One said: “I counted seventy-plus!” Another told me, “You couldn’t have got anymore into the room!” Some said, “Aren’t we blessed with this beautiful weather!” Others exclaimed: “It’s been an absolutely wonderful day. Praise God and Mary!”

And to what on earth were they referring? The meet and retreat day with the Superior General of the Society of Mary, the very Reverend Father Jan Hulshof sm at Marist Centre./Emmaus, 88/78 Hobson St Wellington on Saturday 8 November 2003.

The weather was great; the numbers were right on target; the venue superb and the company just the best!

A reception morning tea was held outside in the lovely sunlit gardens at Marist Centre. The director of Marist Laity, Fr John Craddock sm welcomed every one: Members of local branches of the Third Order, Wellington-region Samoan Lay Marists and Catechists; members of the Magnificat Community; parents of Marists and Romana Mann representing the 600 Auckland Tongan Order of Mary in the 23 branches. Present too was Jane Langham, Laity Office Assistant, who administers so well.

The Superior General listed seven ideas for the promotion of Marist Laity world-wide; some of which, he acknowledged, are already current practice in NZ.

1. There be one central address for Marist Laity for the whole province, possibly with a ‘service group’ to oversee all the work.

2. Efforts to foster relationships among all branches of the Marist Family are to be encouraged

3. Lay Marists of one region to link up or exchange with other region.

4. Encourage opportunities for training in leadership and formation of lay Marists by lay Marists.

5. Marist Fathers to be trained in nurturing lay Marist vocations and encouraging them.

6. Both Lay and Ordained should contribute to promoting all religious vocations. Big need for prayer and action for this area.

7. Lay groups be encouraged to develop networks within each area and form international network.

Fr Jan also referred to the possibility of an international chapter of Marist Laity to occur when networks are established and that some Lay Marists will be invited as observers at the next General Chapter of the Society of Mary in Rome in 2008.

After walking together to Emmaus, Fr Jan, spoke on Marist Laity on various continents, ranging from Senegal, Africa, to Atlanta, USA where School parents and students are considered Marist Laity. He then left time for people to reflect on the role of Marist Laity and many availed themselves of the spacious grounds and sunshine. Then the superior general gave seven points as ideas for the future of Marist Laity. Reports were read from the Tongan and Samoan leaders and the translations of the Basic Guide presented.

We then adjourned for a shared finger food lunch. At 2pm, 89 year old Oina MacPherson gave a testimony and the Magnificat Community did too. Songs were sung in various languages. Benediction followed. Afternoon tea ended a blessed day.

> Several Oceanian students will be attending the Marist Seminary in Auckland in 2004.

> An English-speaking Novitiate begins in Sydney, 2004 and some Germans will attend, too!

> Ten Marists intend to visit Futuna Island on the feast day of St Peter Chanel, 2004.

> Archdiocesan History, “Steadfast in Hope” was launched on October 10 (see below to order your copy)

> 'Serenity' is name of new album by Fr Chris Skinner sm

> Air New Zealand serves Mission Wine!

A Provincial Chapter of the Society of Mary will take place 15-20 August, 2004 in Wellington. Local and regional meetings will lead to a provincial gathering to consider proposals. Also, all provincials have been invited to Rome, early February to discuss with the General Council issues to consider at Chapter.

Parish Ministry expands in Auckland

At the beginning of 2003, at the invitation of Bishop Dunn, the Society of Mary began a five year contract to minister in the Parish of St Mark, Pakuranga. Fr Barry Scannell sm was appointed Parish priest and Fr Ezio Blasoni sm as assistant priest.

In this area, hundreds of homes are under construction, a new Secondary school, Sancta Maria College, will open next year, 40,000 residents are expected in the next ten years, so a new parish will form. New migrants come with their cultural richness and strong Catholic Faith.

Marist Holdings NZ in Good $hape

From time to time, we are asked if the Society of Mary still owns the Mission Vineyards and the answer is a big YES!

Even though 2003 was hallmarked by several frosts and Mission lost half its projected harvest, prompt moves to acquire juice and wine of leading varieties, though costly, were so successful that quantities of stock are sufficient for this next trading year. The Company audited a good net surplus and paid a dividend to the Society of Mary to use for its formation programmes.

NZ SM Brothers at Emmaus Assembly

19 Brothers from all over NZ, plus 3 from Oceania, gathered in September, “A very enjoyable re-union was held on the Thursday evening with much laughter and sharing of memories while viewing an exhibition and power-point presentation of photos from the past“.

Sister Mary Gormly RSM spoke on Religious Life, Provincial Denis O’Hagan gave a very thoughtful talk on the Brothers Vocation in NZ, Br Ray spoke from recent experiences overseas. There was a “strong feeling that we are on a journey to God which is both exciting and life-stirring.” Well done!

Following the sudden death in Christchurch of Fr John Collins RIP, John Fitzsimmons sm has been asked to act as Administrator of the Woolston and Sumner parishers until the Diocesan appointments are made at the end of January 2004

At the October meeting, the Council of the NZ Province discussed and accepted an invitation from the NZ Marist Brothers’ Administration to consider ways of collaborating in the area of Ministry among Youth.

“Conviction about real need is the motivation we require to develop future-focussed energy.” Fr Tim Duckworth sm

On that wickedly wet Friday night, October 3, that wrought storm damage in many places throughout NZ, around 100 dedicated souls sheltered in Holy Trinity Cathedral.

In its foyer and in the niches on either side of the nave were displayed the paintings submitted in the fourth biennial Art and Faith competition.

Poignantly, the occasion was also a way of remembering the life of Erin Draper, the inspirer of the event, who had died from cancer only months before. Prayers of gratitude and for the repose of her soul were expressed. Henry Simmonds of the Whitecliffe College of Art and Design chaired the judging. Henry, a widely exhibited artist himself with a scholarly interest in the development of Christian art, spoke glowingly on the works submitted and analysed the winners.

The open category, with a prize of $3000, sponsored by NZ Catholic, is to demonstrate the vitality, joy and hope found in Christian belief. Mr Simmonds considered the work by Claire Worrall of Invercargill, entitled 'Light and Liberation' to be worthy of first prize. It depicted an angel hovering over a Central Otago landscape, en-worded too.

The Second prize, of $1250, sponsored by the Marist Family, was won by Jo Chester. This was entitled 'Behold Thy Mother', depicts the face of Mary as seen by Jesus on the Cross. It was a clever collage of computer graphic enhanced designs and original painting. This remains the property of the Marist Family and will tour.

Third prize for $500 was Elisabeth Scofield’s 'It is the Light', (Pictured here) an Icon of a Maori Pantocrator. On either side of the Christ figure, are Ko Te Marama, the dying words of Bishop Selwyn. Marist Laity are the owners of this Icon.

The Superior General is responsible for promoting the development of the Third Order of Mary and other forms of Marist lay life. He will also maintain friendship with other branches of the Marist Family and collaborate with them, and will work closely with the superiors general of other religious congregations.

No 3. (The Society of Mary) would gather all believers under Mary’s name into a third order open to all. And so, there would be seen in the Church at the end of time what was seen at the beginning – a community of believers with one mind and one heart.