Editorial: Lavalla - A Heart Space and a Home

Jasmine Brown with Lavalla School Cambodia teacher, Im, and her new baby.

Full of Grace - Transform the World with God’s Love

There are places in our lives that leave an imprint on our hearts. Places that linger long after we have departed. Places that draw us back, not because we must return, but because a part of us never really left.

For me, that place is Lavalla.

When I first travelled to Cambodia in 2019, I had no idea that a country would become such a significant part of my story. I could never have imagined that years later I would find myself returning repeatedly, feeling less like a visitor and more like someone coming home.

After my visit to the Lavalla School in 2022, organised by Br Chris Wills and Br Tony Burrows, I left with a promise - “I’ll be back.” At the time, it felt like a simple commitment. Yet, I have since returned in 2024 and again, this year, in 2026. Each visit has deepened my connection to the people, the spirit and Marist mission of Lavalla.

Lavalla is an experience of belonging. Every time I arrive, I am reminded of what it means to be welcomed unconditionally. To be received simply for who you are. In my ‘world’ I so often feel hurried, divided and transactional. Lavalla feels so profoundly different. It feels like Gospel.

As I reflect upon why this place continues to call me back, I realise it is because Lavalla continually reveals

God’s love in its simplest and purest form. It is found in the laughter of children, in the gentle encouragement of teachers and Brothers, in the dignity afforded to every person, and in the unwavering hope that sits at the heart of this Marist family.

The children are not defined by limitations.

They are defined by possibility. And every time I visit, they transform me far more than I could ever hope to transform them. Our theme, “Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love,” resonates so deeply with my experience of Lavalla.

When I think of grace, I think of encounters. I think of a smile. A hand reaching for mine. A conversation that stays with you. A sense of peace that reminds you God is present. Every time I have returned to Cambodia, I have discovered that transformation begins not through grand plans but through presence. It begins when we allow ourselves to be touched by another person’s story. When we allow our hearts to soften. When we choose relationship over distance.

Lavalla has taught me this truth repeatedly.

Within the first hour of arriving at Lavalla this year, I found myself searching for a familiar face. Four years earlier, I wrote here about a little girl named Meanglorng. In 2022 she nestled her head gently into my arm and unknowingly gave me one of the most sacred moments of my life.

This June, the moment we saw each other, we both burst into tears. Not tears of sadness, but tears of relief, joy and love. The little Grade 4 girl I had first written about is now a confident Year 8 student in high school. As we embraced, I found myself overwhelmed by gratitude. Gratitude for the gift of knowing her story and for the privilege of witnessing her growth. In these moments, you understand more deeply than ever what it means to belong to a global Marist family.

Meanglorng’s tears told me she remembered and my tears told her I never forgot. She remains one of God’s greatest gifts in my life.

Jasmine Brown reunites with Meanglorng, a student at the Lavalla School, Cambodia.

This visit also brought another grace-filled reunion with Im, a teacher who had once been a student at Lavalla herself, and who now dedicates her life to educating the next generation. Over the past four years, I have often prayed for Im and her husband, as they longed to start a family. During this year’s visit, Im arrived at Lavalla on maternity leave for a special visit, in her arms a beautiful baby girl. As I held that precious child, I found myself overwhelmed once more. I thought about the prayers whispered over the years. The hopes entrusted to God. The waiting. The uncertainty. And now here she was. A little miracle in my arms.

I realised that returning to Lavalla is no longer simply about revisiting a school. It is about returning to people whose lives have become intertwined with my own. People I pray for. People who continually reveal God’s presence to me.

What makes me especially grateful is knowing that none of this would have been possible without the Marist Association. Had I not been at an Australian Marist Solidarity dinner in 2019 because of my involvement with the Association, I may never have travelled to Lavalla. I may never have encountered the remarkable Marist Brothers, teachers and young people who have shaped my understanding of what it means to be a Marist in today’s world.

The Association has given me more than opportunities. It has given me perspective. It has widened my heart. It has connected me with people and places that have revealed God in new and unexpected ways. Most importantly, it has reminded me that the Marist mission is not something we inherit passively. It is something we enter into. It is something we live.

Standing in Cambodia this year, surrounded by familiar faces and stories that have continued to unfold since my last visit, I reflected on how much can change in five years.

Little girls become young women. Teachers become mothers. Visitors become family. And through it all, God’s grace continues its quiet work. Grace has a face. Grace has a name. Grace arrives disguised as a reunion, an embrace, or a long-awaited answer to prayer.

Lavalla remains a place where every child is known. Every child belongs. Every child is loved.

As I boarded the plane home, I found myself smiling at the promise I made years ago. “I’ll be back.” The truth is a part of me never leaves and I suspect that I will be forever returning. Lavalla is no longer simply a place I visit. It has become a heart space, like home. A place where I have seen Christ in the faces of others. A place where God’s love has transformed me, one encounter at a time.

Jasmine Brown
Association Councillor
Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat

Ask and You Shall Receive - The Ministry of Fundraising

When the Marist Brothers sent four young pioneering members to Australia in 1872, they imagined schools that would provide an opportunity for any student, regardless of means, to receive a quality Catholic education in the Champagnat tradition. Since those earliest days, the subsequent foundation and building of Marist schools has been made possible through the generosity of many supporters and benefactors.

An Early Legacy for the Ministry of the Marist Brothers

Archdeacon John McEncroe.

Archdeacon John McEncroe (1794-1868) was the earliest benefactor to the Marist Brothers in Australia. He was instrumental in inviting and funding those four Brothers to commence their ministry in a new land. Sadly he died a few years before his dream was realised. In his will, McEncroe provided funds for the passage to Australia, and establishment costs, for Brothers Ludovic, Jarlat, Augustine and Peter, thus enabling them to commence their educative ministry at St Patrick’s School in The Rocks area of Sydney in 1872. McEncroe is regarded as one of the leading advocates for the establishment of Catholic schools in Australia. He was also the successful advocate for the appointment of the Marist Fathers to St Patrick’s Parish in The Rocks, as well as enabling the foundation of St John’s College at the University of Sydney.

Without McEncroe’s advocacy and generous support, the Marist story in Australia might have been very different. He recognised that ministry requires financial support to begin and succeed. This tradition of advocacy and philanthropy has enabled our Marist ministries of education and other youth and welfare services to flourish. Each of our schools and ministries has stories of early fundraising efforts and the first benefactors who enabled their foundation. Without this generous and transformational support, these works may not have begun.

A Christian Understanding of Fundraising

Fundraising is often misunderstood as a purely financial activity, yet within a Christian perspective it can be understood as a genuine ministry. The renowned Dutch theologian, Henri J M Nouwen, in his 1992 essay ”A Spirituality of Fundraising”, argues that fundraising is not begging or coercing people into giving money. It is first and foremost a form of ministry because it connects people to a vision larger than themselves. Nouwen writes that fundraising is “proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.”

Confidence in God’s Abundance

This understanding in a broader context of ministry can transform the fundraiser’s role. Rather than approaching donors from a position of uncertainty, anxiety or even arrogant expectation, Christian fundraisers approach them with humble confidence

in God’s abundance. Jesus teaches this approach when he tells his disciples to “ask and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7) and not to worry about their needs, reminding them that the Father knows what they require (Matthew 6:25–33). Fundraising, therefore, becomes an act of faith, trusting that God will provide through the generosity of the community.

Nouwen also proposes that fundraising builds relationships. Christian giving is not simply about transferring resources but about creating a partnership in ministry. Donors become co-workers in the Gospel, sharing responsibility for the mission. This insight reflects Paul’s understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, where each member contributes unique gifts for the good of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Financial resources are one such gift, enabling ministries to serve the poor, educate the young, support pastoral work, and advance the mission of Christ.

In the Acts of the Apostles, the early Christian community is described as holding possessions in common and ensuring that no one was in need among them (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35). Giving was not merely an economic transaction but a visible sign of communion and commitment to the Gospel. Similarly, St Paul’s collection for the Church in Jerusalem demonstrates that financial support was considered an important aspect of Christian solidarity. Paul encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully, reminding them that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Such passages affirm that, when conducted in service of mission, fundraising is deeply rooted in our Christian tradition.

Christians as Faithful Stewards

Furthermore, fundraising nurtures mutual gratitude and stewardship, and affirms that all gifts ultimately come from God (James 1:17). Christians are therefore called to be faithful stewards, rather than owners and hoarders of their resources. Fundraising invites individuals to recognise God’s blessings in their lives and to respond with generosity. In doing so, it becomes a pathway to spiritual growth, freeing people from excessive attachment to material wealth and encouraging trust in God’s providence.

Champagnat’s Reliance on Benefactors

This understanding of philanthropy also resonates strongly with our Marist spirituality and tradition. St Marcellin Champagnat founded the Little Brothers of Mary in 1817 with very limited resources, but an unwavering trust in God’s providence and Mary’s guidance. Time and again, Champagnat relied upon the generosity of benefactors, local communities, and ordinary people who believed in his mission to educate rural and disadvantaged youth. His requests for support were not driven by institutional ambition or secular kingdom building, but rather by a genuine conviction that every child deserved to experience God’s love and receive a good Christian education. In this sense, Champagnat was engaged in the ministry of fundraising for buildings and bursaries long before the term became common.

The Hermitage, France, pictured 1935.

