ADDRESS OF BROTHER
PETER CARROLL FMS
Australian Provincial
SESQUICENTENARY DINNER
7 MAY 2022
Saint Joseph’s
College Hunters Hill
When the Brothers arrived it was
a black and white world; today, it’s full digital colour. In 1872, there was
one small school and community in Sydney. In 2022 there are multiple
communities, schools and ministries across the nation. Originally and for many
years afterwards, the Brothers alone undertook the mission. Today, it’s mostly
in the hands of lay women and men.
Undoubtedly, the changes of the
last 50 years have been the most obvious and profound. These changes were
brought about by the recognition that the Brothers alone couldn’t continue to
carry the mission. Schools in particular became complex, educational systems
more demanding, and students’ needs more diverse. These changes, besides the
declining number of Brothers, meant we had to share responsibility and leadership
with our lay colleagues, and rely on them.
Consequently, emphasis was placed
on formation of lay staff and, fortunately, the Marist story and the vision of
St Marcellin resonated with many, and they too them up with enthusiasm and
commitment. In time, some expressed a desire to self-identify as Marists,
wanting a formal way in which to belong to the family. From this grew the
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, which formally commenced in 2015
with its national assembly. We will have our this this year. The late
Archbishop Philip Wilson was a member, as is Bishop Macbeth-Green.
Today the Marist Mission in
Australia is vastly different to what it was in the past. It is still alive
with energy and enthusiasm. The Marists of Champagnat are committed, now and in
the future, to working with and for the Church in Australia to educate and
evangelise children and young people, particularly those most in need, in the
way presented to us by St Marcellin. At the very heart of our continuing
mission is the desire to make Christ known and loved.
To the members of the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference, thank you for being here tonight. As Brother
Ernesto (Superior General) said in his welcome, the Marist work spread to and
around Australia because of the invitations extended to us by Bishops, firstly
Archbishop Polding and then your predecessors, to found schools in different
Dioceses. We have been very dependent on your good will and encouragement. It’s
appropriate and most pleasing to share this celebration with you.
To the Brothers and our Marist
colleagues, thank you for your extraordinary contribution, giving so much, as
you have, to the Marist mission in Australia. It has been, and is, reliant on
your faith, resilience and committed endeavour.
In August 1868, Brother
Louis-Marie, the Superior General, wrote to accept Archbishop Polding’s
invitation to send Brothers to Sydney. In his letter he stated: everything I’ve
heard about this work “disposes me to agree to your request in preference to
many others which are made to me”.
I for one am very pleased that
the approaches made to the Brothers at that time were so persuasive, and that
we are celebrating that decision all these years later.
Sincere gratitude and good wishes
to all.
Brother Peter Carroll
FMS
Acknowledgement: Br Peter Carroll, Australian Provincial
"STAR of the SEA" PROVINCE
In 2022, one Marist Province will be formed in the Pacific region; it will be called the Star of the Sea Province. Although a major re-organization, and, possibly for some, a challenging and disrupting event, such decisions are not rare in the history of Religious Orders, as indeed it is not uncommon for Marists in this part of the world. We have often heard that the Australian Province divided into the Sydney and Melbourne Provinces in 1948 and was reformed from the same two Provinces in 2012.
However, another division occurred much earlier. On November 3, 1916, the General Council in Rome approved the creation of the Province of New Zealand. The Australian Province at this time extended across four Australian States and included New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji. There were 38 establishments and 193 Brothers. The new Provincial, Br Clement Murray, faced unique and difficult circumstances. “Visitation of the far-flung Province was an onerous and time consuming duty… from the schools in Samoa to the College in New Norcia WA.
Br Clement Murray
The hazards of risky sea voyages in wartime (…The First World War 1914-1918…) do not have to be stressed. The Australian Provincial Council had drawn up detailed plans for the division and these were approved by the General Council. The new Province would consist of the ten establishments in New Zealand, the four in Fiji and the four in Samoa with 69 Brothers, and the Novices, Postulants and Juniors who were from New Zealand. The Province of Australia would have 20 establishments and 124 Brothers and Australian Novices, Postulants, and Juniors. Professed Brothers were given until January 1, 1920, to decide which Province they wished to belong to; most would, of course, join the Province of the country of their origin.
