The Marist Way

Following Mary's example as the first disciple of Jesus Christ — a community of Marist lay people and Marist religious in Australia.

Blog · 01 August 2026

Blog - Enough - A Marist Case for Living Simply in an Anxious Economy

This reflection asks whether our culture of unrestricted wealth and consumption is really the life Jesus envisioned, or an illusion that quietly blinds us to a deeper reality. Drawing on the story of the rich man who went away sad, unable to release the one thing he clung to, it names greed as a sin we have learned to call normal, one that damages both the human heart and the earth, as Pope Francis warns in Laudato Si'. Against this, Mary shows another way: she comes to Christ with nothing but an open heart, and invites us to seek a home in Nazareth marked by simplicity, presence, and hidden acts of love. The post proposes that lay people might take their own 'vow of simplicity,' choosing family over the endless climb, generosity over accumulation, and the forgotten person over our own schemes. True change, it concludes, is not merely taught but caught; it asks us to step beyond our comfort zones, let go of ego, and trust that God is hidden in the very simplicity and poverty we are invited to embrace.

Formation · 06 November 2026

Retreat - A Marist Reflection on living in the way of Mary

Join Marist Brother Bill O'Sullivan for A Marist Reflection on Living in the Way of Mary, a retreat that invites participants into the quiet, contemplative heart of the Marist tradition. Drawing on the spirituality that has shaped generations of Marists, Brother Bill explores what it means to walk through life as Mary did: attentive to the presence of God in ordinary moments, ready to say 'yes' without fully knowing where that yes will lead, and content to live 'hidden and unknown' in a world that prizes recognition. Through prayer, reflection, story, and shared silence, the retreat opens up Mary not as a distant figure of devotion but as a living model for discipleship, one who pondered all things in her heart and trusted God's will even when the way ahead was unclear.

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August 2026

Doing the Work of Mary - An Invitation to the Marist Way - Section 2 - Chapter 2 - Hidden and unknown

Formation — In Chapter 2 of Doing the Work of Mary: An Invitation to the Marist Way, the concept of being 'hidden and unknown' is explored as a key aspect of Marist spirituality. This phrase, drawn from Father Colin’s teachings, emphasizes humility and service without seeking recognition or attention. It reflects a deep commitment to embodying the spirit of Mary, who, though largely unnoticed by her contemporaries, played a central role in the plan of salvation. This Marist ideal challenges tendencies toward arrogance and pride, calling instead for a life of quiet service, where the true focus remains on the Gospel and the work of God.

Song - Lord of My Life - Matt Maher

Music — This song by Matt Maher, 'Be the Lord of My Life,' speaks to a spiritual journey and the desire for divine guidance and surrender. The opening lines depict a person feeling lost and directionless, akin to a ship without an anchor or a sky without a North star, symbolizing the lack of guidance and stability in life. The heart's tendency to wander represents the human inclination to stray from one's path or faith.

Homelessness - Social Justice Statement 2026

Social Justice — In recent years, Australia has faced a severe cost-of-living crisis, with the prices of essential goods and services—such as food, household necessities, mortgages, and rent—rising dramatically. This financial strain has left many Australians struggling to cope, with some relying on family or friends for shelter, and others tragically ending up on the streets. The growing number of people experiencing homelessness has placed immense pressure on support services, many of which are unable to assist everyone in need.

Fr Jim - What is Your Excuse - For Not Being - A Good Samaritan

Gospel — While walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Fr. Jim experienced deep connection and closeness with fellow pilgrims from around the world, even sharing food and space in ways that challenged his sense of personal boundaries. This sense of human connection stood in sharp contrast to life back home in Epping, where people often avoid eye contact, remain absorbed in their phones, and live in socially isolated bubbles. Fr. Jim reflects that while such separation became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now risk remaining disconnected long after the crisis has passed.