In our Marist tradition, fundraising is far more than the pursuit of financial resources and joining the best facilities “arms race”. It is a ministry of invitation, humility, relationship, stewardship, and trust in God’s providence. By inviting others to participate in transforming young lives and making Jesus Christ known and loved in the way of Mary, fundraising becomes a sacred act that strengthens our Marist mission, fosters deeper participation in the life of the Gospel and enables Champagnat’s Marist Project to flourish for future generations.

Richard Quinn
Executive Director
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

Hermitage Pathways Project

“The Hermitage Pathways Project is creating new ways for people to encounter God, themselves and the sacred story of this land”

Stunning overhead photo of the Hermitage property, Mittagong NSW.

For more than 120 years, generations of Marists have walked the grounds of The Hermitage, seeking rest, reflection and a deeper awareness of God’s presence. It has long been a place where lives are renewed and faith is rekindled. We know the story of this place reaches much further back, rooted in land cared for by the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples across countless generations. The Hermitage Pathways Project emerges from a simple yet profound question: how might this generation be invited into that same experience in fresh and meaningful ways?

Five New Walking Pilgrimages

The answer is taking shape through five new walking pilgrimages across the property, designed by the Marist Association’s Mission and Life Formation Team. More than tracks through beautiful surroundings, these pathways are invitations to slow down and to listen to the still, small voice of God’s Spirit. Visitors will be able to follow self-guided routes supported by a smartphone audio experience or printed reflections, yet the true gift lies in the quiet. The pathways create space for people to engage deeply with the natural beauty, history and spirituality of The Hermitage, discovering afresh that God often speaks most clearly when we pause long enough to notice.

Pathways will lead pilgrims through the forest at the Hermitage.

Across the property, the vision is steadily becoming reality. Timber pathway markers have now been installed, guiding visitors through places of significance and reflection. Stainless steel signage prototypes are being tested to ensure they can withstand the demanding conditions of the Southern Highlands for many years to come.

A Chapel in the Woods

Plans are advancing for a Chapel in the Woods, like that of The Hermitage in southern France, nestled among the pines. It is here that a simple stone altar, ambo and outdoor seating will create a sacred gathering place. Imagined for both adult and student groups, it will offer a setting where prayer might arise naturally from the beauty and stillness of the landscape.

“These original artworks invite pilgrims into the drama, suffering, hope and triumph at the centre of the Christian story”

A new Way of the Cross

One of the most striking elements of the project is the new Way of the Cross. This month, in my capacity as project leader, I met with artist Christopher John in St Arnaud, Victoria, where work continues on a remarkable series of glass crosses. Two years into the project, ten of the fourteen stations are now complete. Inspired by the traditional Stations of the Cross, these original artworks invite pilgrims into the drama, suffering, hope and triumph at the centre of the Christian story. They will be set along a new accessible pathway winding through the pine forest, each station combining artistic innovation with spiritual depth. By day, the changing natural light reveals new dimensions in the glass, and by night, subtle illumination transforms the experience, drawing the eye into contemplation. A short, paraphrased line from Scripture is to be found on each station, allowing the artwork and Gospel message to speak in unison. Phrases such as “they cast lots for his clothing” and “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” will make an undeniable impact.

Artist Christopher John, with one of the pieces for the Stations of the Cross.

A sample of the beautiful glass artwork being created by artist, Christopher John.

Creating personal opportunities to encounter God

There is a growing sense of anticipation as the Hermitage Pathways Project moves closer to completion. This is more than a collection of walking trails or new facilities. It is an investment in the spiritual future of The Hermitage, creating personal opportunities for people of all ages to encounter God though a reflective and transformative discovery. For years to come, these pathways will welcome Marists and visitors to The Hermitage to walk the land, hear its stories and discover that their own journey through life is sacred pilgrimage.

Br Michael Callinan FMS
Associate Director
Mission and LIfe Formation Team

Stewarding the Marist Charism in Contemporary Education

Retired National Director of Marist Schools Australia, Dr Frank Malloy, with Prof Br David Hall, Chair, and recently appointed National Director, Dr John Kyle-Robinson.

Every two years the leaders of our Marist Education Family gather. Following on from Brisbane in 2022 and Alice Springs in 2024, the 2026 Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Biennial Conference was recently held in Perth and Fremantle. This special gathering called us from across this beautiful country to pray, to listen, to share and to discern how we can best serve the young people in our Marist Schools. Over 180 delegates from 19 Dioceses and 45 Catholic schools educating in our Marist tradition spent three days exploring our theme: Full of Grace - Transform the world with God’s love. The conference was hosted in Western Australia, with a commitment to hearing the voices of the local church and Marist communities.

Sunday

We experienced the wonderful hospitality of Newman College students, who showed us their spectacular new facilities. This led into a Welcome to Country ceremony and then the Conference Eucharist. Most Rev Timothy Costelloe, Archbishop of Perth, was joined by Most Rev George Kolodziej, Bishop of Bunbury, Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Perth, and Fr Anthony Casamento, to lead us in a beautiful Eucharistic celebration. This concluded with an emotional commissioning of Dr John Kyle-Robinson as the new National Director for Marist Schools Australia. We then enjoyed an inspiring, and invitational keynote presentation by Professor Francis Campbell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame. Francis called us to consider what we hope is said of us when we are gone:

You were a link in a chain

You were part of a tradition that transformed lives

You, through grace, gave people hope and a chance

You stopped and reflected but went on living forward, but had to reflect backward

You lead in the ordinary, but with grace you did the extra-ordinary

You were prophetic for the age

You did not just teach about dignity, you lived it

Monday

After an inspirational first day the conference continued with two brilliant keynote presentations from Archbishop Tim Costelloe and the Most Rev Kay Goldsworthy AO, Anglican Archbishop of Perth. Archbishop Tim challenged us:

In the light of all this then, can I leave you with a question which Pope Leo recently posed to a group of bishops but which is really a question which every Christian disciple and certainly every Christian educator should ask: what face of God do you allow to shine forth through your life and work? The question is perhaps more challenging than might appear at first glance. It doesn’t ask what face we think we should allow to shine forth; it doesn’t ask what face we would like to allow to shine forth; it doesn’t even ask what face we think God would want us to allow to shine forth.

Archbishop Kay provided us with a menu for abundant life and invited us:

Let’s all take our part in influencing the children and young people more about who they are and are becoming in the love of Christ, and let’s do it for the joy of knowing that from the fullness of God’s love we receive grace upon grace. That grace which means not having to manufacture ourselves, and which I hope can mean the same becoming in God for your students.

These were followed by a panel of seven senior students from our WA Marist schools, helping delegates understand the life of a Catholic student in a Marist school in WA in 2026. They encouraged us to continue to provide our students with a deeper understanding of our faith, and expressed their gratitude for the gift of our Marist spirituality each of them had been given and could articulate.

The afternoon included the first of three breakout sessions that would involve 27 offerings over the next two days. A guided tour through the historic streets of Fremantle led delegates to a formal welcoming reception hosted by Professor Campbell and senior staff of The University of Notre Dame.

Tuesday

The inspirational keynote speeches continued with an insightful and passionate address from Professor Brother David Hall, MSA Board Chair. With his usual flair and wisdom Br David called us to:

allow our true conversion to becoming, slowly and honestly, the person God is calling us to become

Adopting the language of our Association Strategic Plan he invited us to discern:

• Who do we want to be?

• What do we want to care about? and

• What do we want to do?

A beautiful and prayerful commissioning of our delegates by the young students from St Marcellin Catholic College was the final of a series of very moving prayers and liturgies. This was followed by two more breakout sessions where staff shared examples of best practice in their school communities. The conference then concluded with a formal dinner. This included a fitting acknowledgement of the tremendous leadership of Dr Frank Malloy as the outgoing MSA National Director. The dinner celebrations also included a wonderful address from Star of The Sea Provincial and Leader of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, Br Darren Burge.

In Summary

The 2026 MSA Biennial Conference was a sacred experience. We were blessed with the presence of four outstanding keynote speakers. Each brought great wisdom and thoughts, but more importantly, each brought themselves into our presence. This humility and presence inspired each of us to respond by entering into the conference with our own vulnerabilities, wonderings, prayers and openness to the Holy Spirit.

We became living examples of the quote by Anne Lamott provided by Archbishop Kay:

“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us”.

We left in a new place, open to living our lives Full of Grace, ready to transform the world with God’s love.

Darren McGregor
MSA Regional Director
WA/SA/Vic

Known, Loved and Recognised: The Heart of Marist Education

Champagnat Day celebrations this year at The John Berne School.

At The John Berne School, we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive and faith-filled learning environment where every young person is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential. As a Marist school, we work with students who have often experienced challenges in mainstream education, offering personalised learning, strong relationships and holistic support that enables them to rediscover confidence, experience success and develop hope for the future. At this stage of the year, I am delighted to reflect on the many achievements, experiences and moments of growth that have strengthened our school community.

“It is a privilege to witness students grow in confidence, discover their strengths and begin to believe in themselves”

At The John Berne School, every young person who walks through our doors brings a unique story. Many have experienced challenges that have made success in mainstream education difficult, yet what continues to inspire me is the resilience, strength and potential they demonstrate every day. It is a privilege to witness students grow in confidence, discover their strengths and begin to believe in themselves.

Term Two was filled with opportunities for students to learn, connect and thrive. Through camps, excursions, work experience, the Winds of Change sailing program, Champagnat Day, Reconciliation Week, community activities and everyday classroom learning, students have embraced new experiences, built meaningful relationships and developed valuable skills. It has been wonderful to see them stepping beyond their comfort zones, supporting one another and celebrating success in many different ways.

