April 2026 news

The nod from Rome

On Apr 29, 1836, mission-minded Pope Gregory XVI gave his official approval to the establishment of the Society of Mary.

Ending a twenty-year journey of preparation and emerging leadership, Fr Jean-Claude Colin accepted the Pope's invitation for the fledging Marist group to undertake the missions of the south-west Pacific.The event is noted in the leaflet biography of Fr Colin, 'On Whatever Distant Shore', available in several languages: English   |   French   |   German   |   Portuguese   |   Spanish

Happy 190th anniversary, Marists !                               [Apr 29]

St Peter Chanel web page

Launched on the Saint's feast day, Apr 28, a page dedicated to Oceania's first martyr, St Peter Chanel SM, has been added to the website of Marist Founder, Ven Jean-Claude Colin. The page's introduction advises: 'Jean-Claude Colin has been described as the inspiration for a 'school of saints', having influenced the lives of many of his own time who would one day to be raised to the Altars of the Church.

'One of these is St Peter Chanel whom Fr Colin welcomed into the Society of Mary in 1829, before long appointing him to major responsibilities in the seminary college of Belley. In 1833 on his first visit to Rome Fr Colin chose the young Chanel as a travel companion, sharing much of his dream for the Society of Mary and its mission in the world. This page is devoted to him, first Marist saint and protomarytyr of the Pacific... '

The new page contains downloadable resources including 'The Life of St Peter Chanel', 'A Marist reflects', Novena to St Peter Chanel, liturgy leaflets and a pictorial gallery tracing the history of the Saint. 

To go to the page click here.                              [Apr 28]

Fr Gavin returns from pilgrimage

Marist District Superior, Fr Gavin Foster SM, returned to Sydney on Anzac Day after accompanying the annual pilgrimage of Marist Brothers' schools personnel to Italy and France. As chaplain to the group Fr Gavin presided at the Eucharist in many places of Marist origins and historical interest during the two-week journey, pictured below.

Welcome home, Fr Gavin !                                [Apr 26]

Imprints of Jean-Claude Colin

A new publication, Imprints of Ven Jean-Claude Colin, has been released featuring the influence of the Founder of the Society of Mary on Marist ministries throughout the world. An initiative of the Colin Cause Network Imprints comes in four languages and will be produced several times a year. It includes quotations from Fr Colin, prayers for graces, including miracles, through his intercession as well as items connected with the Cause for his Beatification. 

The double-page publication is edited by Sydney-based Marist, Fr Lauro Arcede SM, with the help of fellow Network members, Frs Clinton Kube (Cameroon), Jaime Perez (Mexico) and Paddy O'Neil (Brazil).  

To download click for: English  |  French  |  Portuguese  |  Spanish

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on Pope Leo's visit to Cameroon and the blessing by Bishop Joel Konzen SM of the Marist Chapel in Sacred Heart Basilica, Atlanta.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                                [Apr 24]

USA e-Newsletter

The latest e-Newsletter from the Marist Province of USA includes reports from Marist ministries in Washington, Georgia and Michigan as well as from New Zealand, Italy, Peru and Thailand. There is also an item on the blessing by Marist bishop, Joel Konzen SM, of the Marist Chapel of St Peter Chanel in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Atlanta. 

To download click here.                                [Apr 20]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on the General Council's work on Chapter decisions, Marist days in France and Chanel College, Samoa.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                                [Apr 17]

Novena for vocations

The annual novena to St Peter Chanel for vocations begins on Apr 19 leading to the feast day of the first martyr of the Society of Mary and of the Pacific, Apr 28.

To download the novena click for: scrolling  |  printing.                              [Apr 17] 

Euroinfo

The April issue of Euroinfo features Fr Pat Muckian's 32 years in the Philippines, Fr Christian Ngoura's first experience of Lyon, Fr Clovis Gwencho in London and Fr François Chauvet's reflections on 'every Mass'.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.                               [Apr 17]

Cost of Living

The Marist Family Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee offers an invitation to attend an afternoon event on May 16 to reflect on the Australian Bishops' statement on the Cost of Living. 

For details click here.                               [Apr 15] 

Marist Family's Domestic Violence statement

At its Apr 11 meeting at Hunters Hill the Marist Family Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee released its statement on Domestic Violence. The statement follows extensive research and reflection during 2025-26 and efforts to engage with local groups and fellow Marists.  

To download click here.                              [Apr 13]

USA Justice & Peace Alert

From the Marist Province of USA comes their latest Justice & Peace Alert with links to current local and international issues.

To download click here.                                 [Apr 13]

SM Bulletin

This week's SM Bulletin reports on profession ceremony at Davao, beginning of new novitiate, Fr Tom Ryan's latest essay on Jean-Claude Colin and novena for vocations.

To download click here or go to Members' Page.   For Fr Tom Ryan's essay click here.                          [Apr 10} 

International visitors

Several Marists from overseas have recently visited Australia, calling on local confreres and the Omnes Gentes community.

The rector of Marist College, Suva, Fiji, Frs Kiade Rayalu, spent a week of retreat in Sydney before visiting Oceanian confreres in Brisbane, while Fr Ben McKenna, also on the Marist College staff, stayed at Villa Maria over the Easter period.

The Omnes Gentes community at Marayong in Sydney's outer west was visited by Assistant-General, Fr 'Aisake Vaisima.                           [Apr 06]

Villa Maria Stations of the Cross

Hundreds of Christians assembled by the chapel of Montbel, Hunters Hill, on Apr 03 to begin this year's Stations of the Cross through the grounds of Villa Maria monastery. Worshippers from four local churches, including parishioners of Holy Name of Mary parish, participated in the ecumenical Good Friday event. 

Pictured below are scenes from the Stations after which participants enjoyed a cuppa and hot cross buns on the monastery cloister.                            [Apr 03]