Latest ACRATH News

Marist Sisters in Australia have supported the work of ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) since its beginning in 2005.

In the September issue of ACRATH News you can read about ACRATH’s new Forced Marriage Video Presentation which was launched in August. The Australian Federal Police participated in the launch and explored the issues facing local authorities working to combat forced marriage. Other stories include:

  • ETIKO Fairtrade clothing and JINTA sports equipment is offering ACRATH readers a discount. Work with them to keep workers, hit by COVID, in work.
  • LIZ Morris has written ACRATH’s submission to the Senate’s Select Committee on Temporary Migration. We make 10 compelling recommendations.
  • ACRATH’s calendar for 2021 is available and it explores some great projects combating human trafficking.
  • ACRATH’s volunteer Companions have been able to offer financial support to trafficked women and children during COVID.
  • JOIN the Webinar for teachers on November 23 2020.

Download your copy of ACRATH News here.

Celebrating in Sydney

A number of Marist Sisters in Sydney gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. The afternoon began with a time of prayerful reflection during which the sisters, recalling they have been called by gracious choice to bear Mary’s name,  renewed their vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions some sisters were unable to be present but they were not forgotten as messages from them were shared. Following the prayer a scrumptious afternoon tea was enjoyed. The opportunity to gather was very much appreciated especially during these Covid times.

Holy Name of Mary

Let Marists always bear in mind
that they belong by a gracious choice
to the family of the blessed Mary,
Mother of God.
In her name they are called Marists.
(Spirit of the Society of Mary)

As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Mary each year on 12th September, Marists throughout the world reflect on the privilege and the responsibility of bearing the name of Mary. We are reminded anew that we have committed ourselves “to think, to judge, to feel and to act as Mary did.” Mary was a woman of faith who responded to the needs of those around her.

May Marists be faithful to living the gospel as Mary did and so be instruments of God love and mercy in our world today.

Jubilee Celebration in Fiji

A wonderful and joyful celebration was held recently at Mt St Mary’s parish, Nadi, Fiji, as Sr Margaret Sharma celebrated her Diamond Jubilee as a Marist Sister and Sr Marlene Giblin celebrated her Golden Jubilee.  Columban priest, Fr Frank Hoare, was the main celebrant and homilist with Marist Fathers John Crispin and Lewis Henry concelebrating.
Many Marist Sisters were present along with family members  and friends of the two jubilarians. Also part of the celebration was Sr Anna Rarasea, a Sister of St Joseph of Cluny and Sr Carmel Pilcher, a  Sister of St Joseph from Australia who is currently teaching at the Pacific Regional Seminary, Suva. It was a beautiful sunny day. All present enjoyed the Mass and the delicious meal that followed. Special thanks to Sr Lavinia and her team for a well organized celebration.

Renewing Marist Commitment

In the presence of her Marist community, her relatives, friends and parishioners Sr Valerie Ho recently renewed her vows as a Marist Sister for two years. Her community Leader, Sr Rosemary, received her vows .  The renewal of commitment took place in the local parish church in Nadi, Fiji. Following the Mass family and friends were invited to join the sisters for brunch at the convent.

Acknowledging Faithful Service

Earlier this year Mrs Geraldine Carter retired after serving five years as Business Manager for the Marist Sisters in Australia.  Since then we have also farewelled Care-Coordinator, Miss Christine Mackenzie, who was with us for fifteen years.  Because of  Covid 19 and all the restrictions, we have been unable to come together as a Unit to officially thank these two wonderful women.

On Saturday 11th July those who were able, gathered at Hunters Hill for afternoon tea to acknowledge Geraldine and Chris and give thanks for the time they have faithfully served the Unit. The afternoon was very informal, but gave each of us a chance to catch up with them and also with each other.

We continue to pray in thanksgiving for both of them as begin the next phase of their journey through life.  Each of them has been a gift to our Unit in so many different ways.

Foundress Day 2020

Each year on 30th June Marist Sisters throughout the world celebrate the life of their Foundress, Jeann-Marie Chavoin. She is remembered as a courageous, large-hearted and generous woman. Her deep faith in God and love of Mary enabled her to be always ready to render service to those in need.

During these days when our world is in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic may her words inspire us and give us hope:

“We must have confidence. God is not dead. We must count on Providence. It has never let us down and it will not fail us today. God will come to our help.”

Gathering as Community

In Fiji, the two Marist Sisters’ communities of Nadi and Nadelei came together at Mount St Mary’s Nadi on Saturday 15th February to have a full days programme with two of our General Councillors, Sisters Anne McCabe and Viennese Goldstein. It was a real privilege to have our day facilated  by Srs Anne and Vivienne.

 

The sessions were not only prayerful but enabled and empowered the sisters to share at a deep level through a process of sharing, role play and a video clip. The process was a very creative way of building community. We learned that what we bring to community is our own individual personalities that can blend to uplift our Marist lifestyle. The video clip and handouts helped us to reflect on Effective Listening. Listening is a skill that will help us to listen carefully and purposely.

 

Our final prayer of Consecration to Mary was a fitting end to a day inspired by the Holy Spirit. We felt the presence of God in our sharing and listening.