Students participating in the Love of Learning Day, featuring a PE focus.

One of the highlights of the term was our Love of Learning Day. The day captured the spirit of our school, with students enthusiastically participating in a range of PDHPE activities that promoted teamwork, resilience, kindness and respect. The smiles, laughter and encouragement shared throughout the day reminded us that learning flourishes when young people feel safe, connected and valued.

As a Marist school, we are guided by the belief that every young person deserves to be known, loved and given the opportunity to flourish. Our motto, Hope Always, reflects this commitment. Hope is more than optimism - it is the belief that every student has unique gifts and a future filled with possibility.

The words of the prophet Jeremiah continue to inspire our mission:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Each day we strive to bring this hope to life through meaningful relationships, personalised learning and opportunities for every student to experience success. When young people are surrounded by adults who believe in them, they begin to recognise their own potential.

Jesus also reminds us:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

This Gospel message calls us to recognise the dignity and worth of every person. At The John Berne School, we see this lived out daily through the compassion, patience and encouragement shown by our staff and students. Our young people are not defined by past challenges but by the strengths they are discovering and the positive contributions they are making within our community.

I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff. Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom as they build trusting relationships, nurture confidence and create a safe and welcoming environment where every student can flourish. Their care, professionalism and unwavering belief in our students make a profound difference.

To our families, thank you for the trust you place in us and for your ongoing partnership. Together, we continue to create a community where hope is nurtured, resilience is strengthened and every young person is encouraged to reach their potential.

As I conclude, I would like to share two wonderful examples of what hope, perseverance and opportunity can achieve. Recently, we celebrated one of our former students who has successfully completed his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic and is now employed full-time in the automotive industry. Another graduate has completed his university degree in Information Technology and is now pursuing a career in cyber security. Their journeys remind us that success is not defined by where a student begins, but by the opportunities, encouragement and determination that help them realise their potential. These achievements reflect the heart of The John Berne School - supporting young people to overcome challenges, discover their strengths and leave us with the confidence and skills to build fulfilling and successful futures. We are incredibly proud of both graduates and look forward to celebrating many more success stories in the years ahead.

James Le Huray
Principal
The John Berne School

50 Years of Deadly: Celebrating NAIDOC

On 31 July, local Aboriginal Elders, young people, families and community members gathered at Marist180’s Emerton Youth Recreation Centre in Western Sydney, New South Wales, for our annual NAIDOC celebration.

This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates 50 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, pride and achievement through NAIDOC, while recognising the thousands of generations who have carried culture, knowledge and community long before it.

Elders Lead in Culture

At the heart of the day were Dharug Elder Aunty Cino and our local Elders, generously sharing culture and knowledge. Aunty Cino spoke of welcome, pride and strength, while the Garabara Dance Group shared culture through ceremony, dance and performance.

Culture was experienced in many ways throughout the day. A local Aboriginal artist taught participants about Aboriginal symbols and their meanings, before inviting them to paint their own landscapes on canvas. Their work will form an artwork to be displayed at Marist180’s Community Connection Centre.

Music also brought people together. One particularly moving moment came from one of our young people in our ITC program, who performed an original song capturing something of her own experience of living in care.

Around the centre, young people and families enjoyed face painting, games and a visiting reptile experience, while local community services shared information and connected with families.

Marist Family Connections

The wider Marist family was there too. Staff and students came from Parramatta Marist High School, the John Berne School, John Therry Catholic College and Marist College Eastwood, with the Eastwood group generously volunteering at the BBQ and helping feed the community.

Acknowledging History, Celebrating Strength and Achievement

Alongside the celebration was space to engage with a difficult part of Australia’s history. The Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation Mobile Education Centre brought its survivor-led educational experience to Emerton. A retired commuter bus transformed into a mobile education centre, it uses archival material, exhibitions, film and the testimony of Kinchela survivors, the Uncles, to share the history of Kinchela Boys Home and the Stolen Generations.

Its presence brought another dimension to the day: celebrating Aboriginal culture, strength and achievement while also making space to listen to the histories and experiences carried by Aboriginal people and communities.

Marist180 Staff Unity

Speaking at the celebration, Marist180 Acting CEO Gordon Fraser reflected on the strength, resilience and leadership within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the privilege of working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families, communities and colleagues.

He also acknowledged the knowledge, experience and cultural wisdom of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and the often-unseen cultural load they can carry.

As a non-Indigenous organisation, responsibility for learning cannot rest with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues alone. We all have a role to play in listening, learning, asking respectful questions and building our own understanding.

Helping Young People Thrive

At Marist180, we know that strong connections to culture, family and community help young people thrive. Our hope is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people can grow up proud of who they are, strong in culture and identity, connected to family and community, and empowered to achieve their aspirations.

As we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly, we honour the generations who have carried culture and knowledge, celebrate the strength and leadership within communities today, and look to the young people who will carry culture forward.

We are grateful to everyone who generously shared their culture, knowledge, talents and time, and to the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Aboriginal Affairs NSW, whose support helped make the celebration possible.

Jane Powles
Partnerships and Advocacy Coordinator, and

Patrick O’Reilly
Director Mission, Inclusion and Identity

Local Gatherings Celebrate Marist Life in Traralgon and Canberra

Gippsland Marists Gather to celebrate Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat

On the Thursday 4 June, three Local Marist Association Groups in Gippsland (Warragul, Sale & Traralgon) gathered as one, as they do every year to celebrate the Feast Day of Marcellin Champagnat. A time to give thanks for his vision, his faith, and his enduring legacy in the mission of education and formation.

The evening started with our prayer of commitment, a chance to renew our call to be Members of the Association in a prayerful and reflective way and recommit ourselves to following St Marcellin as contemporary witnesses to Jesus, recognising that we become streams of living water for others.

On this feast day Gippsland Marists invite a Marist Brother to speak to the group about their journey as a Brother, and their story. This connects us to Marcellin Champagnat, his dream, and his legacy.

This year Br John McMahon fms was our keynote speaker, challenging us to look deeper into our own spirituality to hear what the spirit is calling us to be. Br John emphasised that it is important to have conversations about our spirituality with different external groups as this complements what we have as Marists.

We also heard from Tahnee Cashman, a participant on this year’s Marist Pilgrimage. Tahnee articulated a detailed presentation of what is means to be a Marist and the Marist mission in schools today.

Overall, we had a wonderful evening, meeting new members, sharing stories and sharing a meal.

Robert Tarraran
Local Coordinator Traralgon

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Canberra Marists’ Link to the Fourviere Pledge

The Marist Association Canberra Local Group held its event for term three on 12 August. The intention for the evening was to provide an insight on the direction our Association is aiming to take in the future.

Marcellin and his early community made a pledge in Fourviere to make Jesus known and loved through Mary. They made this commitment despite having little resources. Attendees at our gathering were reminded how the first community here in Canberra had a similar situation – but with vision and determination their hard work is reflected in the wonderful community we have today. Our link to the Fourviere Pledge is strong, and it’s a reminder for us to keep this legacy alive today and into the future.

We also heard from John Watkins, who shared his experience from the Marist Pilgrimage this year. What made the night so special was having a number of our students being involved, by preparing and serving the food throughout the evening.

We now look forward to holding our next event next term!

Tony Sullivan
Co-Local Coordinator Canberra

Grace: A Gift Beyond Measure - Mid-Winter Retreat 2026 - Homily

In the following reflection on our 2026 theme, Fr Anthony Casamento CMSA shares his homily from the annual Mid-Winter Retreat Mass, held at the Hermitage, Mittagong, and celebrated on Friday, 10 July (Week 14, Ordinary Time).

If we were preparing a group of people for an important mission, we would probably try to encourage them with positive words. We would tell them about the opportunities ahead, the rewards they might receive, and the success they might experience.

Jesus does something quite different in today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:16-23). As he sends out the apostles, he says: “Remember, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves.” Not exactly the kind of motivational speech we might expect. Jesus goes on to speak about opposition, rejection, persecution, arrests, betrayals, and suffering. At first hearing, these words may seem discouraging. Yet hidden within them is one of the most beautiful teachings about grace in the entire Gospel. For Jesus is teaching his disciples that God’s grace is a gift beyond measure, especially when life becomes difficult.

Notice what Jesus does not say. He does not promise the apostles an easy life. He does not promise that everyone will welcome them. He does not promise success according to worldly standards. He does not promise freedom from suffering. Instead, he promises something far greater.

He promises that God will be with them. And that is grace.

“God’s grace is a gift beyond measure, especially when life becomes difficult”

Sometimes we think of grace only in terms of blessings and consolations. We recognise grace when prayers are answered, when life is peaceful, when relationships are thriving, or when things go according to plan. But the Gospel reveals another dimension of grace. Grace is also God’s presence when life becomes difficult. Grace is God’s strength when our strength fails. Grace is God’s wisdom when we do not know what to say. Grace is God’s courage working within our fears.

Jesus tells the apostles: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.” What a remarkable promise. Notice that Jesus does not say they will receive all the answers in advance. He does not promise a detailed roadmap. He promises something better. He promises that the necessary grace will be given when it is needed. Not before. Not after. But precisely at the right moment. This is often how God works in our lives.