Baabayn - NAIDOC event - on July 10

Events — The Baabayn NAIDOC event will take place on July 10, with an important on-site meeting scheduled for Friday, July 4 at 11am at Whalan Reserve. This meeting offers a chance to connect with other organisations, volunteers, and cultural performers, and will cover key logistics such as parking, stall locations, and event layout. While volunteers unable to attend will be kept informed, it is essential that each group have a representative if possible. No vehicles are allowed on the sports fields, so stallholders must bring a trolley for equipment transport. Attendees are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles (water stations provided) and picnic blankets for seating, as camp chairs are restricted on sports ovals. Importantly, this is a Drug and Alcohol Free event. Final stall allocations and a run sheet will be sent closer to the date. Thanks to community support, the full event will go ahead as planned. For further questions, please contact Lawrie McCane, and sincere thanks are extended by Aunty Cassandra Ebsworth and the organising team.

Gospel - Keep my word

Gospel — In today’s Gospel – John 14:23-29 – we hear Jesus’ promise to the disciples: “‘My Father will love those who keep my word, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” There are two important parts to this statement by Jesus. The first is Jesus’ command “to keep his word.” The second is Jesus’ promise that he and the Father will dwell with us. This is the third time Jesus commands the disciples to “keep” his word (or commandment) and each command is accompanied by a promise of divine presence – see 14:15, 21 & 23. The command and the promise are of a piece. The interdependence of the command and the promise are beautifully implied in 1 John 2:5-6: “Whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection.

Event - Hope - Father Richard Lennan - June 1

Events — Fr Richard Lennan is a priest of the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, ordained in 1983. Aftergraduate studies at the University of Oxford and the University of Innsbruck (Austria) where hewrote his dissertation on Karl Rahner’s ecclesiology, he taught from 1992-2007 at the CatholicInstitute of Sydney. During this time, he was a member of the Australian Anglican-Catholicdialogue and served as President of the Australian Catholic Theological Association (2005-07). FrRichard moved to the United States in 2007 to teach at Weston Jesuit School of Theology inCambridge MA and is currently Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Theology andMinistry at Boston College where he also chairs the Ecclesiastical Faculty. Fr Richard’s researchand teaching focus on ecclesiology, ministry and the theology of Karl Rahner. He has authored oredited nine books and is an editorial consultant for Theological Studies. Most recently, he was amember of the theological panel for the Plenary Council of Australia.

Prayer Calling Forth Our Angels

Prayer — This prayer calls upon the Holy Spirit to send forth guardian angels for guidance, protection, and strength, drawing from key biblical encounters with angels. It reflects on the angels who rolled away the stone at Christ’s tomb, asking for obstacles to be removed in our own spiritual journeys. It recalls Gabriel’s message to Zechariah, reminding us to trust in God’s promises even in moments of doubt. The prayer invokes the angels who sang to the shepherds, urging us to be bearers of hope, and the angel who led Joseph to Egypt, encouraging us to follow God’s will despite challenges. Like the angel who directed Philip, it calls us to serve others in love, and like those who freed Peter, it asks for freedom from the chains that bind us and our loved ones. Michael the Archangel is invoked for strength in spiritual battles, and the prayer concludes by pointing to Christ’s ascension, urging us to keep our eyes fixed on God’s divine plans. It is a plea for divine assistance in every direction of life, reinforcing our trust in God’s guiding hand.

Father Jim - I am not worthy

Gospel — Fr. Jim begins by recalling a humorous scene from the movie Wayne’s World, where the main characters bow before their idol, saying, 'We're not worthy!' He connects this idea to the biblical experiences of Peter and Isaiah, both of whom felt unworthy in the presence of God. Peter, after witnessing Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish, reacts by saying, 'Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' Similarly, Isaiah, upon seeing a vision of God, declares that he is unclean. Fr. Jim explains that this deep sense of unworthiness is actually a sign of a genuine encounter with God, as it reveals our human limitations in the face of divine greatness.