On December 8 1916, the General Council appointed the remarkable Br Denis Reilly…born in Bungendore NSW in 1867… as the Provincial of New Zealand. He had been a senior figure on the Council of the Province of Australia and had been a skilled Maths teacher at St Joseph’s College for many years. He became the Director of St Joseph’s in June 1897, his term marked by the reorganization of the Ex-Students Union. Br Denis was Provincial of New Zealand for 10 years, after which he was Director of Darlinghurst, of St Joseph’s again, and of St Augustine’s in Cairns till 1935, when he retired due to ill health. He moved to Forbes in the Central West of NSW and died there, aged 70, in 1937. (He is the only Brother buried in Forbes.)
Acknowledgement: Br Michael Flanagan FMS Province Archivist
STAR OF THE SEA
The Province of Australia, which was inaugurated on that sunny morning of 8th December 2012 is scheduled to come to term on 8th December 2022, when the new Province of Star of the Sea will be born. A future history will tell of Champagnat Marists - lay and brothers - in - Australia,
- Papua New Guinea,
- Solomon Islands,
- Vanuatu,
- New Caledonia,
- Aotearoa - New Zealand,
- Fiji,
- Samoa,
- Kiribati,
- Timor-Leste
- and Cambodia.
Star of the Sea is the translation of Stella Maris, an early title for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Under this title, Mary was invoked to be protector and guide of seafarers. It is an apt title for communities of Marists connected by kilometres of ocean. In addition, it echoes the name of the sailing ship that in 1872 brought the founding community of brothers to Australia - the Star of Peace. It resonates with the faith and hope that is expressed in the prayer Sub Tuum Praesidium - 'under your protection'. Since 1837 the work of Mary has flourished in the Pacific.
Marists look
to the future with new Pacific Province.
In the most
significant change in 205 year history, the Champagnat Marist Mission is
charting a new course in the Oceania Region.
Eleven
Pacific nations including Australia and New Zealand (see list above) have amalgamated to become
the Star of the Sea Province.
Officially
instituted by the Superior General Br Ernesto Sanchez-Barba FMS on the feast of
the Immaculate Conception at St Joseph’s Hunters Hill.
The new
Provincial Br Peter Carroll never in his wildest dreams could believe he would
one day be the provincial of the Society’s largest province.
Message from Peter Williams (Drusilla 65)
Just finished watching the Mass inaugurating the new
province. The Mass was from Joeys. You may have seen it too. In case you missed
it, I thought I'd send you the link for the replay. It's: www.ceremonycast.com.au/joeys
Posted: 2nd July 2022Edited: 9th December 2022
Acknowledgements: "Sub Tuum Prasesidium" published 2022 by the Marist Brothers, Peter Williams (Drusilla 65), Catholic News 16/13/2022
- Australia,
- Papua New Guinea,
- Solomon Islands,
- Vanuatu,
- New Caledonia,
- Aotearoa - New Zealand,
- Fiji,
- Samoa,
- Kiribati,
- Timor-Leste
- and Cambodia.
Marists look
to the future with new Pacific Province.
In the most
significant change in 205 year history, the Champagnat Marist Mission is
charting a new course in the Oceania Region.
Eleven
Pacific nations including Australia and New Zealand (see list above) have amalgamated to become
the Star of the Sea Province.
Officially
instituted by the Superior General Br Ernesto Sanchez-Barba FMS on the feast of
the Immaculate Conception at St Joseph’s Hunters Hill.
The new
Provincial Br Peter Carroll never in his wildest dreams could believe he would
one day be the provincial of the Society’s largest province.
Just finished watching the Mass inaugurating the new
province. The Mass was from Joeys. You may have seen it too. In case you missed
it, I thought I'd send you the link for the replay. It's: www.ceremonycast.com.au/joeys
AUSTRALIAN MARIST SOLIDARITY
Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is the international aid and development agency of the Marist family of Australia. We work to ensure that young people in Asia and the Pacific have access to educational opportunities.
AMS has developed from a long history of aid and development activities by the Marist Brothers Province of Australia and their network of schools. The Brothers started financially supporting and managing overseas aid and development programs in the Solomon Islands in 1938.