We frequently want tomorrow’s grace today. We want certainty about the future. We want guarantees. We want to know how everything will unfold. But God usually gives us enough grace for the present moment and asks us to trust him with the rest. Think about the challenges we face. A serious illness. A family crisis. The loss of a loved one. Financial uncertainty. Loneliness. Disappointment. Many people who pass through these experiences later say something remarkable. They often say, “I don’t know how I got through it, but somehow God gave me the strength.” That is grace. Not necessarily removing the burden. But helping us carry it. Not necessarily changing the situation. But changing us within the situation. Not necessarily eliminating the cross. But helping us bear it.

Grace is God’s life working within our weakness. This is why Saint Paul could say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” He had discovered a profound spiritual truth. Human weakness is not the end of the story. When we acknowledge our limitations, we make room for God’s power. The apostles themselves would learn this lesson repeatedly. Peter would face imprisonment. The other apostles would face rejection and persecution. Most would eventually suffer martyrdom. Yet they persevered. Not because they were naturally fearless. Not because they possessed extraordinary human strength. But because God’s grace sustained them.

What transformed a group of frightened disciples into courageous witnesses? Grace. What enabled Peter, who once denied Jesus, to stand before crowds and proclaim the Gospel? Grace. What gave ordinary men the strength to endure suffering for Christ? Grace. A gift beyond measure.

There is another important image in today’s Gospel. Jesus says: “I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves.” Ordinarily, sheep seem defenceless. Wolves appear powerful. Yet throughout Christian history, it is often the sheep who have endured while the wolves have disappeared. Empires have risen and fallen. Persecutors have come and gone. Opponents of the faith have appeared and vanished. Yet the Gospel continues to be proclaimed. Why? Because the Church ultimately depends not on human strength but on divine grace.

The same is true in our personal lives. There are moments when we feel like sheep among wolves. Perhaps we are trying to live Christian values in an environment that does not share them. Perhaps we are defending truth when it is unpopular. Perhaps we are striving to remain faithful while others compromise. Perhaps we feel outnumbered, misunderstood, or alone.

The Gospel reminds us that we are never truly alone. The grace of God accompanies us. The Holy Spirit walks with us. Christ stands beside us. That presence is worth more than any earthly security.

Perhaps the most comforting words in the Gospel are Jesus’ assurance that the Spirit of the Father will speak through the disciples. Notice that Jesus does not tell them to rely solely on their own abilities. He does not say, “Figure it out yourselves.” He points them toward the Holy Spirit.

This is good news for all of us. Too often we think the Christian life depends entirely on our efforts. We imagine that holiness is something we must achieve through our own determination. But holiness is ultimately God’s work within us. Our task is not to manufacture grace but to cooperate with it.

The Holy Spirit is already at work. The Spirit teaches. The Spirit guides. The Spirit strengthens. The Spirit comforts. The Spirit transforms. Every step of the Christian journey is sustained by grace.

At this Eucharist, we come with our own struggles and challenges. Some may be carrying worries about family. Others may be facing uncertainty about the future. Some may be burdened by grief, illness, loneliness, or disappointment. The Gospel does not pretend these realities do not exist. Instead, it offers a promise. God’s grace is greater. Not always by removing our difficulties, but by accompanying us through them. Not always by changing our circumstances, but by transforming our hearts. Not always by sparing us from the cross, but by helping us carry it.

In the Eucharist, we receive once again that gift beyond measure. We receive Christ himself. The same Christ who strengthened the apostles. The same Christ who sustained the martyrs. The same Christ who has guided countless saints through every trial.

Today he comes to strengthen us. May we trust that whatever challenges lie ahead, God will provide the grace we need when we need it. And may we discover, as the apostles did, that God’s grace is not merely sufficient. It is abundant. It is faithful. It is unfailing. It is truly a gift beyond measure.

Fr Anthony Casamento CMSA
Provincial Superior
Congregation of St Michael the Archangel (Michaelite Fathers)
Member of the Marist Association

Recruitment and Initial Formation of Australian Marist Brothers in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries

Seen through the eyes of Brother William Molloy - Part One

Brother William Molloy, one of the first two Marist Brothers from South Australia, was born 17 December 1883. His early Marist formation took place in Sydney, beginning at the Juniorate, at St Mary’s Chapter Hall 1, and then the novitiate at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill.

Br William, 1917, West Maitland, NSW.

He went on to become one of our most outstanding headmasters in the first half of the 20th century. His first headmastership was at Maitland, New South Wales (1914-20) where he founded the then Marist Brothers’ High School. He was appointed headmaster of Assumption College Kilmore, in Victoria, on three occasions (1922-7, 1931-36, and 1943). He also was headmaster of the then St Patrick’s College Sale, Victoria (1928 -30), and St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown, New South Wales, (1937-42).

Brother William wrote extensive notes about his earlier life - mostly put together after his retirement as submissions to Brother Alban Doyle, as Alban was writing his book Marist Brothers in Australia 1872 -1972, which was published in our centenary year, 1972.

Fortunately, these notes have been preserved and give us some valuable insights into the Brothers’ recruitment and teacher training methods of that period as well as some of the customs and weaknesses of the then provincial administration.

As a boy, the son of James and Eliza Nelly Molloy, Laurence Molloy grew up on a small dairy farm in Rosewater, South Australia, very close to Port Adelaide.

Life on a small dairy farm must have been very tough in those days and not all that economically rewarding. There were no milking machines, and he tells us that his father rose at three o’clock each morning to get the job done manually. He hints that at thirteen years of age, the age he went to the Brothers’ school, he saw his future as helping his father on the farm.

He was enrolled as a pupil at the Brothers’ school in Port Adelaide on its opening day, 16 November 1897, together with fifty other boys all from the convent school conducted by the Sisters of St Joseph. Brother John Dullea, the then Provincial, was present and addressed the pupils. The legendary Brother Jules Stephen Debourg, a Frenchman, oversaw the founding of the school. Young Laurence was in the primary school and soon came under the spell of Brother Daniel Flaherty, an Irishman. Writing in later life he refers to Brother Daniel as, ‘a very religious man who gave soul-searching, thought provoking instructions,’ (i.e. religion lessons). It was he who suggested to the young Laurence that he should think about becoming a Marist Brother.

Brother William tells the story: ‘One day in March or April 1898, rain had fallen very heavily in the early morning hours and our small school yard - saucer shaped - had collected a lot of water in the centre. Boys, having little else to do during recreations, had made ‘boats’ of a kind with paper sails, and were conducting races. Brother Daniel Flaherty, of very happy memory, who impressed many of the pupils as a good living man, was, with the aid of the younger fry, gathering up yard papers. He heard me and he said ‘Laurence, I have a bone to pick with you! Come into my room. I followed him in…. he sat at his desk and said, ‘Laurence what are you going to do when you leave school?’ I replied in words like these: ‘I suppose I shall help Dad on his farm.’ ‘Have you ever thought of becoming a Brother?’ ‘No Brother, I haven’t.’

As I didn’t think much of the Brothers in those days - of their training, etc - I may have thought the Brothers dropped down from heaven. So, I said, ‘No Brother!’ He went on to stress the good work the Brothers could do, and realising how much he was doing for us by his prayerful conduct and his soul-stirring thoughts during the so-called Catechism period, I felt he was speaking the truth. To his further question of, ‘How would your parents take it if you were so inclined?’ I said something like this: ‘Dad would probably like me to work with him on the farm.’ He advised me to speak to my mother and father. I did rush up to Mum when I arrived home and, in a half-amused way, exclaimed: ‘What do you think Mum, Brother Daniel wants to make a Brother of me!!’ She looked and smiled not, but appeared interested and asked something like this: ‘What does a Brother do?’ I said something – perhaps this, that he teaches arithmetic, tables etc. ‘Anything else?’ I replied he taught Catechism, Bible History and other things. She replied something like this: ‘He’s the one who makes a boy good - who becomes a good living man, who dies in sanctifying grace and gets to heaven. Who puts him there? I got rid of the silly grin. She was apparently willing and eventually agreed.

I returned to Brother Daniel in a few days and said, ‘Yes, Brother, I would.’

Another boy in his class, Stanislaus Ashworth, later Brother Honorius, (who presumably also fell under the influence of Brother Daniel) felt the same calling to be a Marist Brother. Together, they entered the Juniorate, at far off St Mary’s Chapter Hall in Sydney, on 23 January 1899, after a journey by boat of eight days. No trains or planes in those days! A huge step for a fifteen-year-old South Australian farm boy.

A studio portrait of James Ryan, who entered the Juniorate aged 12 in 1913, when the Juniorate was located at St Joseph’s College. He later became Brother Columba, a distinguished Marist Brother, who died in a tragic accident at Newcastle in 1950 at the age of 49. This photo is of interest because it gives some idea of how the Juniors who taught as pupil teachers may have dressed. Those going to St Benedict’s in Abercrombie Street would not venture there without an accompanying adult, as some had had bad experiences with the local toughs who took exception to these well-dressed intruders!

Interestingly, two other boys, contemporaries of Brother William at the Port Adelaide school, but younger, also went on to become Brothers: Michael Byrt (Brother Sixtus) and James Burke (Brother Timothy.)

So, it would seem recruitment depended on the local Brothers. Those targeted for recruitment were the adolescent schoolboys the Brothers were teaching. It is safe to say that this recruitment process was being repeated in all Marist schools all around Australia and New Zealand during this period. It was a model which remained with the Brothers till the 1970s.

