Dr Frank Malloy, National Director Marist Schools Australia, Tony Clarke, Director Marist Mission and Formation, Fr Kevin Hennesy CP, Daniel Lynch, Acting Regional Director Marist Schools Australia VIC/SA/WA, Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director for Star of the Sea Province Ministries, and Richard Quinn, Executive Director Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, at the opening and blessing of the new Marist Centre Melbourne.
The Marist community in Melbourne has marked an important milestone with the official opening and blessing of the new Marist Centre Melbourne in Parkville recently.
The event brought together Brothers, staff, and members of the wider Marist family. Dan Lynch, Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Acting Regional Director for VIC/SA/WA, welcomed guests, while Dr Frank Malloy, MSA National Director, formally declared the centre open. Music was provided by Br Michael Herry, with the liturgy thoughtfully prepared by Br Tony Clark.
Among those present were Richard Quinn, Executive Director of Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, Mark Pauschmann (Executive Director for Province Ministries), and Paul Burges (Star of the Sea Province Bursar & Director of Finance and Business), alongside staff and Brothers from local communities.
The occasion included a liturgy led by Fr Kevin Hennessy CP, a long-time friend of the Marist Brothers, who blessed the new space and reflected on the enduring importance of family spirit within the Marist tradition. Drawing on a story of a former student of Marcellin College, he noted how the Marist experience continues to shape lives, reminding those gathered that “family spirit is what is distinctive about the Marists.”
In his remarks, Dr Frank Malloy expressed gratitude for the leadership of Br Peter Carroll, former Star of the Sea Provincial and current Superior General of the Marist Brothers, and Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, as well as the collaboration of many Brothers, lay partners, and the wider Marist family. He described the centre as a place intentionally designed for both work and community - continuing the Marist tradition of hospitality and partnership.
The move to Parkville reflects the evolving needs of Marist Schools Australia and the wider Marist Association. After an extensive search, the new location was chosen for its accessibility to the city, proximity to the airport, and strong connections to Marist communities and ministries. The centre offers a modern, welcoming environment, with shared workspaces, meeting facilities, and space to house the Marist tertiary library collection.
More than just an office, the new Marist Centre is designed as a “home base” for the entire Marist community - including Brothers, staff, educators - and also for friends of the Marists, colleagues and visitors. It is a welcoming place for friendship, collaboration, and belonging.
Tracey Doublet
Communications Officer
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat
Gayatri Nair
Communications Officer
Star of the Sea Province