In 2021, we worked in 18 countries and delivered more than $2.2 million to support 42 programs. We believe local people are the experts on the challenges facing their communities. By working directly with these community partners, we help them access the skills and resources necessary to develop quality education and leadership wherever they need it the most.
We do this by working in the Marist way: practising simplicity, offering genuine presence, promoting a family spirit, modelling love of work and following in the way of Mary.
We build solidarity, hope and dignity.
Vision Our vision is of a world that reflects Marists’ desire that vulnerable young people are brought towards the centre from the margins through access to education.
Mission Our mission is to empower young people by enhancing their human dignity and developing their capacity to transform their lives and communities.
Ways to Help
Together we can make a difference. Our work is only possible because of our generous donors and supporters. You can help us in whatever way is best for you.
Make a monthly donation.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Call 3354 0600 or donate securely at www.australianmaristssolidarity.net.au
Keep-up-to-date
Sign-up to the AMS newsletter www.australianmaristsolidarity.net.au/sign-up-for the latest-news
Posted: June 2022
BROTHER CANUTE SHEEHAN FMS
SUB TUUM PRAESIDIUM
Marist Brothers in Australia (150 years)
1872 – 2022
By
Br Julian Casey (Drusilla 50), Br John Luttrell,
Br Peter Rodney, and Br Neville Solomon
The religious institute of the Marist Brothers
of the Schools has educated thousands of young Australians since their arrival in
1872. That influence continues in the 56 schools of Marist Schools Australia. Sub Tuum Praesidium (‘We fly to your protection’)
has been their traditional hymn for occasions of solemnity and celebration.
In recognition of the Marist involvement
throughout Australia, the book launch will be a rolling event at the following
locations.
Tuesday 31 May (1.30pm) – Province Centre, 1 Dawson Street,
Brunswick
Rsvp:
Tracey Doublet: tracey.doublet@marists.org.au
by 26 May
Friday 3 June (4 pm for 5 pm) – Marist Centre, 142 Frasers Rd,
Ashgrove
Rsvp:
Helen Quirk 07 3354 0600 by June 1
Sunday 5 June (2.30pm) – McAteer Centre, Sacred Heart
College, Somerton
Rsvp:
Br Des Howard: des.howard@marists.org.au
Tuesday 7 June ( 10.30am) – Marist Centre, 247 Coward St,
Mascot
Rsvp:
Emma Gyori 02 9218 4000 by 30 May
Sunday 12 June (following 10.30am Mass) Newman College, 216 Empire Avenue,
Churchlands
Rsvp:
Br Noel Hickey, noel.hickey@marists.org.au
Following the launch there will be refreshments
and an opportunity to purchase the book (hard cover. 576 pages, rrp $45.
Acknowledgements: Br Des Howard (63)
FOUNDATION IN AUSTRALIA 1872
SESQUICENTENARY (150 years) 8th APRIL 2022
Plaque in Harrington Street, Sydney
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- photo sent in by Tony Alonco (Drusilla 53) , and Therese for 'transcription'.
- Paul Harris, Marist Mission and Life Formation Team
- Br Peter Carroll (Provinvial) Brothers Daily News Vol 1976 Tuesday 12 April 2022
- Graeme Lawler (Drusilla 66)
OLDEST GROUP PHOTO OF MARISTS ABOUT 1880
EARLY MARIST SCHOOLS
First Marist Schools
across Australia after NSW
Victoria
The first opening made by the Marist
Brothers in Victoria was at Kilmore in early 1893. This was also
the first house in Australia established outside the Sydney area. Br
Austin Somers was appointed the first Principal. He left Sydney by
train on the night of January 9, 1893. The other two members of the
community were Br Casimir O’Shaughnessy and Br Columban Evans.