Being Rejected - at a Time of Christmas - A Pathway to Knowing God

Blog — As we embrace the festive cheer and warmth of Christmas, it's also a poignant time to reflect on themes of rejection and resilience, vividly illustrated in the story of the Nativity and the lives of the Marist founders. Rejection, while often painful, carries a profound spiritual significance that aligns with the deepest teachings of our faith.

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August 2026

Blog - Enough - A Marist Case for Living Simply in an Anxious Economy

Blog — This reflection asks whether our culture of unrestricted wealth and consumption is really the life Jesus envisioned, or an illusion that quietly blinds us to a deeper reality. Drawing on the story of the rich man who went away sad, unable to release the one thing he clung to, it names greed as a sin we have learned to call normal, one that damages both the human heart and the earth, as Pope Francis warns in Laudato Si'. Against this, Mary shows another way: she comes to Christ with nothing but an open heart, and invites us to seek a home in Nazareth marked by simplicity, presence, and hidden acts of love. The post proposes that lay people might take their own 'vow of simplicity,' choosing family over the endless climb, generosity over accumulation, and the forgotten person over our own schemes. True change, it concludes, is not merely taught but caught; it asks us to step beyond our comfort zones, let go of ego, and trust that God is hidden in the very simplicity and poverty we are invited to embrace.

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Saint Francis and the Sultan seeking peace

Story — Saint Francis in the 1219 traveled to Egypt to engage with the Islamic sultan Al Kamil during the crusades. Francis went to seek peace. After Francis had approached the Christian generals, they rejected him. Francis stayed in the camp with Sultan in dialogue. There was a mutual understanding and appreciation of each other.

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Prayer - July 26 - Matthew 13:44-52

Prayer — This is a complete prayer and reflection liturgy centred on the Gospel of Matthew 13:44-52, in which Jesus uses three parables — the treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price, and the net of good and bad fish — to reveal the meaning of the Kingdom of Heaven. The liturgy opens with an Acknowledgement of Country, a breathing meditation to enter God's presence, the Sign of the Cross, and an opening prayer to the Holy Spirit, before the Gospel is proclaimed by assigned readers (Narrator, Jesus, and Disciples). A four-part reflection then unpacks each parable, drawing out the theme that the Kingdom's meaning is often hidden and that even the difficult or 'bad' parts of our lives can become stepping stones toward God. The service concludes with a silent pause, three Prayers of the Faithful, a two-part closing prayer, and a final blessing, framed throughout by music (Oceans and Build Your Kingdom Here).

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Kiribati - a drowning paradise - in the South Pacific

Environment — On the low-lying atolls of Kiribati, families like Tear Tata’s are struggling to survive as rising sea levels caused by climate change erode their land, flood homes, and contaminate water supplies. Makeshift coral sea walls offer only temporary protection, while overpopulation and limited infrastructure worsen the crisis. Despite government efforts—such as climate education, mangrove planting, vocational training for seafaring, and new economic ventures like palm sugar production—many residents fear displacement and the eventual loss of their homeland. Yet, a deep sense of cultural identity and resilience persists, as locals strive to adapt, protect their traditions, and hold onto hope in the face of an uncertain future.

Movie - The Shift - By Wayne Dyer

Movies — 'The Shift', also known as 'Ambition to Meaning' in some releases, is a spiritual film featuring Dr. Wayne Dyer. It explores the transformational journey of moving from a life built on ambition, external achievements, and accumulation (often associated with the first half of life) to a life of purpose, meaning, and inner fulfillment (often associated with the second half of life).

Short film - The Shepherd - A story of the first Christmas

Movies — The Chosen tells the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of a shepherd whose life of suffering and rejection changes when he and his fellow shepherds receive a miraculous revelation.

Song - I Am Australian in Yawuru Aboriginal language

Music — Watch a very special performance of 'I Am Australian' by the students of Broome Primary School. The ABC would like to thank the Mabu Yawuru ngan-ga language team and Yawuru Traditional Owners of Broome for providing the translation of the song 'I Am Australian' and for assisting us in the making of this video. To find out more and share your ABC stories visit

Song and Prayer - St Maximilian Kolbe

Music — The song 'Maximilian Kolbe' tells the powerful story of Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Catholic priest who was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The song portrays his selfless sacrifice and unwavering love in the face of unimaginable cruelty and despair.

