The Marist Association of St Marcellin Australia’s fourth national assembly, held in Brisbane, brought together more than 120 Marists from across the country.
Held at Marist College Ashgrove, the June 27-29 assembly marked a significant milestone – 10 years since the association’s founding.
From its inception, the Marist Association has grown steadily, now with more than 1000 members and 50 local groups in nearly every state and territory.
The assembly opened with a welcome from executive director Richard Quinn, inviting participants into a space of spiritual focus and honest reflection. It was an opportunity to revisit commitments made three years ago, to assess progress, and to imagine a renewed vision for the road ahead.
At the heart of the assembly was the use of Spiritual Conversation methodology – a thoughtful and prayerful approach to dialogue popularised by the 2021–2024 Synod of Bishops.
Through deep listening and mutual respect, members were invited to engage with questions such as: “Who will we be? What do we care about? What will we do?”
Facilitator Prof Br David Hall described the experience as “an opportunity for profound wisdom to emerge in an environment of mutual respect”.
He said this year’s discernment centred on key themes such as deepening our spiritual grounding, strengthening local group connections, ensuring financial and structural sustainability, and renewing our commitment to walking with young people – especially those on the margins.
At the closing Mass, Archbishop Mark Coleridge formally commissioned the new association leader, Br Darren Burge, and the incoming council.
Br Burge succeeds Br Peter Carroll, provincial of the Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province, who served as the association’s leader for the past two terms.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, Br Carrol said: “Br Darren has the full confidence of the association. He has been deeply involved since its inception, and his warmth, attentiveness, and deep experience make him a natural choice to lead.”
Br Burge and the new council will now begin the task of developing a pastoral plan to guide the association’s mission over the next three years.
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Marist Association of St Marcellin Australia Holds Fourth National Assembly in Brisbane (Marist Association)