Assumption College,
Kilmore
Other Early Foundations in Victoria
1893 Assumption College, Kilmore
1893 Marist Brothers, Bendigo
1922 St Patrick's College, Sale
1925 St John's. Hawthorn
1926 Marist Brothers, Kyneton
1930 St Joseph's, North Fitzroy
1948 Juniorate, Macedon
1950 Marcellin College, Camberwell
1951 St Colman's/Notre Dame, Shepparton
1951 Marist Brothers/Marist-Sion, Warragul
1955 Champagnat/Galen College, Wangaratta
1957 Immaculate Heart/Redden. Preston
1962 St Paul's/LaValla College, Traralgon
1963 Marcellin College, Bulleen
1975 Templestowe, Provincial House
1983 Catholic College, Bendigo
2006 Doxa Special School, Bendigo
2006 Doxa Special School. West Melbourne
2014 Marist College, Bendigo
1961, 1962 Novices
!961 Novices
1961 Novices
South Australia
The Marist Brothers came to Adelaide in November 1897 and opened a school in Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide. The community consisted of the Director Br Stephen De Bourg, (a young Frenchman aged 24), Br Daniel Flaherty, Br Hyacinth Donohue, and Br Evangelist Hannon. From the very beginning Br Stephen gave the name “Sacred Heart High School” to the Secondary department. One of the first day pupils was Laurence Molloy, later Br William Molloy, a very significant Brother in the subsequent history of the Province.
 |
| Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park |
BROTHER STEPHEN De BOURG: FIRST PRINCIPAL
13th January 1873 - 1st April 1953
Brother Stephen De Bourg was the first principal of Sacred Heart High School in November 1897. He had come to Sydney in 1891. Brother Stephen proved a happy choice as Director - a man of charm and engaging personality. The school began with approximately 70 students (primary and secondary) and Brother Stephen gave the name "Sacred Heart High School" to the secondary department.
In 1902 the high school moved to Semaphore and changed its name to Sacred Heart College. Here the first boarders were enrolled, these country boys, although officially under the care of the Brothers, boarded in private houses and in a large boarding house in Dudley Street, Semaphore.
In 1905 Brother Stephen relocated the College to Largs Bay, where facilities were available to place the boarders under the Brothers' direct care. Early in 1906, Brother Stephen was stricken with typhoid, was hospitalized for four months, and finished his term as founding principal.
Brother Stephen died in Lyons, France aged 80 years and is buried in the Brothers' cemetery, St Genie-Laval.
Sacred Heart College in Adelaide today (2021) is situated on two campuses (Mitchell Park co-ed years 7-9, 900 students and Somerton Park co-ed 10-12 1000 students).
The current Principal (2021) is Mr Stephen Byrne.
Brother Stephen de Bourg: Performing Arts Centre
NORWOOD:
JESUITS and MARIST BROTHERS
In a list of early school foundations for South Australia there is no
mention of Norwood. Some of the following information is the
result of
research done by Tony Havelock (Drusilla 68).
In 1869, Bishop Lawrence Shiel established the Norwood Parish and
invited the Jesuits (who had been at Sevenhill since 1848) to
administer the Parish. The Parish school is St Joseph’s Memorial
School at 139 William Street was founded in 1872 and was placed
in the care of the Sisters of St Joseph. This is one of the oldest
schools in the State and has been added to early foundations list.
Currently this school (the Primary campus) caters for pupils years
3-6. The Junior campus at 46 Bridge Street Kensington caters for
R-2 pupils.
 |
| Bridge Street Kensington - Junior Campus |
In 1894 the Jesuits planned to build Saint Ignatius College Boys school and the Parish Hall in Queen Street Norwood. This school was opened in 1903. In 1904 the Marist Brothers administered the school and were there for nearly 40 years.
 |
| St Ignatius College, Queen Street |
In 1943 with the consent of the Jesuits and the Archbishop, the
Marist Provincial Brother Arcadius and his council decided to withdraw the Brothers from the
Queen Street school at the close of 1943. The last staff at the school was Br Martin
Smith (Director), Br Loman Russell and Brother Kenan Delacour. It is uncertain
where the Marists were housed.during their time at Norwood. The Marists at Norwood probably moved
to George Street, Thebarton in 1944.
Bishop Greg O'Kelly SJ has offered the following information about where the Marists lived at Norwood. The building is no longer there.
