Brother Michael, who works at the Mara Center in Sydney, shares aspects of his life, passions, and faith. His first encounter with the Marist world came not as a student, but as part of an opposition school team against Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane. He recalls with admiration the Hermitage in France as his favorite Marist place, and names Brother Kevin Bille as the Marist Brother who most inspired him, teaching him how to thrive in religious life from the age of 17. If given the chance to host a dinner, he would invite Nelson Mandela for his South African connection, Penny Wong for her political leadership, and St. Paul for his transformative role in Christianity.
Beyond his ministry, Brother Michael enjoys a wide range of interests, from the thrill of Formula 1 racing to playing the keyboard and pipe organ. He treasures the mountains as places of rest, particularly when he can drive through them and take in God’s grandeur. His most daring experience was driving at 200 kilometers an hour on the German Autobahn, while his classic Australian road trip song is Flame Trees by Cold Chisel. His advice to those entering Marist life is to form as many connections as possible and to learn additional languages, seeing communication and connection as key to living fully in today’s world.
Journal and reflect on the following
What is your favorite Marist place?
What was your first connection with the Marists?
Which three people would you choose to have dinner with?
Who is your favorite Marist Brother?
What are your favorite hobbies?
What advice would you give to someone joining Marist life today?
What is your favorite place to relax?
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
What is your go-to song for an Aussie road trip?
Discuss
Song - Flame Tree
Final Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for the gift of Marist life and for the witness of people like Brother Michael who show us how to live with courage, joy, and faith. Help us to cherish the places that inspire us, the mentors who guide us, and the connections that shape us. Teach us to see Your grandeur in the beauty of creation, to find rest in ordinary moments, and to step out bravely in service of others. May we, like St. Paul and all who have gone before us, continue to build communities of love, compassion, and hope wherever we are called. Amen.
