Not only did they celebrate this patronal Marist Day with Mass led by Tongan diocesan priest, Fr Soane Kaniseli, but during the Mass, 25 new Members of the “Order of Mary” were received. Fr John Craddock sm, national co-ordinator of the Third Order, congratulated and welcomed them into the Marist Family and as they received their blue cord and medal, encouraged them to be Mary and to do her work in their parishes throughout the city. A feature of the Mass was the magnificent singing by the whole congregation, led by a well conducted choir.

The lay leader of the 25 branches in Auckland, Mrs Romana Mann, presented her report, full of the many events throughout the year, including her own visit to Boston for the Marist Lay conference.

A superb meal for 300 followed in the parish hall, enhanced by items from many of the parish groups. Visitors, Tongan Sisters Sia and Claudette of the Sisters of Compassion came from Wellington for the occasion, adding to it. Sister Claudette with Fr David Mullins sm were early promoters of the Order of Mary in Auckland so it was fitting for Sister to see the fruit of her sowing. Fr Mullins is now the parish priest of Glen Eden and Fr John stayed with him for the wonderful weekend. It was a grace filled time for all and a tribute to all those who organised it. Again a big welcome to 25 new members.

Note the new lay Marists dressed in white for the occasion of their entry into the Marist Family.

Fr Graham Johnsen sm died at the Home of Compassion, Silverstream on May 24th, the feast day of Our Lady, Help of Christians. Graham will enjoy entering into eternal life on this locally important day of Mary as he not only loved the Mother of Jesus but was always a great promoter of her.

Much of Graham’s apostolic life was in Schools, particularly Silverstream and St Augustine’s College in Wanganui. He was a caring and gentle teacher.

When I asked him for advice as Director of MTO, he told me he found appointment to Marist Laity for two years difficult without the familiar structures of school life. He described it as being for him: “ like a cork bobbing around Wellington harbour in a southerly….then the wind turns to the north!” He was here for two years before returning to the people of Wanganui for whom he had fond regard.

It was not surprising that parishioners there requested a Memorial Mass for him. May his lovely soul rest in the peace of the Lord and may Mary herself rejoice in his presence! May he be at peace and be praying for us, for he certainly loved Mary‘s Society.

* Please remember in your prayers the souls of Frs D’Arcy Reader, (27 May) Norm Scambary, (16 July) & John Gorinski, (22 July)

* The Chapter of the SM was held in Wellington from August 9-13.

* Five Marists in Northland consolidate at Okaihau, a central location for ministry to the five parishes.

* FaithCentral internet site is sold to the National Centre of Religious Studies to own and operate.

* New SM Councillors just elected to assist DO’H are Thige O’Leary, Brian Cummings, Phil Cody, Peter Roe and Pat Breeze.

Being useful instruments

“From the experience of early Marist days, no great talent, or learning, or even great holiness, was needed to become a Marist.

Marist are simply instruments of God’s mercy, not caught up in their own interests.

They put themselves in the shoes of others, and are close to and with others –

in view of revealing the love of Christ to them.”

Marist Laity Basic Guide Section D. Para 1. p.11