"It's the place in the Junior school where Rob Davoren SJ renovated the facade to look again like the front of Mary McKillop's Refuge for Fallen women - a laundry for unmarried mothers and ex-street girls. It was the stucco covered house, behind the statue of St Ignatius, facing Queen Street. In my time the front room was Tom Barden's SJ office, which had a partition at the back, and his bed was there. The back of the house has gone, now part of the library. The Art Room is on the lawn where the statue was."
 |
| Parish House (Jesuit Monastery Manresa), William Street |
In 1951 Archbishop Beovich blessed and opened the new St
Ignatius College at 62 Queen Street Norwood. This school is currently a Co-ed Junior
Campus catering for Early Learning Centre and R-6 students.
In 1967 the new Saint Ignatius College Senior Campus at 2 Manresa
Court, Athelstone was opened. It caters for students 7-12.
Acknowledgements about Norwood:
- Marist Association Newsletter Vol 111 (8/12/21) - Br Michael Flanagan
- Tony Havelock (Drusilla 68) - www ignatius.sa.edu.au/history of college
- Br Des Howard (Drusilla 63) - Br Alban Doyle - history of Australian Province
- Bishop Greg O'Kelly SJ - former Principal of St Ignatius College and Bishop of Port Pirie Diocese.
- Editor - recent photos
Other Early Foundations in South Australia
1872 St Joseph's Memorial School, Norwood
1897 Sacred Heart College/Marcellin Campus Somerton Park
1927 Marist Brothers/Mount Carmel, Rosewater
1931 Marist Brothers/Tenison College, Mount Gambier
1944 St John Baptist, Kilmara High, Thebarton
1967 St Joseph's/SHC Middle/Champagnat Campus. Mitchell Park
1984 Cardign College, Noarlunga Downs
Western Australia
Four Brothers sailed from Naples in 1912 to establish a
school at New Norcia (St Ildephonsus): Br Priscillian Blanc, an Italian
only 16 years old, Br Columban Cook, a 32-year-old Irishman, Br
Edward Hurley, an Englishman aged 23, and Br Emile Nuber, a German aged
18. Br Stanislaus Healy was chosen as the foundation Director. Also
listed were Br Sebastian Hayden, Br Tarcissius Gill, and Br Bernadine
Callaghan. School began in February 10, 1913 with 63 boarders, the number at
the end of the year was 16.
St Idlephonsus
College, New Norcia
Other Early Foundations in Western Australia
1913 St Ildephonus College, New Norcia
1950 St Paul's/St Joseph's, Northam
1954 St Joseph's, Subiaco
1954 St Francis Xavier/Catholic College, Bunbury
1965 Marist/Newman College, Churchlands
1992 St Cecilia's Primary, Port Headland
Northern Territory
Brothers
Leo McVeigh and Aidan Smith were the first Brothers to work in the
NT, laying the foundations for future endeavors.
Following discussions in the parish of Alice Springs during 1980,
the Marist Brothers were invited to administer the junior co-
educational secondary school. Catholic High School which opened in 1983.
Soon
after arrival the Brothers were invited to consider establishing a community at
Santa Teresa, an Arrente Indigenous
Community located about 80 kilometres from Alice Springs. In 1979 appointments
there was a Santa Teresa community on the list. Brother Cletus was the community
leader with Brother Kevin Hoare and Brother Maxwell Middleton.
Santa Teresa
SOME PLACES THAT MARIST BROTHERS’ SCHOOLS WERE ALMOST ESTABLISHED.
HOBART TASMANIA
Strong requests for a school in Hobart were received by the
Brothers as early as 1881
ARMIDALE
IN NSW
Brother John Dulles, the Provincial, was very keen to open
a school in Armidale but the Patrician Brothers made an earlier decision.
BEECHWORTH
IN VICTORIA
Brother John was keen to open a school here and there was
strong support from the Parish Priest. But the Parish Priest died. It was decided
to open a school at Bendigo in 1893 instead,
BATHURST
IN NSW
The school at Bathurst had been agreed to and approved three times but never eventuated.
Acknowledgements:
- Marist Association – Christlife Newsletter Vol 102 April 2021, Br Michael Flanagan, Province Archivist;
- Tony Havelock (Drusilla 68) information about early foundations in Victoria, South & Western Australia.
