February 2026 - Marist Fathers Australia

February 2026 news

For previous years, go to News menu, above

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on the orientation program for new novices in Davao, the appointment of Fr Lote Raiwalui as Provincial of Oceania and Fr Tony Kennedy's visit to Senegal..

to download click here or go to Members' Page.. [Feb 20]

Two groups at Eden

At the Marist International novitiate, 'Eden', in Davao, southern Philippines, two groups of aspiring Marists-to-be have come together. Six young men are completing their novitiate and will take their first vows as Marists on Mar 25 while seven pre-novices have begun an orientation program leading to the start of their novitiate year.

They are pictured below with novice master, Fr Xavier Sariman SM, and socius, Fr Thilo Saft SM (the tall chap at the back). They include the Society of Mary's first Vietnamese aspirant, Joseph Vu (third from left).

Let us pray for these young men. [Feb 18]

Euroinfo

The February issue of Euroinfo reports on Marist European educators in Rome, new arrivals in Sainte-Marie de Lyon and Fr Damien Diouf preaching for the missions. The Province is also looking for a communications assistant.

To download click here or go to Members' Page. [Feb 18]

SM Bulletin

The latest SM Bulletin reports on movements of the General leadership team and a meeting of the Marist Family leaders in Rome. To download click here or go to Members' Page. [Feb 18]

Historic cemetery repaired

Following storm damage in 2024 the historic mission cemetery of Villa Maria monastery, Hunters Hill, NSW, has been repaired. Heritage and insurance issues needed to be investigated before repairs could begin to the cemetery wall damaged under the collapse of a large pine during severe August winds.

The cemetery is the resting place of Marist Fathers, Brothers and Missionary Sisters who have worked in the mission fields of Oceania, Japan and Africa.

Pictured below: the restored fence of the cemetery... and earlier damage.

Harvest founder with Pope Leo

Chairman and founder of Harvest Journeys, Philip Ryall, recalls the origins of his travel enterprise and its connections with the Harvest magazine, once produced by Australian Marists. Philip had recently returned from Rome where he presented Pope Leo with copy of 'Dear Unity', edited by Philip and containing faith testimonies from scores of writers internationally.

Growing up in Holy Name of Mary parish, Hunters Hill, young Philip helped as a volunteer at the Harvest office before launching into the travel industry and soon resolved to turn his agency into an exclusively faith-base enterprise, specialising in sacred journeys to the holy places of the world. When the Harvest magazine came to the end of its pubishing life, so Harvest Plgrimages was born.

Philip is pictured below presenting 'Dear Unity' to Pope Leo... and with former Harvest editor, Fr Ron Nissen SM, visiting Harvest's new premises at Surrey Hills, NSW. [Feb 12]

Marist College welcomes Fr Ben

Australian Marist, Fr Ben McKenna SM, was given a traditional welcome (pictured below) as he arrived in Suva, Fiji, to join the formation staff of Marist College.

The community is part of the Pacific Regional College complex where seminarians from countries in Oceania and religious congregations study for the priesthood.

Tasmanian-born Fr Ben has recently finished terms as a member of the Society of Mary's General Council in Rome and returns now to the Oceania Marist Province where he was once novice master and later provincial. At Marist College he will assist Frs Sipiliano Faka'osi and Samuele Tukidia on the formation team. [Feb 09]

Profession invitation

From the Marist International Novitiate, Davao, Southern Philippines, Fr Xavier Sariman SM sends an invitation to the forthcoming religious profession on Mar 25 when six young men will take their first vows as Marists. From five different countries the Marists-to-be are Arnaud Elo Komi (Togo), Bernard Ngala (Cameroon), Brandon Ngua (Cameroon), Sylvestre Mbula (Democratic Republic of Congo), Thomas Manihera (Aotearoa - New Zealand) and Pouono Vea (Tonga).

The ceremony will take place at Saint Michael Archangel Quasi Parish, Eden, Davao and will be livestreamed (details later).

For the invitation click here. [Feb 09]

SM Bulletin

The latest SM Bulletin reports on future planning for La Neylière, Fr Renivaldo de Souza's orientation program in Rome and Bishop Miguel Contrera's meeting with Pope Leo.