Laurence entered the Juniorate just a few weeks after his fifteenth birthday. There were twenty-two boys in the Juniorate when he arrived. Of these, three died as Marist Brothers. Looking at the admission register of 1899, the origins of boys admitted that year were seven from New South Wales, two from New Zealand four from Victoria, and four from South Australia.

(Look out for Part Two of this article in the September edition of Christlife Connect.)

Br Michael Flanagan
Province Archivist

Footnotes:

1. The Elizabethan style Chapter Hall, constructed between 1843 and 1845, is the oldest building in St Mary’s Cathedral precinct, and was built to designs drawn up in England by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. He designed many churches in England, some in Ireland and Australia.

The building contractor was Jacob Inder. Initially, it was used as a Catholic school but was converted to a chapter hall in 1910.

Research suggests that the final design of the Chapter Hall was the result of successive amendments to earlier schemes for a larger structure. Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis appears to have selected the site for the Chapter Hall, and may have been responsible for overseeing its construction.

Editorial: What Really Matters

Six weeks in hospital has a way of stripping life back to its bare essentials.

I had never been admitted to hospital before – apart from a few standard day procedures. Just before Australia Day, serious illness suddenly entered my life. I was really looking forward to a trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open tennis. One day I was functioning as normal; the next, my body no longer obeyed me. Independence, strength, certainty — all taken away in a matter of days. Needless to say, I didn’t get to the tennis.

Lying in bed for a number of weeks in a busy neurology ward, surrounded by the relentless rhythm of observations and treatments, a question kept coming into my mind - what really matters? The answer surfaced with clarity.

What matters is not productivity and successes, though at times value is measured that way. As a patient in hospital there are no to do lists, no meetings, no deadlines - and yet life is no less meaningful. If anything, it is more precious. Each small step forward becomes a gift rather than an expectation. What really matters is presence and relationships.

I experienced this presence most powerfully through my family, friends and the Marist community. Messages arrived steadily — prayers promised, Masses offered, notes of encouragement, quiet assurances that I was held in the thoughts of others. Some people visited, others sent text messages or emails, but I always knew they were there. That knowledge carried me through long nights when sleep was sometimes a challenge.

Our Marist charism speaks of presence and family spirit, of walking alongside one another, especially when the road is difficult. In my recovery, this ceased to be a noble idea and became a lived reality. I was not alone. I was accompanied.

“Many of us are comfortable giving support; fewer of us are practised at accepting it. Allowing others to practically and prayerfully carry you is an acknowledgment that life is not meant to be navigated alone.”

Guillain Barré Syndrome is a humbling teacher. It demands patience and trust. It and other serious illnesses reveal how deeply dependent we truly are - on medical professionals, on family and carers, on those who pray when we are too sick or tired to find the words ourselves. When we are unwell, we also need to learn to accept the help of others. Many of us are comfortable giving support; fewer of us are practised at accepting it. Yet being cared for is not weakness. It is, in its own way, an act of faith and trust. Allowing others to practically and prayerfully carry you is an acknowledgment that life is not meant to be navigated alone.

Hospitalisation also refines personal prayer. It moves from words and formulas to something simpler, more honest. Sometimes prayer was nothing more than a grateful acknowledgment at the end of a better day. At other times it was sustained by the prayers of others, offered when my own energy was scarce. I became acutely aware that we pray not only for one another, but often on behalf of one another. I had never before been the recipient of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick - it was a deeply moving and profound spiritual experience.

Having now emerged slowly into recovery, I carry with me a renewed sense of what matters most: people, relationships, compassion and faithfulness. As a Marist, this experience reaffirmed something fundamental. Our mission is not abstract. It is lived most authentically in moments of vulnerability - showing up, being present, staying connected, holding one another in prayer, and creating spaces of belonging when life feels fragile.

What really matters is love made visible - in prayer, presence, and shared hope. For the care and support I received during my illness I am profoundly grateful.

Richard Quinn
Executive Director
Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat

Council Report for the Marist Association

The Council of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat (MASMC) meets at least five times annually. The Council acts as the Board of the civil entity, MASMC Ltd, a company limited by guarantee. On Thursday 14 May, the Council gathered online for its second meeting of 2026, beginning with an Acknowledgement of Country, prayer, and formation reflection. The formation input on the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Gifted for the Mission statement was led by Prof Br David Hall, exploring the concept of charism as a gift of the Holy Spirit present in all the baptised. This provided an important spiritual conversation opportunity for the deliberations that followed.

“Councillors expressed sincere appreciation to Frank Malloy for his extraordinary contribution to and stewardship of the life of the Association since its establishment over 10 years’ ago”

Marist Schools

As MASMC Ltd is the Member (trustee) entity of Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Ltd, the Council paused to convene the Annual General Meeting of MSA Ltd. Following reports from MSA Chair, Prof Br David Hall and MSA National Director, Dr Frank Malloy, the Council gratefully acknowledged the very strong standing of Marist schools in Catholic education across Australia and noted in particular the recently reported significant NAPLAN learning gain in several Marist schools. Association Leader, Br Darren Burge, and Councillors expressed sincere appreciation to Frank for his extraordinary contribution to and stewardship of the life of the Association since its establishment over 10 years’ ago, as the conclusion of his term as MSA National Director approaches. More formal acknowledgements will be made at other forthcoming events.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

At each meeting, the Council is mindful of the desired outcomes (the We will statements) of our Pastoral Plan 2026-2028 (PP), which sets our direction for the next three years. Significant discussion emerged around youth and young adult ministry (PP Priority Area 2), particularly the need for greater clarity regarding resource allocation and strategic focus. Further discussion emerging from the Youth and Young Adults Ministry Committee highlighted both energy and challenges in this area. An open letter from some young Marist professionals and subsequent response are guiding further conversations. It was agreed that further information would be gathered to better understand current efforts and inform our future planning.

Marist Formation

The Council acknowledged ongoing development of our formation programs, reflection materials and online tools, and the outstanding work in this space of the Mission and Life Formation (MLF) team, led by Tony Clarke. The 2026 Marian Lecture received very positive feedback, with members describing it as highly successful. Progress continues in strengthening inclusivity (PP 3.3.4), including the engagement of female presenters in the Footsteps program. Work on implementing the Pastoral Plan is progressing well, including the development of a reflective workbook to assist Local Groups in identifying some concrete actions and an online portal to record implementation strategies.

Canonical Recognition

A major part of the Council meeting focused on canonical recognition (PP 5.1.2) and the draft statutes of the Association. Dr Rodger Austin (canon lawyer) presented the draft statutes, followed by extensive discussion regarding the nature of the Association as a “public association of Christ’s faithful”, its governance structures, and the concept of a “spiritual family” as central to our collective identity. Key considerations in the statutes include membership eligibility, the role and selection of the governing council, leadership titles and responsibilities, and the relationship with ecclesiastical authorities. Amendments were proposed, and further refinement of the statutes will continue.

Finance and New Members

The Finance, Risk and Stewardship Committee reported that financial statements for 2025 have been audited and endorsed. A formal resolution was passed approving the financial statements and authorising their signing. The Council also endorsed the membership of six new members of the Association. Reports from Marist ministries were noted, with consideration of Marist Youth Ministry participation in World Youth Day 2027.

Other Council business included proposed amendments to the MASMC Constitution, updates on key projects, and continued engagement with broader Marist initiatives. The next Council meeting is scheduled for 23 July 2026.

The Marist Association warmly welcomes the following new Members:
Kaitlyn Abrahall - Sale
Olivia Frater - Petrie
Jim Ottaway - Marist Centre Brisbane
Ben Priest - Bunbury
Rachael Shane - Traralgon
Tony Sullivan - Canberra

Richard Quinn
Executive Director

The Emergence of the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat (2012–2026)

Spirituality and Ecclesial Renewal in Contemporary Catholic Life

Dr Frank Malloy served as the Executive Officer for the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat for seven years (2017-2023). He shares some reflections on the development of the Marist Association as he concludes 15 years as a Regional and National Director with Marist Schools Australia.

Introduction

From the establishment of their first school in Sydney in 1872, Marist ministries expanded rapidly across education and social outreach. The creation of the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat in 2015 marked a critical development in this rich Australian Christ- centred story, that has been consistently characterised from the very beginning by generous inclusiveness and deep respect for the many beautiful, life-giving, traditions of our Catholic Faith.

Historical and Ecclesial Context

Catholic education in Australia developed under challenging conditions following the withdrawal of government funding in the 1870s. Religious orders, including the Marist Brothers, sustained and expanded schools through the commitment of religious women and men. By the mid-twentieth century, Catholic schools educated one fifth of the nation’s children, as is the case today.

However, the decades following the Second Vatican Council brought profound change in Australian Catholic education. Declining religious vocations and increasing government financial support led to a rapid transition from religious to lay leadership. By the 1990s, lay educators dominated Catholic school leadership. This change necessitated renewed expressions of Church engagement by Catholics in God’s mission.

Lay Formation and the Emergence of the Association

From the early 1990s, the Marist Brothers in Australia prioritised the formation of lay educators, recognising their enthusiasm and natural Christian witness, influenced by Marist spirituality and tradition, in their daily work with young people. Over time, this purposeful formation complemented a strong sense of shared identity among lay and religious Marists in their shared works.