Posted: January2022
############
MEMORIAL PLAQUE
Opposite the de Bourg Centre at SHC
LASZLO GIMESH
1921 - 1974
IN MEMORY OF
Unfortunately this statement is not entirely accurate : it does not acknowledge
Br Albert O'Brien : OC Cadet Unit 1960 and 1961
Br Denis Tankard : OC Cadet Unit 1962 (at least)
It therefore should read
1963 - 1974
Laszlo joined the Cadet Unit in 1960 as a Lieutenant.
Through his devoted and manly approach he became one of the College's most respected and popular teachers.
Posted: December 2021. amended 2022
The opening and celebratory function .... was held at one of our better monasteries at Lisson Grove Hawthorn, where the only means of keeping foodstuffs was a small ice chest (no refrigerator) and hence no place to chill the wine and beer. Oliver Clark sallied forth and carried the ice in a chaff bag on his shoulder up the long hill. The melting ice and hessian fibres left Oliver in a somewhat bedraggled state, but like many times hence, he saved the day. The meal was hearty if somewhat calorie laden, the catering was good and the wine warmed their hearts, despite the confusion when the labels became unstuck and they weren't sure whether they were pouring Chablis or Sauterne.
EXPANSION
Right from the early days of the Province we have been working on the margins and overcoming the tyranny of distance in Australia. Formation needs of the Brothers were (to our peril) put aside as waves of Brothers fresh from the Novitiate, filled the gapes in the classrooms and dormitories in those schools dotted around the countryside. In 1948, seven of the fourteen schools were Boarding Schools.
By 1989, all but four Brothers had spent some time working in a boarding school, teaching all day, supervising study and dining rooms, coaching teams and looking after dormitories. Free periods and "days off" were years away as Brothers expended their young energies in many different tasks. There was little time for inital and ongoing formation and no opportunities for study and further education.
LAY INVOLVEMENT
The Province began involving lay teachers in all our schools very early in its history and set in train from the start a wonderful tradition of partnerships and friendships with lay people. For example, in 1958 there were more lay staff members at Preston than Brothers. .... We began appointing lay principals, with Ken Taylor at Warragul being the first.
A RENEWED UNDERSTANDING OF OUR MARIST CHARISM
Vatican 11's encouragement to return to the charism of the Founders created the impetus for a closer look at St Marcellin. .... But Champagnat isn't the only dimension of our charism. We follow Jesus in the manner of Mary. As we became more aware of Jesus' humanity and his sharing our human condition, so too, did we become more aware of Mary:- not so much as crowned in glory, but as a woman with dust on her feet and sharing our humanity; a woman of faith who travelled a road that was often hard and whose spiritual journey had much in common with ours.
THE CHARISM IN OUR MINISTRY
\
.... In 1981 .... We invited Fr Gerry Holohan, now Bishop, to help reflect on charism. .... "Don't worry about the 80's! Just focus on remaining faithful to the charism of which you are the current custodians on behalf of the pilgrim church."
Well the custodians did their job well. REMAR, with its particular Marist character, became a central part of many of our schools, as a way of promoting faith among motivated students. John McMahon led the way in stimulating reflection on the charism in schools, instituting pilgrimages and ensuring that the charism went beyond principals to school community and staffs.
This charism is alive and well today and a new wave of custodians in Lay Marists have joined with the Brothers in ensuring that the Marist character is evident in our schools and all our ministries and undertakings.
FORMATION
By 1958, it was time to stop the flow of Brothers from the Novitiate into the schools and to provide a more rigorous and academic formation. Responding to the insistent urgings of Br Ronald Fogarty, we established a programme of creditable teacher training and university studies in Dundas NSW, and later at Marist University College Clayton. By 1978, however, we moved away from big groups of Brothers in formation, to a much more individualised method. .... Br Eugene Dwyer had returned as a clinical psychologist and began a style of formation which was new to the Province and to the Marist world at that point.
CHARLES HOWARD:- Poverty and Justice, Solidarity
Following the General Chapter of 1976, Br Charles Howard .... began a process of making us more aware of poverty, disadvantage and injustice. .... The Ministry to our aboriginal people in Central Australia began, summer holidays were spent in outback communities, cystic fibrosis camps and asthma camps began with Ambrose Kelly, soup kitchens and St Vincent de Paul groups developed. Santa Teresa, Milikapiti, Alice Springs saw us sitting down with aboriginal people accompanying them in the journey and learning from them.