A Guide to leadership - Simon Sinek

Leadership — Simon Sinek's presentation, 'A Guide to Leadership,' explores the true essence and challenges of leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in our charge. Sinek points out that most people are trained to be good at their jobs, but there's a lack of training in how to lead others. This gap often results in managers who micromanage instead of true leaders.

Movie - Akeelah and the Bee

Movies — Akeelah and the Bee tells the inspiring story of Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old girl living in South Los Angeles. She's highly intelligent and has a special gift for spelling, but she's also facing many challenges: her father has passed away, her mother is overworked and skeptical of Akeelah's ambitions, and her school is under-resourced. Akeelah tries to hide her talent to avoid being teased, but her principal encourages her to enter a spelling bee, setting her on a path that will challenge and transform her.

Stan Grant - On Country - with Indira Naidoo

Aboriginal Spirituality — Stan Grant, a respected Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi journalist, has transitioned from a decades-long media career into theology and spiritual reflection. After facing intense public backlash during the Voice to Parliament referendum, Stan Grant retreated to his property on Muradjug land, seeking healing and connection. He described the deep pain of the 'No' vote as a profound existential sadness, not merely political but personal—a rejection of Indigenous identity. Silence, for him, became a sacred and powerful language when words failed.

Song - Chris Tomlin - We The Kingdom - Christmas Day

Music — 'Christmas Day' by We The Kingdom is a festive song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the joy and significance of this event. The lyrics invite everyone, from the most humble to the greatest, to adore and find peace in Jesus, known as Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.' The song acknowledges the sovereignty of God and His goodness, and highlights the central Christian belief that Jesus was born to conquer death, symbolizing hope and redemption for humanity.

Brené Brown - on Jesus and vulnerable spirituality

People — In this Spiritual Life podcast finale, Father James Martin and Brené Brown explore faith, vulnerability, and authenticity through Brown’s spiritual journey from her Jesuit-influenced Catholic childhood to her present life as an Episcopalian with a “mystical Catholic” heart. She reflects on loving God yet struggling with church hypocrisy, finding God’s presence in community and daily practice through adapted prayers and the Ignatian Examen. Discussing courage and leadership, she parallels emotional “armor” with spiritual disconnection, seeing Jesus as the model of courageous vulnerability—unarmored love in action. Both emphasize returning to faith without judgment, dismantling false images of God, and embracing the mystery of divine love as something to live rather than solve.

Taize - Veni Sancte Spiritus - virtual choir

Music — 'Veni Sancte Spiritus,' also known as the 'Golden Sequence,' is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost. It's a beautiful, ancient hymn calling on the Holy Spirit. The text is attributed to either Pope Innocent III or Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the early 13th century. Here are the traditional Latin lyrics along with an English translation.

Retreat - A Marist Reflection on living in the way of Mary

Formation — Join Marist Brother Bill O'Sullivan for A Marist Reflection on Living in the Way of Mary, a retreat that invites participants into the quiet, contemplative heart of the Marist tradition. Drawing on the spirituality that has shaped generations of Marists, Brother Bill explores what it means to walk through life as Mary did: attentive to the presence of God in ordinary moments, ready to say 'yes' without fully knowing where that yes will lead, and content to live 'hidden and unknown' in a world that prizes recognition. Through prayer, reflection, story, and shared silence, the retreat opens up Mary not as a distant figure of devotion but as a living model for discipleship, one who pondered all things in her heart and trusted God's will even when the way ahead was unclear.

