Pelenato and Kusitino, the two delegates from Futuna at the April Marist Laity Conference, invited Marists to visit Wallis and Futuna. This was echoed recently by the new Bishop, +Ghislain de Rasilly sm who was also present with us. So it is proposed to seek out interest.

The number of people in the party must not exceed 12 as travel between the two islands is limited and logistics of hospitality can be too demanding on our hosts. The political situation in Wallis at the moment is fluid and while not dangerous may be an embarrassment for our hosts at this time. So, while the feast of St Peter Chanel seems an obvious time to go, that may be too soon next year. Some who have expressed an interest in attending prefer August. That would allow us to celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary there. It would be for 10 days.

Costing is being done at this time, especially with Aircalin, who exercises monopoly on access to Futuna. Do let me know if you are interested in this pilgrimage and the time you prefer. I am happy to lead it. JCsm

Archbishop Dew, after receiving the Pallium at Pentecost, supported the Cause by giving Pope Benedict XVI a copy of the award-winning biography of Suzanne Aubert by Jessie Munroe.

And now to emphasise the Cause, a group of 45 pilgrims are coming from France and New Caledonia in July to trace the footsteps of Suzanne and to pray at her grave at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay.

To be led by + Jean-Yves Riocreux, Bishop of Pointoise, Paris, the party will also include Cardinal Archbishop Barbarin of Lyon, the Bishop of Roanne where Suzanne was born, distant relatives, and leading lay people. In this way, France can honour Suzanne Aubert as one of their own.

We too as New Zealand Marists, lay and religious, can give thanks to God for this member of the Third Order of Mary who was encouraged by St John Vianney to be a member and who came to our country to work among the local people and who was so close to the Society of Mary. The pilgrimage begins in Auckland on 6th July when the party travels to the Bay of Islands and Motuti to acknowledge Bishop Pompallier; then by bus to Hawke’s Bay and onto Wanganui, before heading for Wellington.

“Their call is to be truly missionary. They are to go from place to place, announcing the Word of God.”

So begins No. 12 of the Marists’ Constitutions. It is in this light that the decision was made to move from Blenheim after 141 years! Fr Garin sm walked from Nelson and bought the land. Fr Sauzeau sm was the first parish priest.

Today the community is Frs Rodney Smythe & Philip King-Turner & Br. Martin Williams. They will receive appointments elsewhere.

There is more than a tinge of sadness as Marists farewell a people and a place that have been endearing to them for so long. However, we now support the Archdiocese as it begins to minister in its rightful position.

Father John Healy sm, 81, ex-parish priest of Island Bay, St Mary‘s ChCh, & Sacred Heart Timaru died in Timaru after a long illness on 18 August.

Brother Christopher Bellamy sm, 67, long-time at Futuna Retreat House, died 21 August.

Fr Pat Loft, diocese of Palmerston North, brother of Bishop Gerard and Fr John Loft sm died 10 July. May their gentle souls rest in God’s peace.

Bishop Loft sm is now based at Thames area.

Fr Pat Brophy sm has accepted the appointment of Director of Vocations in NZ. He replaces Fr Pat Breeze sm whom we thank for his creative service.

Congratulations to Fr George Duggan sm who celebrated his 93rd birthday recently.

Pray for an SM assembly to be held at Otaki, 24-26 November. A time for reflection and action. JCsm

In October he will be in the following places:

2 Oct: St Mary’s, Blenheim

3 Oct: Our Lady of Victories, Sockburn, ChCh.

5 Oct: Sacred Heart, Timaru

6 Oct: Holy Name, Dunedin

8 Oct: St Mary’s, Invercargill

11 Oct: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Wellington.

A band of parishioners led the singing and the choir under the Tongan masters baton, sang magnificently.