RELIGIOUS LIFE THROUGH THE PERIOD
Up until Vatican 11, we were formed in the "church triumphant" and, like many others, we were ill-prepared for the profound changes in the world and in the Church. .... The windows of change were thrown open and a wonderful breeze of freedom touched us. It was a liberating time, full of wonder as we experimented with our new found freedom. ....
Catechetics became a battleground as the publication "Come Alive" co-authored by Br Michael Donnelly hit the school desks and the pedagogy of human experience as a basis of reflecting on God and Revelation was questioned and challenged. There was indeed "blood on the saddle" as Maurie Bambridge was wont to sing at particularly tense times. ....
Our common thread and strength throughout our history has been our communities which have shown extraordinary internal solidarity and good common sense. Our communities have been a particularly healthy source of vitality and energy.
LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
It's been a wonderful journey, quite literally a journey of a lifetime. It was made possible by wise and sensible leadership by provincials and councils throughout these 65 years. Rex Cambrey was appointed as Business Manager 22 years ago. He invested wisely and .... he has been able to develop our property at Australind in Western Australia is such a way as to provide that financial security so necessary for our Mission.
CONCLUSION
As we briefly reflect on our history and journey as a Province, we think of the role that we, as individuals, played in it. Each of us has memories and stories, of exhilaration, of pain, of triumph and disappointment. The historical record is scant; but each of us holds some piece of it in our hearts. ...
The challenges continue, externally as you would be aware from the media and government scrutiny and internally from ageing. But we are unafraid. The Spirit has been with us throughout our history and will be with us as we move into the future. ....
We have come to the conclusion of the Melbourne Chapter of Marist History. We turn the page to the Australian Chapter. .... May God who has been with us over many wonderful years continue with us on our daring journey to the new land of the Province of Australia.
[posted January 2013]
 |
| The village of La Rosey |
 |
| Champagnat's farm house |
 |
| Original Brothers' house lowest building centre right |
 |
| Parish church of La Valla |
 |
| 1ST PROVINCIAL: BR PLACIDUS REDDEN 1948-55 |
 |
2nd PROVINCIAL: BR DAMIAN WILLIS 1956-58 |
Died 20th October 1974 Died 5th September 1958
Buried West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide Buried West Terrace, Adelaide
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| 4th PROVINCIAL; BR BERTINUS FEEHAN 1964-71 Died 6th Feb 2022 Buried Kilmore Catholic Cemetery |
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| 3rd PROVINCIAL: BR DONALD GROGAN 1959-64 Died 11th March 2021 Buried at Ballarat, Victoria |
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| 6th PROVINCIAL: BR WLATER SMITH 1977-83 Died 1st December 2006 Buried in Pakistan |
 |
| 5th PROVINCIAL: BR CLETUS REID 1971-77 Died 3rd August 1995 Buried at Santa Teresa, NT |
.jpg) |
| 8th PROVINCIAL: BR JULIAN CASEY 1989 - 95 LAST PROVINCIAL 2007 - 12 |
 |
| 7th PROVINCIAL: BR DESMOND CROWE 1983-89 Died 14th Nov 2009 Buried at Centennial Park, Adelaide |
 |
| 10th PROVINCIAL: BR PAUL GILCHRIST 2002 - 07 |
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| 9th PROVINCIAL: BR JAMES JOLLEY 1995-2001 |
- Br Des Howard (Drusilla 63) : information and proof reading
- Dorothy Weekes, Archivist Melbourne Province Centre: the Provincial portraits.
- Terry O'Brien (Drusilla 49) : La Rosey, Fouviere, La Valla photos
- Br Gerry Rush (Drusilla 52): for assistance in gathering information
‘The Marist Way’ (1954)
(salvaged)
Towards the end of last year we found an old film in the Archives ,
when we took a whiff, found it was badly affected by deacetylation,
or vinegar syndrome which, if left untreated, would simply progress,
faster and faster, until the entire film was destroyed.
We had it digitized as soon as we could (thank you Wheldon, at
EZDigital) and discovered the salvaged film was ‘The Marist Way’,
produced in Melbourne in 1954, 67 years ago.
