2022-05-28 AUSTRALIA

Marist Australian celebrate their 150 anniversaries along with Australian Catholic Bishops

On the occasion of the 150 anniversary of the beginning of the first Marist community and mission in Australia, Marists of Champagnat held a special Sesquicentenary event at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill. To the commemoration were also invited the Australian Catholic Bishops who were meeting at the MacKillop Centre in North Sydney for their annual May meetings.

Even though the Marists have lived and worked in only 20 of the 28 Australian Dioceses, all of the 41 Bishops were invited, including those who lead Eastern Rite Eparchies and special Ordinariates. In total, 33 accepted the invitation, including the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo. On the part of the Marist, attended: former Provincials, Provincial Councillors, Brothers, Association Members, Principals, Executive, Chairs and Directors of Marist Schools AustraliaMarist180Australian Marist Solidarity and the Marist Association.

Br Tony Boyd was Master of Ceremonies for the dinner that followed. Teresa Ardler, an indigenous elder and Director of the Marist180 Board, performed the Welcome to Country. This was followed by a formal welcome by the Superior General, Br Ernesto Sánchez, especially recorded for the occasion. He emphasized the pivotal role played by Bishops in the expansion of Marist works over the last 150 years in Australia: “It is a grace that our institute has always worked in collaboration and cooperation with so many bishops and dioceses. We really think that the 150 anniversary is a celebration such as the Australian Church as it is for the global marist family”, said Br. Ernesto. Watch the video

During the evening, a short film produced by Conor Ashleigh was shown. Its focus was the Marists today.  Dr. Frank Malloy, National Director for Marist Schools Australia, moved a vote of thanks at the end of the evening and reiterated that “the Marists in Australia look forward to continue collaborative engagement with the Church”.

Referring to the Sesquicentenary, Br Peter Carroll, Provincial, said “despite the obvious changes, we Marists remain as committed as always to the education and wellbeing of young people”. More about the 150.º anniversary

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