, N.S.W: Br Julian Quinlan (70 years professed as a Marist Brother), Brs Joachim Fabbro, Paul Hough, Brendan Neily and Anthony Shears (60 years), Brs Michael Green, Robert Hayes and Paul Turner (50 years).

Following Mass in the College chapel, celebrated by Frs Gary Perritt CP and Gavin Foster SM, Vice-Provincial, Br Darren Burge, spoke of each jubilarian and his contribution to the mission of the Church over so many decades. 

A similar event was held concurrently in Melbourne at which provincial, Br Peter Carroll, was present. .

Congratulations, Brothers!                              [Sep 18]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on Australia's District Superior elect, Marist Studies Summer program, perpetual vows preparation and Marist Mission Workshop.

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

District Superior elect

On the Marist patronal feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Fr Anthony Kennedy SM has been announced as the next District Superior of the Australian Marist Fathers. Fr Tony is presently superior of the Marist International Theologate, Casa di Maria, Rome.

Hailing from Gunnedah, NSW, and ex-student of St John's College, Woodlawn, he will take over on Feb 01, 2025, from retiring District Superior, Fr Anthony Corcoran.

Thank you, Fr Tony, for being available for this office and congratulations on the vote of confidence from your Aussie confreres.                              [Sep 12]

Euroinfo

The September issue of Euroinfo reports on the experience of a provincial councillor and centenaries of Pratola Peligna and Donore Ave.

To download, click here or go to Members' Page.                           [Sep 12]

Young Marist pilgrims

During the Roman universities' break, senior students from Casa di Maria, the Marist International Theologate, have the opportunity to visit the places of Marist origins in France.

They are pictured below in some of the historical places in and near the town of Belley, France.                              [Sep 10] 

District Circular

The latest issue of the Australian Marist District Circular is available on the Members' Page.                              [Sep 10]

Pacific News Bulletin

From Suva, Fr Lutoviko Manu sends the latest issue of the Oceania Marist News Bulletin with its comprehensive coverage of recent events throughout the island province. To download, click here or go to Members' Page.                              [Sep 09]

Superior-General's Reflection

In his September reflection Fr John Larsen points to the feast of the Holy Name of Mary as an inspiration to review one's Marist life and the opportunities to reach out to the lonely, the aged and to all those who struggle. He looks to the future with young Marists making a lifelong commitment, to life-giving relationships in Marist communities and renewed commitment to living prayerfully. 

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

Marist Mission Workshop

From Bangkok, Thailand, Fr Ben McKenna reports on the Marist Mission Workshop which began on Sep 04: 'We had a fine start, with participants from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Europe, Marist SM, SMSM, FMS; and RNDMs. Experiences of Inter-cultural, and Inter-religious Dialogue. The Divine Mystery keeps broadening our horizons.....and engaging us to serve those most in need.'

The workshop will continue at Ranong, in southern Thailand, with a major goal being to 'Enkindle Marists' passion for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.'                              [Sep 06]

Every conversation matters 

The end of National Child Protection Week brings Safeguarding Sunday, to be observed on Sep 08. It is a day to reflect on the tragic consequences of sexual abuse and to pray for those whose lives have been traumatised that they may find the courage to share their story and find lasting peace and healing.

This year Safeguarding Sunday has adopted the theme 'Every conversation matters', a reminder that every conversation about safeguarding is important and that children and adults at risk are more likely to raise concerns and issues in an organisation that empowers and listens to them.

The prayer supporting Safeguarding Sunday, click here. For further resources, click here.                          [Sep 06]