It shows children taking lessons - indoors and out, in science labs,
libraries, and in the dining hall. There's also a group of cadets who
look a little bit too young to be holding rifles, yet there they are!
Earlier this year we showed it to Brother Noel Hickey, who spent a
great deal of time going through it and returned with a wonderful
list identifying all of the Marist Schools and Colleges around
Australia, the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, and many of the
Brothers featured! In his incredible 96 years, Jerome been a model
to all of them and knew all of those people! He also remembered
the film when it first came out and, incredibly, the music which
went along with it - Boccherini’s Minuet.
So we added the music to the film and have uploaded it to YouTube
for anyone who wants to see it! We’ve trimmed the last two minutes
as it is impossible to see anything but the damaged film.
You can see it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcxWoiqDdCU
Brother Noel (Jerome) Hickey's (now 96 years of age)
timings are below.
(These are also under the clip and work as links - click the time for
what you want to see and it will jump straight to it.)
0:00:30 Brother Evin (Taught at Newman College and
Marcellin College, Camberwell, Vic)
0:01:06 Br Romulus Lyons (tennis coach)
0:01:15 Br Eustace Flynn in chemistry laboratory
0:01:26 Br John Driscoll Technical Dept, Bendigo, Vic
0:01:41 Br Aidan Smith at the Farm Assumption College,
Kilmore, Vic. Perhaps Marist Brothers, Mount Gambier, SA
(or Bougainville)
0:01:50 Missionary Brothers in Tenaru, Solomon Islands.
Note the fence made of interlocking Marsden matting,
used for making an airstrip. Brought in by the Americans.
0:01:53 St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW.
Statue of Mary Mother of God at the top of the tower,
Marcellin Champagnat.
0:02:00 Marcellin Champagnat at the seminary,
discussing the possible formation of the Society of Mary.
0:02:26 A Brother teaching. Marcellin on the right.
0:02:10 Marcellin and his companions being ordained Priests.
0:02:15 Marcellin
0:02:21 Marcellin with his younger Brothers
0:02:42 Chapel at Marcellin College, Camberwell.
4. Eustace Flynn, 6. Ken Preston (died 2019), 8. Peter Tilley.
0:02:57 Mass in (above) Chapel
0:03:16 4. Ken Preston (Br Baylon).
0:03:33 Ken Preston and Peter Tilley
0:03:43 Chapel, Newman University College, Melbourne.
0:03:51 Peter Tilley handyman
0:03:56 Peter Tilley mowing, Camberwell.
0:03:58 Br Frank Hopkins, Geometry
0:04:16 Students in Chemistry lab, North Fitzroy, Vic,
with Br Methodius Murphy
0:04:21 Unidentified probably, Bendigo, Vic
0:04:30 Br Abel Driscoll certainly, Bendigo, Vic
0:04:36 Tractor maybe Br Aiden Smith again
0:04:53 Chapel at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW
0:05:06 Again St Joseph's College
0:05:07 Br Ludovic Bourke at a meeting of the Sodality of the
Blessed Virgin in Camberwell, Vic
0:05:11 Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park, SA.
Brs Godwin Ryan and Damian Willis
0:05:14 Br Damian Willis and students
0:05:25 Br Jordan Redden and gymnast at Sacred Heart College,
Somerton Park, SA
0:05:30 Probably Brother Dominus Hogan, starting a race
at Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park
0:05:33 Br Romulus Lyons
0:05:44 Br Othmar Weldon, St Joseph's College Rowing Club,
Hunters Hill, NSW
0:05:46 St Joseph's College Rowing Club
0:05:51 Handball, possibly at St Ildephonsus College, New Norcia
0:05:58 Tennis at Assumption College, Kilmore, Vic
0:06:03 Cadets probably Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park, SA
0:06:09 Br Romuald O'Brien and Marist Brothers' Band, Bendigo, Vic.
0:06:13 Boarders at dinner possibly Sacred Heart, Somerton Park, SA
0:06:32 St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW
0:06:41 Paringa Hall, Sacred Heart College, Somerton Park, SA
0:06:44 Assumption College, Kilmore, Vic
0:06:50 St Ildephonsus College, New Norcia, WA
0:06:52 Ardmara Marcellin College, Camberwell, Vic
