Have you ever had the feeling of walking into a space and, either because of the people or your surroundings, all of your worries just seem to fall away?
That’s how I felt walking into the National Assembly of the Marist Association at Marist College, Ashgrove, in Brisbane.
Normally, as an introvert, I have to build myself up to be in a room full of people – in fact I even said to this to my principal just before we arrived. The thought of meeting so many new faces can feel overwhelming. But as I scanned the room, I started recognising people. Some I’d met at Footsteps. Some at the bi-annual conference. Others from online gatherings or the previous Assembly. Familiar faces, with a familiar warmth…and even those who I did not know, were so quick to say hello and make me feel welcome. Immediately, I felt at home.
In light of the ten year anniversary of the Association, one of the things I most enjoyed exploring over the weekend was the question of identity: Who are we, as Marists today?
The words and phrases that emerged from that reflection felt so right, as I tried to capture just a word or two from the responses I heard: loving, nurturing, welcoming, accepting, belonging, Marian, family, community, hope-filled, invitational, relational, real, Christ-centred, walking in the way of Mary… and one final line that someone offered on our table that summed it up so simply and truthfully: ‘It just feels right.’
That’s exactly how the Assembly felt – right. It was a space that fed the spirit. A space where you didn’t have to explain yourself. You didn't have to speak about how your work matters, or what even brings you to the Association (even though we did this anyway :P) because everyone there just knew. It was nourishing to be among people who hold the same hopes for their communities and who are committed to walking gently, purposefully, and with faith.
“What stayed with me most, though, was the quality of listening...how every voice was heard and every story respected. ”
What stayed with me most, though, was the quality of listening...how every voice was heard and every story respected. There was no rush to respond over the two days, only a genuine desire to hear others and to understand. It reminded me how powerful it is when we make space for one another and choose to interact in gentle, loving ways. If our Marist theme from 2022, Known and Loved: Dignity for All taught me anything, it's that we all long to be listened to with care - something we all got to experience this past weekend.
Stuart McClorey, left, and Daniel Lynch, right, engaging in one of the Spiritual Conversations sessions at the Assembly.
As I return to school this week, I do so with a great sense of gratitude, peace, and gentleness, with a renewed enthusiasm for the aims and goals of the Association. I am still grateful, some days later, for the time shared with others, the conversations, and for every person who made this introvert’s weekend just that little bit easier.
I'm already looking forward to our next Assembly and celebrating the growth of the Association over that time.
Stuart McClorey
Newman College Perth