The Land Owns Us

Aboriginal Spirituality — Bob Randall, an Aboriginal Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Australia, explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. This way includes all beings as part of a vast family and calls us to be responsible for this family

Domestic violence - Dr Ann ONeill turned grief - into good

Social Justice — The ABC Australian Story about Dr. Anne O'Neill offers a profound and emotional narrative of her resilience and recovery following a harrowing family tragedy. At 24, Dr. O'Neill was stalked, harassed, and intimidated by her estranged husband for 18 months. This culminated in a tragic night when he broke into her home and fatally shot their two children before turning the gun on himself, leaving Dr. O'Neill severely wounded and ultimately leading to the amputation of her leg.

Nothing Else - The Heart of Worship - Kari Jobe

Music — 'Nothing Else' by Cody Carnes and 'The Heart of Worship' by Matt Redman are both powerful worship songs that focus on returning to the core of faith: a genuine connection with God.

Why we have too few women leaders - Sheryl Sandberg

Leadership — Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk, 'Why we have too few women leaders,' addresses the issue of women's underrepresentation at the highest levels of professional sectors worldwide. She begins by sharing staggering statistics: out of 190 heads of state, only nine are women; women hold just 13% of parliamentary positions globally; and they make up a meager 15-16% of C-level jobs and corporate board seats, a figure that has been stagnant since 2002 and is, in some cases, declining.

Multiple Choice Practise - Studies of Religion - Post 1945

Studies of Religion — Interactive practise multiple choice questions for the Post 1945 topic for Studies of Religion HSC Syllabus.

Song - My Island Home - Warumpi Band

Music — 'My Island Home' is a deeply meaningful and evocative song that touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the longing for a sense of place and connection to one's cultural roots. Originally written by Neil Murray, the song was made famous by Christine Anu's powerful rendition, which resonated with many Australians. The song's lyrics tell the story of an Indigenous person who has been living in the city for six years. Despite being away from their ancestral homeland, the person constantly dreams of their island home and the sea, symbolizing a profound yearning for a return to their cultural heritage and the land of their ancestors.

5 Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Life

Parents Corner — This video discusses the four traditional styles of parenting: authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and neglectful. Each style is characterized by different approaches to control, warmth, and responsiveness. The effects of these parenting styles on children's development are explored through the lives of four fictional children.

The Myth of Unconditional Love

Relationships — When we say we want #unconditionalâ€‹ #loveâ€‹, what we really mean is that we want an unconditional relationship. We want a #relationshipâ€‹ with no consequences. We want a relationship where no matter what we do or donâ€™t do, the other person will continue to value us and appreciate us to the degree that they will feel good towards us and never ever get into conflict suffering with us or want to leave us. Sit with this for a minute.

Blog - The sacred in ordinary

Spirituality — In this reflective blog, Andrew explores the hidden holiness found within the ordinary chaos of family life, arguing that the home itself is a sacred space where God’s grace quietly unfolds. Drawing on the hidden years of Jesus in Nazareth, the example of Mary, the teachings of the Second Vatican Council on the “domestic church,” and Marist spirituality, he invites readers to see parenting, housework, meals, exhaustion, and daily acts of love not as interruptions to spiritual life, but as the very place where faith is lived, holiness is formed, and God is deeply present.

The Real Risk of Forgiveness - And Why Its Worth It - Sarah Montana

Relationships — In the TED Talk 'The Real Risk of Forgivenessâ€“And Why Itâ€™s Worth It,' Sarah Montana shares her personal journey of grappling with the concept of forgiveness after the murder of her mother and brother. She outlines her struggle to genuinely forgive the perpetrator, a struggle compounded by the societal expectation to quickly forgive. Montana delves into the reasons people forgive, often prematurely, such as to be seen as a good person, to alleviate discomfort for others, or as a perceived shortcut to healing.