The formal establishment of the Marist Association in 2015 represents the institutional expression of this development. With over 1,100 members and more than fifty local groups, the Association provides a framework for prayer, community, formation, and mission. Its elected Council, entrusted with governance responsibilities for certain ministries, reflects well a vision of Church, God’s people, as co-responsible for making Jesus known and loved.

Ecclesial Movements and Charism

The Association can be understood within the broader context of post- conciliar ecclesial movements. Such movements are typically characterised by strong lay participation, a shared spirituality, and a commitment to the Gospel expressed through the Eucharist, prayer, community life and formation.

The Marist Association shares these characteristics, while drawing on an established and ever-evolving spiritual tradition. Its emergence reflects a broader diversification of ecclesial life, in which new forms of participation and shared mission are evident.

Identity and Purpose

A key and ever-present question concerns the purpose of the Association. While it contributes to the vitality of our Marist institutions, its primary identity is not institutional. Rather, it is a spiritual and ecclesial reality grounded in the action of the Holy Spirit.

The Association brings together individuals who seek to live as followers of Jesus, in a way that was inspired by Saint Marcellin. Its aspiration for canonical recognition as an Association of Christ’s Faithful underscores its identity as a community of persons rather than an aggregation of works.

Governance and Ongoing Questions

The development of the Association raises important questions regarding governance and ecclesial identity. These include the appropriate relationship between the Association and the Marist Institute, the degree of autonomy it should exercise, and the alignment of mission across structures.

While civil incorporation in 2022 has formalised aspects of governance, canonical recognition remains an ongoing process. These questions reflect broader theological considerations regarding authority, charism, and participation within the Church.

“Emerging from decades of intentional spiritual formation, the Marist Association embodies a renewed understanding of charism and spirituality as shared and participatory
”

Conclusion

The Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat represents a most significant development in the evolution of Marist life in Australia. Emerging from decades of intentional spiritual formation, it embodies a renewed understanding of charism and spirituality as shared and participatory.

As both movement and structure, the Association reflects the dynamic interplay between institutional stability and spiritual vitality within the Church. Its future will depend on its capacity to remain faithful to its spiritual traditions while responding creatively to the evolving needs of Church and society.

Personal reflection

It has been a privilege to serve the Marist Association, especially in the development of processes and procedures that will hopefully endure in helping to shape and strengthen its future in service, encouragement, and leadership on our shared journey in Faith. Whilst the work undertaken in the nascent years of the Association will be remembered fondly for its importance and significance, the friendship, laughter and overwhelming sense of the Spirit evident in those with whom I worked will be what warms the heart and brings a smile in the years ahead.

Frank Malloy
National Director
Marist Schools Australia
Former Executive Officer
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

Star of the Sea Champagnat Marists, Lay and Brothers, Gather in Fiji for Historic First Family Assembly

Participants in the first Champagnat Family Assembly gather together for a group photo, in Nadi, Fiji.

For the first time since the establishment of the Star of the Sea Province in 2022, lay Marists and Brothers gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for the Champagnat Family Assembly, held from 17–20 May. The Assembly marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration, connection, and shared mission across the Province, bringing together 35 Marists from every country within the Province, including representatives from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.

The gathering was attended by Provincial, Br Darren Burge; General Councillor and Link Councillor for Oceania, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam; and Provincial Councillors Br Ken McDonald, Br Peter Horide, Br Greg McDonald, Br Bryan Davis, and Br Sefo Une.

Cultural Ceremony

The Assembly officially opened on the evening of 17 May with a deeply moving traditional Fijian sevusevu ceremony led by lay Marists in Fiji. The sevusevu, a traditional expression of welcome and hospitality, set a reflective and culturally grounded tone for the days ahead. Receiving the ceremony as chief guest, Br Darren expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Marist family and acknowledged the years of preparation that had led to the gathering.

“This gathering has been a long time in the making,” he said. “The Champagnat Family Commission and the Province have spent considerable time building relationships and conversations across the Province so that when we gathered, we could engage with greater depth, trust, and purpose.”

Chair of the Champagnat Family Commission, Br Michael Callinan, acknowledged the extensive work of the Commission in preparing for the Assembly and individually recognised its members: Daniel Dungey from Aotearoa New Zealand; Nathan Ahearne, Jess Bryan, Mark O’Farrell and Mark Pauschmann from Australia; Br Siaosi Ioane from Samoa; Br Anitelea Fidow and Mereoni Matanitobua from Fiji; Ruth Hiriru from Solomon Islands; and Br Melquiano Obe from Timor-Leste.

Three Key Priorities

Br Michael explained that the Commission’s work has centred on three key priorities: strengthening identity, connection, and belonging among Champagnat Marists; encouraging local grassroots initiatives and cross-cultural learning; and fostering communication and collaboration across countries and regions through formation opportunities and assemblies such as this one.

Spiritual Conversations

Throughout the Assembly, participants engaged in a synodal process of Spiritual Conversation that shaped the rhythm and direction of the gathering. Introducing the process, Br Michael explained that communal discernment and conversation are deeply rooted within the Christian tradition and invite participants to listen authentically and respectfully to one another, allowing the Spirit of God to speak through shared reflection and experience.

Participants reflected on questions such as: “What surprised me?”, “What might the Holy Spirit be saying to us?”, “Where do I sense joy, resonance, or tension?”, and “Where do we see convergence or divergence emerging?”

The Assembly also explored deeper questions connected to personal vocation and shared mission, including: “What do I celebrate about who I am as a Marist and what I do in my place of ministry?” and “What do we celebrate about who we are and what we do in our places of Marist ministry?”

These conversations invited participants to reflect both personally and collectively on their identity, vocation, and ministry. Discussions highlighted the importance of formation, accompaniment, hospitality, intercultural understanding, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and heard.

As the Assembly progressed, conversations moved towards a more practical and future-focused reflection centred on the question: “As we consider our future together as the Star of the Sea Province in communion and mission, what might be our opportunities and challenges?”

Areas for Growth

Participants identified several important areas of growth and opportunity for the Province moving forward. A strong focus was placed on strengthening formation and leadership development, particularly in supporting emerging local leaders, young teachers, and those taking on new responsibilities within the Marist mission.

Over the course of four days, the Assembly encouraged a deep sense of unity and hope among everyone. Through prayer, dialogue, and cultural exchange, the gathering truly strengthened relationships across the Province and affirmed a shared commitment to the Marist mission in the Pacific and beyond.

For an extensive coverage of the Champagnat Family Assembly, visit the News page of the Star of the Sea Province website.

Gayatri Nair
Communications Officer
Star of the Sea Province

Stewarding the Marist Charism in Contemporary Education

Catholic education worldwide is undergoing a significant transition as responsibility for mission and identity shifts increasingly from religious congregations to lay leaders and governing bodies. Teaching Charisms in the Catholic Church: Influence, Impact and Opportunity (Springer, 2026) addresses this reality by exploring how the founding charisms of teaching congregations continue to shape education in new contexts.

“At the heart of the book is a clear understanding of charism as a Spirit given gift”

At the heart of the book is a clear understanding of charism as a Spirit given gift, expressed through lived practices and cultures rather than static forms. It is not a legacy to be preserved unchanged, but a living mission to be reinterpreted in each generation. This aligns strongly with the Marist commitment to “creative fidelity”: remaining faithful to Champagnat’s vision while responding imaginatively to contemporary realities.

Br Michael Green’s chapter, “New paradigms for Marist communion and co responsibility,” highlights a decisive shift from congregation centred leadership to shared mission among religious and lay partners. Charism is transmitted less through the presence of religious and more through relationships, leadership practices, governance, and culture. Authority is exercised within a logic of communion, placing responsibility on leaders and boards to steward and animate Marist identity.

A central insight emerging from the work is that charism endures only when embedded in a living community of faith that owns and continues to develop it. Structures alone cannot sustain spirituality. A charism lives where it is consciously practised, reflected upon, and allowed to grow. From such communities emerge future leaders, scholars, formators and governors, ensuring both continuity and renewal.

This has clear implications for our Marist context. The primary focus must be on nurturing a vibrant Marist spiritual family marked by vitality and integrity. This is the distinctive contribution of the Marist Association: fostering a broad, participatory community in which most members are engaged in Marist life and mission at the grassroots level. From this lived experience, authentic leadership and governance can emerge.

“While governance structures remain essential, the Marist pathway begins with a faith community”

In this respect, our Marist approach differs from some other models that prioritise boards or trustees as the starting point for sustaining charism. While governance structures remain essential, the Marist pathway begins with a faith community - belonging, formation, and shared mission - and develops leadership and governance from within. This represents an importantly different “new paradigm,” and a concrete expression of “creative fidelity” in our time.

A key contribution is the insistence that charism does not endure by default. Without intentional formation, as we have through our Marist formation programs, it risks becoming superficial or symbolic. Sustained formation - especially of leaders and governors - is therefore a strategic imperative linked to mission integrity and organisational sustainability.

The book also reaffirms the core characteristics of our Marist charism: presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, and Mary as model of discipleship. Together, these form an integrating framework that gives Marist education its distinctive character.

For boards and advisory councils, this means stewardship goes beyond compliance and financial oversight. It involves testing decisions against mission, ensuring leadership alignment with charism, and seeking evidence that Marist identity is genuinely lived in practice. In a lay led era, it prioritises governance for mission.

In summary, the book affirms that our Marist charism remains a vital gift. Its future lies not in preservation alone, but in our conscious, communal, and courageous stewardship - ensuring that St Marcellin’s Marist Project continues to be lived with creative fidelity today.

