May 2026 news

Magnifica Humanitas

In his first encyclical Pope Leo XIV has addressed contemporary issues facing the world in the age of artificial intelligence. Magnifica Humanitas (marvellous humanity) traces the development of the Church's teachings on Social Justice and locates the Church as guardian of true human values. It is subtitled 'On safeguarding the human person in the time of artifical intelligence.'

The Holy Father is pictured below at the Vaticant launch of the encyclical which was released on May 15, the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's landmark encyclical on social justice, Rerum Novarum.

In its recent General Chapter the Society fo Mary urged Marists to engage with the digital world and to develop skills for the service of mission (Statements & Decisions, n.6 -  see Members' Page). 

To download Magnifica Humanitas, click here.                             [May 28]

Rosary in the Rain

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Acutis Exhibition

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SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on San José school, Peru, Fr General's words to the Colin Cause Network and the European Council of the Province.

To download click here or go to Members' Page

The Cost of Our Living

Speakers from St Francis Social Services and Jesuit Social Services addressed the Marist Family Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee's Hunters Hill event on May 16 to reflect on the Australian Bishops' statement on the The Cost of Our Living. 

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Euroinfo

From the Marist European province the May issue of Euroinfo reports on recent events at La Neylière. 

To download click here or go to Members' Page

Fourvière invitation

The Marist Family's annual celebration of the Fourvière Promise will be held at Hunters Hill on Sunday, Jul 26. The event recalls the pledge made in 1816 by pioneer Marist aspirants in the chapel of Fourvière, Lyon, France, to establish the family of Marists.

To download the invitation flyer click here. For more about the Fourvière Pledge, 'Vision & Promise', click here or visit the Colin website's Fourvière page click here.                                   [May 19]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on visitations of Casa di Maria, the Netherlands, Germany and Mexico, the appointment of Br Mario Béland to Mexico and the publication of Fr Jan Hulshof's book, The Violence of Love. 

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                               [May 16]

Farewell, Fr Bernie

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on May 15 at Holy Name of Mary church, Hunters Hill, for Fr Bernard McFadyen SM who died on May 7. Marist District Superior, Fr Gavin Foster, presided at the ceremony while Fr Michael Carroll preached the homily after eulogies by members of Fr Bernie's family.

Amonst the moruners were appreciative parishioners and helpers from St Patrick's, Church Hill, where Fr Bernie had ministered in recent years.

Scenes from the farewell are pictured below including Fr Bernie's final resting place at Macquarie Park, North Ryde. May he rest in peace. 

(See below for a summary of his life.)                               [May 15]  

Casa di Maria Newsletter

 From the Marist International Theologate, Casa di Maria, Rome, comes their 19-page pictorial bulletin capturing the life of the Marist community as well as formation events in other parts of the Marist world.

To download click here.                              [May 11]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on St Peter Chanel celebrations in Rome, activities of the General Council, an interview with Fr Declan Marmion, Oceania Finance meeting in Sydney and a Marist Family gathering in Italy.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                               [May 09]

Passing of Fr Bernard McFadyen SM

Marists in Australia mourn the death on May 7 of Fr Bernard (Bernie) McFadyen SM, 85, at St Paul's Aged Care facility, Northbridge, NSW.

Fr Bernie was well-known and much-loved for his ministry in recent years at St Patrick's inner-city shrine, Sydney, He had worked extensively in Marist colleges and parishes throughout the sixty-two years of his priesthood.

For a summary of his life click here. May he rest in well-deserved peace.                              [May 08]  

Oceania finance meeting

At its annual meeting the Finance Committee of Oceania Marist Province gathered at Hunters Hill, May 5-7, to review and plan for financial matters concerning Marists in the Pacific.

Sydney-based, Fr Setefano Mataele SM, and local financial advisors, John Gorman and Peter Sheehan, were joined for the meeting by the Oceania Marist provincial Fr Lote Raiwalui SM, provincial councillor, Fr Lutoviko Olier SM, and provincial accountant, Lawrence Cakau.                        [May 06]

Marist Family JPIC website

The Marist Family Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee has launched a new website, https://www.maristjustice.org/. 

The site, developed by Marist Way member, Andrew Dumas, with the assistance of Sr Judith Lythall SM, will relay initiatives of the Committee as well as being a platform for current JPIC issues.

To access the new site click here.                                 [May 04]

Garden blessing

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Well known to Australian Marists through his ministry of Xxxxxxx, Fr Mark Kenney SM  led the blessing of Mary's Garden at Marist School, Atlanta, USA, on Apr 26. Fr Mark returned to his home Province in 20XX and is currently alumni chaplain to the school community.

The Society of Mary USA e-Newsletter reports: 'Nestled between the Marist rectory and Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel, the garden has long offered a peaceful setting for the Marist community. The updated courtyard now features refreshed landscaping and a tranquil reflecting pool beneath a statue of Mary and Jesus, inviting stillness and contemplation and serving students, faculty, alumni and the Marist priests who call the rectory home.

'Mary’s Garden will continue to be a sacred space and a shared achievement for the Marist community. It reflects the beauty of thoughtful design and the enduring mission of Marist School to form the whole person in the image of Christ.'                               [May xx]