The Marist Sisters in Asia-Pacific website will not be accessible from 1st August 2025.
All news about the Marist Sisters in the Asia-Pacific region can be found on the international website for the Marist Sisters – https://www.marists.net/ The Facebook page for Marist Sisters can be accessed here.
Thank you for all the support and interest in the Marist sisters in Asia-Pacific Website over many year.
Back in 2022 two Marist Sisters in Fiji, Srs Rosemary Simon and Kalala Kiutau, saw a need to begin a ministry for elderly Catholic women in their neighborhood in Suva. They began meeting on a monthly basis for about four hours. The meeting begins with morning tea provided by the sisters. Following morning tea the women share stories on how God has touched their lives since their last meeting. They then have some physical activity for about 15 minutes before having lunch. Following lunch their is spiritual input provided by a guest speaker or a YouTube video.
The women look forward to these meeting and recently have been meeting twice monthly. They have also been joined by some women of other faiths. In addition to their regular meetings, in late 2024, they participated in a retreat at the Wailekutu Prayer Center in Suva. They also had 3 wonderful days at Pacific Harbour.
The sisters and the women are very grateful for the funding they have received to run this program from the Marist Mission Centre and Shipping Services Fiji.
On 8th December Marist Sisters in the Unit Australia gathered in Hunter Hill to mark the beginning of a new mandate for the Unit Leader, Sr Gail Reneker (centre), and her Councillors, Srs Beverley Lewis (Right) and Julie Brand (Left). This was an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of these sisters in accepting to serve in a leadership role for three years, to pray for them and to pledge support for them.
The afternoon began with a time of prayer giving thanks for the gifts of Gail, Bev and Julie. Those present prayed on behalf of all sisters in the Unit that “we, conscious of our vulnerability, give ourselves, like Mary, in total surrender to God’s Will.” This was followed by afternoon tea giving the sisters time to enjoy each others company.
Marist Sisters throughout the world are today recalling with deep gratitude the life of their foundress Jeanne-Marie Chavoin on the anniversary of her death, 30th June 1858. Her love of God, her simplicity, her generosity and her outreach to those in need inspires us to follow her example of following Christ as Mary did.
On 14th June 2024, at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich (MSCW), a unique statue was unveiled – a life-sized bronze depiction of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin with two college students. Immediately striking is the relational connection among the three – the French woman, the student beside her and the younger one opposite. Standing before them, one senses the years of history converging into the now, bringing our foundress to life in this new setting.
Almost as remarkable as the sculpture is the story behind it. It seems that a student of 1948 had been so touched by her experience at the college that on her death a couple of years ago she left a substantial bequest to her alma mater. The current principal worked with staff and students to realise a dream of creating this meaningful tribute to Jeanne-Marie or JMC as she is affectionately known at the college. Five staff and seven students formed the Sculpture Working Planning Committee – three of whom were the models for the statue. World renowned artists, Gillie and Marc, were engaged. During the 15 months or so that followed, a clay version was produced, changes requested and then the final bronze creation was shipped to Australia.
The Unveiling Ceremony was designed with as much attention to detail as the sculpture itself. Marist Father Tony Corcoran presided, nine Marist Sisters and a Marist Brother were present. The College Strings and College Choir ably led the music throughout, beginning with “The Presence of Mary”. The college principal, Dr Anne Ireland, shared the “Sculpture Journey”, acknowledging all who had contributed. The blue covering was then removed, revealing the “JMC statue”. Two students offered heart-warming reflections on the significance of this addition to the college. For the Blessing, water had been brought from the Garonne River in France and blended with water from the Lane Cover River, the river the school overlooks and which flows into the waters of Sydney Harbour. The Sisters present read the beautifully prepared prayers of intercession and the Salve Regina was sung.
Sr Gail Reneker spoke on behalf of the Marist Sisters, expressing deep gratitude to staff and students for honouring our foundress through this sculpture, which “keeps alive the memory of a woman worthy to be remembered whose warmth and compassion drew her to be of service to all those in need, especially children and young people”. The Principal’s Address and the singing of the College Song concluded the memorable ceremony.
Over the lavish morning tea, our Sisters had the opportunity to meet with students and some parents, as well as to reunite with members of staff. Afterwards, we reflected on the depth of each encounter and the blessing it is to see the Marist spirit lived out in such a tangible way by these lay people – young and older – associated with MSCW.
On 27th January 2024 Sr Tulua Otuafi sm made perpetual profession as a Marist Sister in Holy Cross Parish Church Papatoetoe, New Zealand. The Sisters of the Unit of Aotearoa New Zealand were so happy to have Sr Sylvette, Congregation Leader, present to receive Tulua’s Vows. Bishop Steve Lowe of the Auckland Diocese was the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration. Many of Tulua’s family members travelled from different parts of the world to be in New Zealand for this special event including her mother, Huni and her namesake, Tulua Senior, who travelled from Tonga.
Before the Solemn Blessing at the end of the Mass, Bishop Steve congratulated Tulua and reminded her that she has made a wonderful witness to Marist Religious life. In his own words he said “Tulua, you have guts” – in these days, a lot of people do not seem to have the ability to commit to a relationship permanently. After the Eucharist, everyone was invited to the parish hall for some lunch and entertainment.
Congratulations Tulua. Our prayers are with you as you continue you live your Marist commitment.
Marist Sisters in Australia gathered on 23rd July to mark three significant events. Firstly they acknowledged the anniversary of the Promise of Fourviere on 23rd July 1816. On this day a group of seminarians pledged themselves to beginning a congregation in Mary’s name. Beginning the afternoon with prayer the sisters remembered the Fourviere event and reflected on the gift of the Marist Spirit that has been passed down for over 200 years.
Secondly, the gathering was an opportunity to welcome Sr Grace Ellul home to Australia after serving as Congregation Leader for 7 years, and to thank her for her commitment and service during those years.
At the Marist Sisters General Chapter held earlier this year, Sr Kate McPhee was elected as a General Councillor. Kate will soon be leaving for Rome. While she will be greatly missed in Australia, the sisters expressed their love and support for Kate as she takes up this new role which she has generously accepted as God’s call.
On 5th February Sr Clare Francis will celebrate the 75th anniversary of her profession as a Marist Sister. Clare you are a living example of commitment and fidelity that inspires us in our Marist journey.
We rejoice with Clare and give thanks for her many years of Marist service in Australia and New Zealand. We ask God’s continued blessings for Clare in this her jubilee year.