Richard Quinn
Executive Director

Marist Pilgrimage 2026

Grateful for the shared journey

The table that Marcellin Champagnat built, at La Valla, France.

“Who are you becoming?” was the question that was posed to our group of pilgrims by Br David Hall, as we commenced the 2026 Marist Pilgrimage in Rome. A question which didn’t demand an immediate answer, but one which we were invited to revisit as we undertook the rich experiences over our two-week journey together.

Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Rome.

The first half of our pilgrimage journey provided the opportunity to look beyond the historical significance and grandeur of the places visited throughout Italy, to the deep spiritual traditions foundational to the ongoing life of the Catholic Church. Beginning with the Petrine, Pauline, Marian and Johannine spiritualities of the early Christian communities and connected to the four Papal Basilicas in Rome. Through to Saint Benedict at Subiaco, exploring contemplation and living as community, and then taking this out of the monasteries and into the world with Saint Francis at Assisi.

There was also a connection with the expression of the contemporary Church in Rome, with San Egidio and a shrine to modern day martyrs, the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops and, of course, our global Marist family through the warm welcome received in our visit to the Marist General House.

These experiences, masterly animated and guided by Br David Hall, laid the foundations for our pilgrims to look at the story of our own Marist spirituality, as we journeyed to France.

The beauty of the Gier River, flowing near l’Hermitage, France.

Arriving in Lyon our pilgrimage group was wrapped in anticipation as we ventured closer to the Hermitage, awaiting a first glimpse. There we were met with a simple message from our guide and leader for the next week, Br Michael Green, “Welcome home”.

We could not have been accompanied by a better guide to explore Champagnat country. At our first gathering, Br Michael urged that if we had come there to find Champagnat we would leave disappointed, but rather that our time would be better spent seeking what Saint Marcellin and his first companions found.

The following days did not disappoint. Venturing to the places so familiar in our story, La Valla, Le Rosey, Marlhes, Le Puy, Fourvière, to name a few. Treks through the hill country that brought to life our Marist spiritual texts and documents. The quiet moments of prayer, reflection and daily Mass, inviting each pilgrim to consider the significance for our own lives.

A moment that was particularly moving for me was at the house at La Valla, when we had gathered to celebrate Mass around Saint Marcellin’s table. As I sat directly facing the doorway and entrance to the room, I was struck by the fact that I was more taken by the old door frame in front of me than the La Valla table in the room to my left. My eyes continued to be drawn to the exposed wooden lintel above the doorway, the beam that keeps the opening from collapsing under the weight of the wall above. I began to ponder the countless number of Marists that had walked through that doorway over the years, invited in, to gather around the same table. It made me consider the incredible generosity of the Brothers, who have held this door open for others over many years, welcoming us into a story, spirituality and shared mission to make Jesus known and loved. I was struck by the great privilege that we have, living together today as one family in our Marist Association, and was moved with a deep sense of gratitude for all the Marists who have shaped my journey.

The 2026 Marist Pilgrimage group at l’Hermitage, France.

A few weeks after returning from pilgrimage and returning to Br David’s question, ‘Who are you becoming?’, I am not sure I am closer to answering the question. After all, ‘life is a mystery that is revealed as it unfolds’ (Water from the Rock, 44). I do, however, come away with a much deeper sense of whose footsteps I want to follow and those who I want to share the journey with.

Michael Neylan
Marist Mission and Life Formation Team
Marist Spirituality Hub

Marist Youth Ministry: Our Regional Assistants

Across Australia, Marist Youth Ministry continues to be enriched by the generosity, faith and energy of young adults who step forward to accompany the next generation of Marists.

Our Regional Assistants are more than event facilitators or ministry leaders, they are witnesses to Christ life within their communities, bringing their own gifts, experiences and stories to our mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved.

Each has been shaped in unique ways through the Marist story, and each now offers that same spirit to the students and young adults they encounter through Game Changers, Connect Nights, retreats and formation experiences. The following profiles offer a glimpse into the lives, passions and faith journeys of the young adults who make up our MYM team in 2026.

GEORGE BISHOP – QLD, NT & NORTHERN NSW:
Marist College Ashgrove graduate George Bishop was deeply shaped by his years within the Marist community, particularly through involvement in the College’s Mission Department. For George, the Marist characteristic of Family Spirit captures what has most influenced his faith and sense of belonging. A defining moment in his journey was participating in an immersion experience to Santa Teresa, which strengthened both his faith and desire to work in ministry. Through MYM, George hopes to provide students with opportunities to encounter belonging, connection and faith through retreats and Connect Nights. Outside ministry, he enjoys composing cinematic music, singing and spending time at the family farm.

SAM MEAD – QLD, NT & NORTHERN NSW
A graduate of Marist College Ashgrove, Sam Mead joined Marist Youth Ministry after spending two years serving with NET Ministries on the Sunshine Coast. Deeply inspired by the Marist characteristic of Presence, Sam is passionate about accompanying young people and helping them encounter faith, not simply as part of school life, but as a lifelong journey of discipleship. Alongside MYM, he studies Environmental Management at the University of Queensland, remains active in parish ministry and Ignite Youth, and enjoys bushwalking, music and spending time in nature.

MARCUS KHOURY – NSW & ACT
Marcus Khoury, a graduate of Parramatta Marist High School, brings a strong sense of community, accompaniment and care to his role within MYM. Inspired especially by the Marist characteristic of Family Spirit, Marcus believes deeply in helping others feel known, supported and valued. His own faith journey was significantly shaped through Game Changers and the witness of mentors and Regional Assistants who encouraged him to explore the deeper meaning behind his beliefs. Now in ministry himself, Marcus hopes to offer young people that same sense of encouragement and belonging as they navigate their own faith journeys. Outside of MYM, he enjoys bouldering, volleyball and discovering new alt-R&B and indie music.

TAKODA CHENG – NSW & ACT
Takoda Cheng first became involved with Marist Youth Ministry through an internship with the NSW & ACT team, where he assisted in the preparation and facilitation of retreats, formation programs and youth ministry events. His participation in the 2024 Cambodia Immersion became a defining experience, deepening his spirituality through encounters of service and solidarity. Takoda has also been involved in leadership initiatives focused on social justice and homelessness awareness within his school community. Alongside university studies, work and involvement with the Rural Allied Health and Medicine Society, Takoda brings strong organisational skills, adaptability and a collaborative spirit to his role. He hopes to help young people discover purpose, community and faith through the Marist charism.

JOSEPH KHALIL – NSW & ACT
Joseph “Joey” Khalil is a graduate of Parramatta Marist High School, where his connection to the Marist family first grew through school life, retreats and the Game Changers program. For Joey, being part of the Marist community means belonging to something bigger than himself and remaining closely connected to his faith. The Marist characteristics of Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary continue to shape the way he approaches ministry and relationships with others. Inspired by the mentors who accompanied him throughout his own faith journey, Joey hopes to help young people grow in confidence, faith and belonging through Game Changers and MYM. Outside of ministry, he enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and listening to pop music.

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We have introduced you to some of our 2026 MYM Regional Assistants. In the next edition of Christlife Connect you will meet the remaining members of the team, from South Australia and Victoria.

Justin Golding
MSA Senior Leader
National Youth Ministry & Formation

Keeping Faith Alive: One Youth Minister’s Vision for Marist College Ashgrove

Hi everyone, My name is Ben Mead, and I’m a youth minister at Marist College Ashgrove, alongside Lachie Vink. So, a little bit about me: I went to Marist College Ashgrove (MCC) as a student and graduated in 2025, so it’s safe to say, I must have missed the place because no more than two months later, I was back!

Today, I’m going to be sharing my story for Christlife readers, specifically talking about my journey toward youth ministry and what the role has been like.

Growing up Catholic and going to MCC since Grade 5, I realised that there was a very large amount of outreach needed, a pretty large amount of outreach going on, and, sadly, not a large enough group of people volunteering their time to cover all the needs of the community. I firstly saw this through our MATES program at Ashgrove, which stands for MARISTS are Taking Everyone Seriously. It is our outreach slogan, and is the reason why we do so much of what we do; everyone deserves dignity and to be taken seriously - it’s straight from our Catholic social teachings.

I was especially drawn to the faith side of this - the call as Christians to serve our community, not just because it’s a good thing to do, but because it is the literal fruit that keeps our faith alive, as seen in James Ch 2. Whilst you don’t have to be a Christian to do good things, I think we can all agree that if the whole school was deepened in faith and belief, then the community could be a very different place. This led me to where I am now in my position as a youth minister. I truly believe that the faith life of the students is the most important thing they can learn from coming to Ashgrove, and that isn’t something I took lightly. I came into the year determined to almost ‘re-evangelise’ the school.

This, and photos below: Grade 11 students at Marist College Ashgrove in discussion at a recent Game Changers event.

At the forefront of this plan: the Game Changers program. The mission of Game Changers is to take students on a two year faith journey called a ‘track’, with a 7-8 track, 9-10 track, and 11-12 track. I was so keen to get started with Game Changers, but struggled with so many different perspectives, with part of me wanting to go deeper into faith in these sessions, and another part of me that could tell that, if I crossed a line, it would push some people away. A lot of students in the program aren’t strong believers or believers at all, and what a blessing that is to have them, but it can bring a level of perplexity as to how to bring God into a situation where some have a shallow faith, and some no faith, without just seeming crazy?