Gospel - Jubliee Year - Sharing Wealth

Gospel — In this reflection, Father Jim explores the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, declared by Pope Francis, and its biblical roots in Leviticus. The original Jubilee, celebrated every 50 years, was a time of economic and social reset—debts were forgiven, land was returned, and the goal was to prevent long-term poverty and extreme wealth accumulation. It aimed to keep society just, ensuring no one was trapped in generational poverty or allowed to dominate through excessive wealth. Father Jim draws attention to how far modern society has drifted from this ideal, with the rise of billionaires and increasing numbers of people living paycheck to paycheck—an imbalance that threatens peace and equality.

Straw No More - Molly Steer

Think Global — Molly Steer, a nine-year-old from Cairns, was inspired to take action after watching the documentary A Plastic Ocean. She learned that plastic never breaks down and is devastating marine life, with straws, bags, and other waste harming turtles, birds, and fish—and ultimately humans who consume seafood. Shocked by the scale of the problem, particularly the 500 million straws used daily, Molly realized that even small, everyday items like straws have a lasting impact on the planet.

Movie - Saint Augustine

Movies — The 2010 film Saint Augustine is a historical drama that explores the life, inner struggles, and spiritual transformation of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers—Saint Augustine of Hippo. Set in the backdrop of the late Roman Empire, the story is framed by the events of 410 AD, when the Visigoths are invading Rome. An aged Bishop Augustine reflects on his past, recounting his journey from a brilliant yet restless philosopher and political orator to a humble servant of God. The film provides both a dramatic portrayal and an introspective look into the personal, intellectual, and spiritual evolution of Augustine.

The Chosen - The Last Supper

Movies — In the climactic moments of Season 5, The Chosen brings Jesus and His disciples to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As tension with the religious leaders grows and the shadow of betrayal looms, Jesus gathers with His closest followers for what will become known as the Last Supper. Set in an upper room, the atmosphere is both intimate and heavy with unspoken emotion. Jesus washes the feet of each disciple, a radical act of humility that sets the tone for what is to come. He then blesses the bread and wine, offering them as His body and blood—instituting the Eucharist and revealing the depth of His self-giving love.

One - U2

Music — 'One' by U2 is often interpreted as a song about unity and reconciliation. The lyrics suggest a dialogue between two people who have experienced conflict and are contemplating whether their relationship can be salvaged. The song speaks to the possibility of coming together as 'one' despite differences, but also acknowledges the hurt and bitterness that can keep people apart.

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Spirituality on Blog - The sacred in ordinary

This reflection is such a gentle and needed reminder that the kitchen table, the 1am wake-up, and the patient presence through a child's frustration are not interruptions to our spiritual life but are the very fabric of it. The idea that Jean-Claude Colin called his followers to be present "in the manner of Mary", quietly, humbly, without seeking the spotlight, fits the hidden daily work of family life so perfectly. What is one ordinary moment in your daily routine that, after reading this, y

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026

People on A Mothers Day Reflection

This reflection beautifully captures how Mary's quiet presence at the foot of the cross is an invitation for all of us, not just mothers, to stand alongside others in their suffering with compassion and patience. The examples of Moira Kelly and the volunteers in the Philippines remind us that this "mothering" presence can take so many courageous forms in our world. Who in your life has been a "mother" to you in this sense, someone who showed up and accompanied you through a diffic

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026

Events on Marist Fourviere Celebration 2026

What a wonderful way to celebrate the 210th anniversary of the Marist Pledge at Fourvière with Mass, morning tea, a ukulele group, and a youth concert sounds like a truly joyful community gathering! The Fourvière Pledge reminds us that the Marist charism was born in a moment of humble and prayerful surrender to Mary's guidance. Are you planning to come along on 26 July, and is there someone in your family, parish, or community you could personally invite to join you?

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026

Blog on Come, Holy Spirit - The God Who Shows Up - When We Are Scared

The image of whispering "Come, Holy Spirit" in a moment of trembling vulnerability, and then feeling that warmth and presence, is something that resonates deeply. It is so true that God so often shows up not in our strength, but precisely in the places where we feel most out of our depth. Have you ever had a moment, big or small, where you felt the Holy Spirit show up unexpectedly, and what did that feel like for you?

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026

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