Brother Tony Clarke introduces himself as a Marist Brother originally from the Riverina in New South Wales. His ministry has taken him across the globe, serving extensively in Timor-Leste for 14 years, in South Africa, and in various parts of Australia including Melbourne and Perth. Now back in Victoria, he has taken on a pastoral role with the brothers, is engaged in formation, and also works part-time with the Diocese of Sale to help develop its pastoral mission. With 44 years as a Marist Brother, he is part of the Melbourne Association group, continuing his lifelong commitment to faith and service.
Reflecting on his journey, Brother Tony recalls the strong influence of Marist Brothers during his school years in Leeton and Forbes, whose encouragement and example gave him confidence in himself and inspired his vocation. For him, being Marist means choosing discipleship in the way of Mary. He finds great strength and balance in Mary’s example, describing her as both gentle and compassionate while also revolutionary and radical. Mary’s presence and values shape his spirituality and guide his identity as a Christian and a Marist Brother.
Brother Tony highlights the significance of belonging to the Marist Association, where brothers and lay Marists come together to share faith, life, and mission. He sees this as a vital expression of the Church, lived out in solidarity locally and internationally. Passionate about helping individuals and communities grow, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing dreams often born from struggle and difficulty. His vision is one of empowering people to realize their potential and discover what God calls them to be, whether as individuals, groups, or the wider Church community.
Journal and reflect on the following
What aspects of Brother Tony Clarke’s life and ministry stood out to you the most, and why?
How did the example of the Marist Brothers during his school years shape Tony’s vocation and sense of identity?
Brother Tony describes Mary as both gentle and compassionate, but also radical and revolutionary. How do these different dimensions of Mary inspire your own faith journey?
What does “choosing a path of discipleship in the way of Mary” mean for you personally?
Why does Brother Tony see the Marist Association as such an important way of “being Church”?
How can we, like Brother Tony, help individuals and communities to realize their God-given potential, especially when that potential emerges out of struggle?
In what ways does belonging to both local and global communities of faith enrich your understanding of spirituality and mission?
Discuss
Song - Power of the Dream
Final Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for the life and witness of Brother Tony Clarke, for his years of service across many lands, and for the way he embodies discipleship in the way of Mary. We are grateful for the brothers who inspired him and for his passion to help individuals and communities grow, even through struggle and difficulty. May his example remind us of the power of compassion, solidarity, and shared mission in shaping the Church today. Bless him in his pastoral and formation work, and bless all of us with the same courage to follow Mary’s gentle yet revolutionary path, so that together we may become the people You call us to be. Amen.