“I realised that it takes time, and I can’t expect everyone to be fully for God in an instant”

Thursday Theology Group

I realised that it takes time, and I can’t expect everyone to be fully for God in an instant. But that didn’t change the fact that there were still some boys wanting to discuss and go deeper, but couldn’t do this in Game Changers, so this brought about the start of the Thursday Theology group. About five boys and myself now meet every week to discuss anything from denominational debates to the presence of the Eucharist, the assumption of Mary, and even the morality of a loving God who gives us free will.

So now, as well as all our social justice and outreach groups, there is Game Changers, and there is the Theology Group, and my goal is to bridge the gap - not fully, but enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re choosing one or the other when it comes to your faith.

A retreat-style approach

This is still a work in progress, but one plan that’s being put in action is for an ‘All in Arvo,’ where boys from all ages and all groups, as well as anyone in the school, can meet for an hour and a bit after school, for a retreat style afternoon. The goal is to make this a monthly event, and it aims to bring everyone together, and reach a deep enough level in faith that the boys in the theology group can get something out of it, whilst having teachings and lessons that won’t scare away others.

That’s my story of how I came to be one of the two new Youth Ministers at Marist Ashgrove. It means a lot to have a huge community behind me, and backing me and the mission. Thanks for tuning in, God bless.

Ben Mead
Youth Minister
Marist College Ashgrove

What we Invest in is What we Value:

Why Budgets are moments that matter for Children, Families and Housing

Investment is often framed as a financial decision. A calculation. A trade-off between competing priorities. But at its core, investment is something much simpler - and much more revealing. What we choose to invest in is what we care about. Budgets, whether at a household or government level, are more than lines on a ledger. They are expressions of values. They show us, in real terms, what matters enough to act on, and what does not.

As we approach the upcoming New South Wales Budget and reflect on the Federal Budget being handed down this week, this lens matters more than ever. Because the decisions made in these budgets will shape the lives of children, young people and families for decades to come.

Investment is a statement of care

We often talk about children and young people as our ‘future.’ But this language, while well-intentioned, can sometimes obscure a more urgent truth. Children are not just our future; they are our present responsibility. In our work across communities, we see the impact of this every day. When investment in early support, family stability, and safe housing is insufficient, the consequences are immediate and compounding:

• Families are stretched beyond capacity

• Young people disengage from education and community

• Demand for crisis services rises

• Systems become reactive, not preventive

In these moments, the absence of investment becomes its own form of decision-making.

Because when we do not invest early, we invest later - in crisis responses, in statutory systems, and in outcomes that are harder and more expensive to shift.

What families need is the right support at the right time

Across New South Wales and nationally, the child, youth and family sector has been clear and consistent. There is a call, not simply for more funding, but for investment that delivers the right support at the right time.

Investment that:

• Prioritises early intervention and family preservation, so children can remain safely connected to their families and communities

• Strengthens community-based services, particularly those that are culturally grounded and locally led

• Recognises the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and invests in self-determined, community-controlled responses

• Ensures the best possible outcome for children and young people in care

• Addresses workforce sustainability, ensuring that skilled practitioners can continue to do this work well

These are not abstract ideas. They reflect what practitioners, families and communities have been telling us and what the evidence has confirmed over many years. The question is no longer whether these approaches work. The question is whether we care enough to invest in them at scale.

Housing is where the clearest story is told

If budgets reveal what we value, housing is where that truth is most visible. Because without safe, stable housing, everything else becomes harder and often, impossible.

• Education continuity breaks down.

• Family stress escalates.

• Risks to safety increase.

• Services are forced to work around instability rather than build on stability.

We see this play out in real time - young people trying to stay connected to school while experiencing housing instability, families navigating crisis without a stable base to rebuild from.

This makes clear that when housing is unstable, it limits what other supports can achieve. That’s why the Federal Government’s commitment of $60 million to establish a National Youth Housing Supplement in this week’s Budget matters. A campaign, lead by Home Time Campaign Youth Housing Coalition, has been critical to this Federal Government commitment; Marist180 is a proud member of this coalition, a grateful supporter of this campaign and an advocate for this commitment.

This investment recognises something fundamental, that when we care about children and young people, we invest in the foundations that allow them to thrive. It reflects growing recognition that housing is not a secondary issue, but a critical enabler of stability, connection and opportunity, particularly for young people who have too often been locked out of access.

A moment of choice

Budgets are moments of choice.

They ask us to decide - not in principle, but in practice - what matters most. At this point in time, the choice is clear. We can continue to invest in systems that respond to crisis or we can shift toward investment that prevents it. We can maintain fragmented approaches or we can build integrated systems that support children, young people and families earlier, and more effectively.

What will these Budgets say about us?

When the details of the NSW and Federal Budgets settle, the question will not just be ‘what was funded?’

It will be:

• What did we choose to prioritise?

• Whose needs were recognised—and whose were deferred?

• What kind of future did we invest in?

Because budgets tell a story and if we listen and analyse closely, they tell us exactly what we value.

In closing

If investment is a reflection of care, then this moment calls for clarity. To care about children and young people is to invest in:

• Their families

• Their communities

• Their stability

• Their futures

Not in words, but in decisions.

Because ultimately, what we invest in is what we care about - and what we care about shapes the kind of society we become. And in words offered in February 2026 to an International Summit on Children’s Rights, Pope Leo encourages them and us:

‘you are speaking on behalf of those who have no voice. This is a truly noble task. Keep that in mind when the temptation to be discouraged arises because of failed initiatives, seeming lack of interest from others or the sense that the situation is not improving. Let the good you know you are doing carry you forward.’

Jane Powles
Partnerships and Advocacy Coordinator, and

Patrick O’Reilly
Director Mission, Inclusion and Identity

Preserving Language, Expanding Learning: San Isidro’s Latest Milestones

View of part of the San Isidro Care Centre property, Solomon Islands.

At San Isidro Care Centre in Solomon Islands, learning is measured not just by lessons completed, but by confidence gained, connections formed, and the moment a young person realises they belong. The Centre’s latest project - focused on sign language resources, digital access and community outreach - marks a meaningful step in strengthening that vision.

Expanding Access and Inclusion

At its heart, the project aims to improve communication, education and inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Solomon Islands. It brings together three priorities: developing sign language resources, increasing community awareness, and improving access to digital tools for learning.

Each of these areas responds to practical challenges. Together, they ensure that deaf students are better supported to build language, skills and opportunities for the future.

Preserving and Growing Language

A key achievement has been the documentation of sign language used at the Centre. Over three dedicated days, around 400 commonly used signs were recorded, capturing the vocabulary central to daily learning and interaction.

This material has been compiled into a video resource, forming the foundation of a broader, evolving library. Importantly, students themselves will review and validate the signs, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Their input will guide the next phase, which will expand the collection by more than 400 additional signs, particularly those used in vocational training.

This collaborative approach reinforces the role of students as custodians of their own language, while strengthening the relevance of the resource.

A teacher and students share a moment of learning and connection at San Isidro Care Centre, where inclusion and opportunity shape everyday life.

Opening Digital Pathways

Digital access has also transformed learning at the Centre. The installation of Wi‑Fi on 15 December 2025 created new opportunities for both students and staff, enabling access to online learning materials, improved communication, and stronger administrative systems.

Building on this, staff participated in digital training in February 2026, supported by partners from Woodford International School. The training focused on safe browsing, email use and everyday digital tools. These skills are already improving day-to-day operations and supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Community Connections

Outreach remains central to the project’s success. Efforts to connect with remote communities have helped identify and support deaf young people who may otherwise go unnoticed.

Following the Christmas period, staff member Margaret Kafoko joined outreach visits to several islands, leading to new enrolments, including one student who travelled back with her to the Centre. Additional students joined in February, reflecting growing awareness of the Centre’s work.

Local leadership has been critical. Advocacy from community figures, including school advisory board members and faith leaders, has helped extend the Centre’s reach. Partnerships with organisations such as the Solomon Islands Deaf Association and the Disability Peoples Association continue to strengthen these efforts.

“Jerry has found a future defined by possibility”

Jerry - A Story of Belonging

The impact of the project is best seen through the lives it touches. Jerry, a 24-year-old from the Russell Islands, arrived at the Centre with determination to learn. Born deaf and living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he had faced considerable challenges.

Since joining San Isidro, Jerry’s growth has been significant. He has developed greater independence, improved communication skills, and increased confidence. He now participates actively in vocational training, works cooperatively with others, and adapts well to daily routines.

Most importantly, Jerry has found a sense of belonging - within a community, among peers, and in a future defined by possibility. His journey reflects the broader impact of inclusive education and support.

Jerry, 24, from the Russell Islands, is building skills, confidence and community at San Isidro Care Centre in Solomon Islands.

Looking Ahead

The long term vision of San Isidro Care Centre is ambitious and hopeful: a future where 90% of deaf people in the Solomon Islands are literate and skilled, and where the Centre’s sign language resources are embedded within the country’s broader sign language framework.

This project is more than infrastructure or documentation. It is about giving young people like Jerry the tools to communicate, connect and flourish - and about building communities where everyone truly belongs.

How you can Empower Communities to Create Pathways to a New Future

If you would like to donate to projects like the San Isidro Centre’s sign languge resource development, you can do so through the link: Donate - Australian Marist Solidarity

Tracey Doublet
Interim Communications Officer
Australian Marist Solidarity