Dare to Dream

On 23 July 1816 in Lyon, France, a small group of young men pledged to found a religious congregation of “Marists”. Their dream became a reality in the foundation of the “Marist” family of religious and lay men and women. Two hundred years later, the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary, the Marist Brothers of the Schools, the Marist Sisters and the Society of Mary (Fathers and Brothers), together with the many groups of Marist Laity throughout the world, remember that significant moment of foundation. The Dare to Dream Marist Gathering involved Marist Youth representatives from across the four Branches of Marist around the world. I was one of five that travelled to Lyon to represent Marist Fathers New Zealand. 80 counties were represented at the gathering of over 400 participants. The highlights for me were meeting Marists from all over the world, sharing experiences and making new friends. Also traveling to significant places such as La Neylière where Jean-Claude Colin lived and died in 1875. During vocations week I will share more of my experiences and explain what it means to be Marist. 

Photo one: At the resting place of Jean-Claude Colin. Next to me is Fr John Hannan SM, Superior General.

Photo two: Representing New Zealand at the cultural performance night. We sang Mo Maria (a song written by first Marist priest to NZ Bishop Pompallier and performed the Haka.)

Photo three: On Saturday 23rd July we celebrated the bi-centenary of the Society of Mary with over 1000 people at the Fourvière Basilica.