To download click here or go to Members' Page. [Feb 07]

Farewell to Fr Paul Glynn

Holy Name of Mary church, Hunters Hill, quickly filled on the morning of Feb 02 for the Requiem Mass of Fr Paul Glynn SM. In addition to Marist confreres and Glynn family members mourners included the Consul-General of Japan and Bishop Richard Umbers as well as many religious and diocesan priests.

Fr Paul Mahony presided at the Mass and the homily was preached by Fr Paul Sullivan while members of Fr Paul's family and parishioner and Japanese friends were also involved in the liturgy. The euology given by Fr Paul's niece, Aileen Grattan-Smith, recalling a lifetime of enduring friendships, deep spirituality, authoring of books, humour and pranks.

Tributes to Fr Paul acknowledged during the Mass included those from Sydney's Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Bishop Paul Otsuka, Kyoto, Japan.

The funeral liturgy had been planned by Fr Paul himself, including his request for a private cremation. After the Mass memories were shared over refreshmnets at Villa Maria monastery.

Fr Paul, rest in well-deserved peace. [Feb 02]

Click here for tributes from Archbishop Fisher | Bishop Otsuka | Fr Ben McKenna SM

Above: The Consul-General for Japan was among those participating in an incense ceremony. | Diocesan priests for whom Fr Paul had been spiritual director were among the concelebrants. Below: District Superior, Fr Gavin Foster, at the final commital. | Long-time friend, Anthony Field, waits to lead the recessional with a piper's lament.

Below: Fr Paul's profession cross. His funeral day marked 78 years of Marist life. Other items are Fr Paul's Order of Australia medal and Japan's award of the Rising Sun. | Our Lady of the Journey, modelled on the statue presented in Nara, Japan, acknowledging the ministry of Fr Paul and many other Marists.

Bates memorial blessed

As a memorial to the late Fr Kevin Bates SM a set of benches at Holy Name of Mary church, Hunters Hill, was blessed on Feb 01.

Presiding at the simple ceremony after a Sunday Mass, parish priest, Fr Michael Carroll SM, acknowledged Fr Kevin's long service of the parish and the affection and esteem in which he was held, and thanked those who had made the memorial possible including the members of the local Men's Shed who fabricated the benches and prepared its sandstone centrepiece.

Members of Fr Kevin's family came from Geelong, Vic, to be present for the blessing.

Above: Fr Michael Carroll and parishioners at the blessing ceremony on Feb 01. | The memorial plaque acknowledging Fr Kevin's service of the parish. Below: The sandstone centrepiece, originally destined for the Benedictine Sisters' at Ermington and blessed by Bishop Armand Olier SM in Oct 1908. The stone had lain neglected in the grounds of Villa Maria monastery for over a century. | Fr Kevin's family members on one of the memorial benches. | The benches are situated in a grove of palm trees outside Holy Name of Mary church.

District Superior installed

In a ceremony on Jan 30 in the chapel of Montbel, Hunters Hill, Fr Gavin Foster SM was installed as the District Superior of Australian Marist Fathers. He succeeds Fr Tony Kennedy who was elected to the international leadership team at the Society of Mary's General Chapter in October 2025.

District Vicar, Fr Peter McMurrich, presided at the occasion (pictured below) inviting all present to raise hands in a prayer of blessing over their new leader. Congratulations and good wishes, Fr Gavin ! [Feb 01]

International portfolios

Following elections in October 2025 at the Society of Mary's General Chapter the new international leadership team were allocated various portfolios to serve the Marist world. These are now listed on the 'Contacts' page of this website. Click here. [Feb 01]

Above: The Society of Mary's international leadership team, from left: Frs Declan Marmion (Superior-General), Juan Carlos Piña (Vicar-General), 'Aisake Vaisima (General Councillor), Albert Kabala (General Councillor) and Tony Kennedy (General Councillor).

SM Bulletins

The most recent SM Bulletins report on Society of Mary membership statistics, education meeting in Rome, appointment of Fr 'Aisake Vaisima as General House superior, ordination of Bishop Jacob Aba, arrival of Fr Pat Breeze at Casa di Maria and new Unit leadership in NZ and Australia, Frs Merv Duffy and Gavin Foster.

To download click here for Jan 23 | Jan 30. [Feb 01]