25 new members, ranging in age from senior citizens to primary school youth, presented themselves as new members and received their blue cord and medal of Mary from either of the two Marist Priests

Ramona Mann gave her report, Fr John spoke and the choir master, gave a report of the successful visit to Tonga. After, it was agreed that further celebrations should be held privately in parishes or homes rather than together in the parish hall, as it was a working day in the morning and it was already quite late! Another wonderful occasion. MALO! Congratulations to all and especially to Ramona and her committee.

The next day a small group met to discuss the possibility of a work shop for leaders and families of the 24 groups in the Auckland area. It was decided to hold a gathering on the first Saturday of March, next year.

The Tongan Kautaha o Malia continues to develop and has become a major influence in the lives of many Catholic Tongan Families. Its network of 24 groups is a strength for them as they cope with the pressures of modern urban living.

St Bede’s College Rector, Justin Boyle, outlining the purpose of the Network of Colleges said: “Now we, largely the lay branch of Fr Colin’s ‘tree of many branches,’ are charged with the precious gift of Marist Education and challenged to take it forward in a new creation.” The launch is a development from the 2004 Marist Education Forum in Rome which lead to one in NZ last year. Colleges, including Marist Sisters College in Auckland, want support in keeping alive the special Marist Charism. They have agreed that there are more chapters in the Marist book of education still to be written.

Emma Kelly of Marist Auckland spoke with appreciation of the special spirit she continues to experience at her school, much of which she attributes to the Marist way of being and doing. Josh Leen of SPC, Wellington, noted the special place his mother has in his family and by analogy the touchstone that Mary’s spirit is in his College community as well as acknowledging how Marist Training has equipped him with Marist way of leading in the College.

St Bede’s College Rector, Justin Boyle, outlining the purpose of the Network of Colleges said: “Now we, largely the lay branch of Fr Colin’s ‘tree of many branches,’ are charged with the precious gift of Marist Education and challenged to take it forward in a new creation.” The launch is a development from the 2004 Marist Education Forum in Rome which lead to one in NZ last year. Colleges, including Marist Sisters College in Auckland, want support in keeping alive the special Marist Charism. They have agreed that there are more chapters in the Marist book of education still to be written.

The third stage will add a new laboratory, warehousing, plant room and administration area. When complete the renovations will allow the capacity for crushing to move from 650 to 2000 tonnes. The 2005 vintage realised approximately 1100 tonnes.

Extended car parking serving both the shop and the restaurant has been required so the area behind the old Brothers House has been Asbestos roofing on the old winery has been removed and long delayed maintenance has been completed. Presently the barrel hall and tank area are nearing completion.

Extended car parking serving both the shop and the restaurant has been required so the area behind the old Brothers House has been Asbestos roofing on the old winery has been removed and long delayed maintenance has been completed. Presently the barrel hall and tank area are nearing completion.

The restaurant and some of its service areas are not large enough for the current demand and some business is being tuned away. Extensions downstairs and upstairs have also been made so that conferences and smaller group functions can be catered. The Director’s of Marist Holdings Ltd are confident that the evelopments will bring significant reward to the Mission and a continuing source of financial resource for the Society of Mary in NZ.

If you are in The Bay and have a moment to spare, it is well worth the effort to call and have a look.

On arrival, there was a powhiri of welcome at the Cathedral followed by prayer and contemplation, an address from Fr Greg OCD, Sydney Carmelite, and Mass. There was an all night vigil.

At 5.45 am next morning there were over 50 people in the Cathedral which half-filled for the 6.30 am Mass

After Mass there was a farewell. The van, provided by the Archdiocesan Car Fund and driven by 'Laylines' recipient, Larry Greco, left for the ferry and the South Island. All agreed it was a time of great grace. Praise God.

Fr Paul has been Novice Master and takes over in January.

Fr Michael Fitzgerald, who is recovering from a traffic accident, is an appointed assistant.

Fr Peter Allen sm, 65, of Walsingham, England, died unexpectedly on September 15. RIP

Telemo Tukidia, 47, long time leader of married couples for Marriage Encounter, died and was buried in the Marist Cemetery, Tutu, Fiji, 3 September.