Saint and Missionary

For a while the missionaries seem to have lodged with the king; they must have had a very abrupt introduction to that sharing in the common life of the islanders which in future would be, to a great extent, their daily lot. Niuliki was as good as his word and made sure they were supplied with food and drink, though the unaccustomed diet of the islanders, and the unfamiliar timing of their meals must have added still more to the feeling of the newcomers that they had entered a completely new world. Nowadays we talk about culture shock, but probably there are few places remaining on the face of the earth where one could experience such a violent change of life as those Marists did in those weeks. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 24 )

Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.”

As Marists, we are actively concerned and pay close attention to the consequences of global warming and climate issues. We seek to educate ourselves and others about issues affecting our world.

We are reminded of the words by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”

To find out more about Earth Day 2024 resources and events click HERE.

Dependency on God

The missionaries of Wallis and Futuna were left in virtual isolation. If they had shown striking courage in leaving France for a voyage literally into the unknown, they displayed nothing less than heroism in taking this further leap into the dark. Over and above the formidable language difficulty and the problems of food and shelter, was the total insecurity of their situation. No friendly flag flew over these islands; the help so often provided to missionaries by colonial powers was thousands of miles away. The islanders were warlike people, accustomed to bloodshed. What would their attitude be when they realised that the newcomers were precisely the European missionaries of whom they were strongly suspicious? (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 21-22)

Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Teacher of the Faith

One can only imagine the rigours of the voyage, including the rounding of Cape Horn in a small sailing ship, a manoeuvre which took nearly two months. Peter, with his great gift of meeting people and working with them, spent much time with the crew, who in the beginning had regarded the missionaries with deep distrust. Along with Pierre Bataillon he gave reading lessons to those who needed and wanted them; from this it was but a short step to what we would call reconversion and in the end many of them made their Easter duties. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 16)

Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.