Br Peter Carroll - Thank You
For the first ten years of our life as an Association we have been fortunate to have the wise leadership of Br Peter Carroll. Peter has a deep commitment to the Marist Association and sees it as central to our future Marist life and mission in Australia, and perhaps beyond!
Peter has applied his sharp mind and outstanding writing and speaking skills to help us articulate the narrative of what is happening in the Association and within our broader community. I am sure everybody in this room has, at times, marvelled at the quality, depth and spiritual insight that flows through Peter’s writing – it’s a genuine gift he possesses, which enriches us all personally and communally. The turn of phrase and the creativity of thinking demonstrated in articles and speeches illustrate Peter’s depth of character, thoughtfulness and his own spirituality, which he nurtures on a personal level. Sometimes you must wonder where some ideas come from. When you start doing that, I think it is a sign of inspiration and the working of the Holy Spirit through his words, and that’s why it enriches us so profoundly at times. That is not to say that Peter’s writing is other worldly either, because it does connect and challenge us in down-to-earth, practical ways. He’s got his feet on the ground.
A person cannot so skilfully articulate a narrative for a community in the way Peter has without being an astute listener. He actively seeks people’s counsel and genuinely wants to entertain a broad range of views when considering a matter. As I’ve discovered, this seeking can on occasions lead to the most curious of questions, but Peter has his reasons for asking. Before making an important decision Peter always explores people’s ideas and consults others and all the while there is a deeper discernment going on within him. This also demonstrates his genuine humility – he knows full well that he doesn’t have all the answers. Even though he is patient, discerning and can take the necessary time to come to a determination, he is decisive when it is required. Peter wants to empower others in the process and has great respect for other people’s place in the picture. He truly has a Marian approach to leadership.
“We have been blessed by Peter’s wisdom as he has navigated us through the infancy of this Association and helped to shape the way forward”
And all of this speaks of wisdom. We have been blessed by Peter’s wisdom as he has navigated us through the infancy of this Association and helped to shape the way forward. The foundations have been so well laid for the next stages of our journey together.
And finally, Peter has managed to do all this while leading the Province of Australia through difficult waters in the wake of the Royal Commission, and all the other complexities that go with being Provincial. He was the President of Catholic Religious Australia for part of this time and has been instrumental in the birth of a new Province across eleven countries. His intelligence, hard work and generosity of spirit has met the challenge of this gruelling schedule, and in it all he has maintained a sense of calm. Peter has a wonderful sense of humour, warmth and playfulness. In his presence there is a light-heartedness that lifts people up. Thankfully, he has maintained this good humour, balance and sense of fun.
Thank you so much, Peter. Your contribution cannot be adequately summed up in a few words but you know that you are highly respected and in the heart of so many Marists who value who you are, and the outstanding work done on our behalf. Thank you!
Br Darren Burge
Leader