Marist Sisters in New Zealand gathered recently for the Jubilee celebrations for Srs Antonia(70 years), Juliana(60 years), Francine(50 years) and Iulia(25 years). The celebrations began with a joyful parish Mass at Mt Albert. Fr Grahame Connolly sm, Mons. Brendan Daly and parish priest, Fr Sateki Raas, presided and family members attended. Fr Grahame spoke of the significance of gratitude in our life.
After a delicious meal at a Kumeu restaurant it was back to Mt Albert for the opening of gifts and reading of congratulatory messages.
We give thanks to God for our Marist Jubilarians who have served a total of two hundred and five years of Marist commitment.
In a Hidden Manner … The Story of the Marist Sisters in Aotearoa-New Zealand By Sr Karin Christieson sm,
published February 2011 by the Marist Sisters of New Zealand Trust Board.
Completing a trilogy of works on the history of the Marist Sisters in Oceania, this book was launched recently by Fr Neil Vaney sm at the Marist Primary School Hall in Mt Albert on Sunday 13th February. An enthusiastic gathering of Marist Sisters, parishioners, representatives of other religious congregations, ex-students,
Sr Karin Signing Books
family and friends met in the place which was the first school of the Marist Sisters in New Zealand in 1927. Sr Karin Christieson, the author, spoke of her research process over some fifteen years. Fr Neil Vaney sm, recalled his personal experience of being educated by the Marist Sisters in Karori, Wellington and the distinctive contribution the sisters made to his education and personal development.
Outlining the social and ecclesial context, the book relates the beginnings of Marist Sisters communities in various parts of New Zealand – Mt Albert, Herne Bay, Waitaruke, Te Huahua, Putaruru, Wellington, Moerewa and Whangarei up to 1980’s. An epilogue brings the story of the sisters to the present. Appendices include an administrative history and a list of Sisters who have lived and worked in New Zealand.
Sr Karin Speaking at the Book Launch
Copies are available from:
Marist Sisters,
26 Kitenui Ave,
Mt Albert,
Auckland 1025
New Zealand [email protected]
For Direct Credit Payment: National Bank of NZ Acct: 06 0284 0025989 00 – SM Book.
Cost: $20. Packing and Postage $5.00 within NZ.
Please make cheques payable to Marist Sisters of NZ
On Friday 5th February Marist College Mt Albert, Auckland held its Inaugural Mass for 2010 at St Patrick’s Cathedral. After the Mass Sr. Jane Frances, Superior General, currently on visitation in New Zealand blessed and opened the Chavoin Suite for Religious Education and the Mother Bernard Archives.
Blessing & Opening of New Building
Mother Bernard was one of the two pioneer Marist sisters in New Zealand and was the first principal and driving force behind the development of the College. The preparation of the archival space has taken a year. Displays of artifacts and photos were prepared for the occasion.
Marist Display
In her address, Sr. Jane highlighted Mother Bernard’s zealous work for catholic education and highlighted the role of archives in creating “an interest in our past, a past that is both a human and religious place from where we can look towards our future.” She urged staff to make community the heart of catholic education “as a reality to be lived”. Students were reminded that their commitment is to the future, and that they “are bearing Mary’s name and will soon learn how to live her spirit.”