One in Heart and Mind

No-one who watched the recent Live 8 Concerts on TV could have been immune to the power of solidarity. As musicians and technicians networked across the globe to bring people together to raise humanity's conscience, and consciousness, about the absurdity of poverty in a rich world, there emerged a genuine belief that to Make Poverty History could actually be achieved! It is an ideal that could only be realised with unity of mind, will and heart.

"One in Mind and Heart" was the theme of the Marist Laity NZ Conference held 22-25 April 2005 at St Joseph's Renewal Centre, Auckland. With delegates from NZ, Samoans from Wellington, Tongans from Auckland, Fiji, Wallis, Futuna, New Caledonia, Australia and USA, it had a distinctly Oceanic flavour. Australia was well represented : Kay Annesley (VIC), Barbara Ashwell, Maria Baden, Sr Marie-Berise Nash sm, Fr Patrick Kervin sm (NSW) and Tony Warren (QLD)

The Conference began with a concelebrated Mass led by Bishop Robin Leamy sm. Fr John Craddock gave a powerful homily on the gospel passage, In my Father's House there are many rooms. He likened the many rooms to the many different expressions of Marist Laity. The challenge of the conference would be to find the unity of mind and heart that would transcend these differences. He used the beautiful 15th century image of Mary 'gathering all' under her mantle, as a way of depicting the Marist Family. By working together, one mind and one heart, we are bringing people to God in the way of Mary. Mass was followed by a wonderful Tongan welcome of song and dance, which was to continue throughout the conference as a powerful way of creating unity.

Fr John Allardyce sm gave the first presentation: Mary's Faith, Mary's Love, Mary's Choice. He traced Mary's place in God's huge plan for humanity by looking at her faith. "Faith is the surrender of my life to God." Mary's "yes" to God brought life. We are challenged to voice our own "yes". Mary teaches us to make the whole of our lives an offering to God. Mary's love is reflected in her title, "Mother of Mercy". At the foot of the Cross, she learned Mercy and took on the maternity of the whole world. "The merciful face of God's motherly love is..Mary." In Mary's choice, Fr John touched on a foundational Marist insight: "It is she who chose you." (J.C.Colin). As Marists, she chose each one of us, inviting us to help her do her work. And what is this work? Compassion for those most in need; Unity in her family and Evangelization Let's take our cue from Mary!

Sr Catherine Jones smsm, gave the next session: Marists- Where We Have Come From, taking a novel approach by looking at actual places of importance in the Marist story and giving them symbolic significance. Le Puy - the place of inspiration; Fourviere - the place of commitment; Cerdon - the place of mission. These places gradually moved beyond France to Oceania, the "foreign missions." The people of the Pacific played a key role in the formation and development of Marist spirituality. In small groups, we reflected on our own Marist journey, pinpointing our personal places of inspiration, commitment and mission. This session ended in an uproar with surprise cameo appearances of Fr Colin, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, Marcellin Champagnat and Francoise Perroton. Amidst much hilarity and excitement, these Marist celebrities were interviewed by Sr Catherine! A unique experience to see and hear them in the flesh!! The third morning session was delivered by a lay Marist, Filipo Motulalo: The Marist Way: As Lived by Tongans in NZ.

Saturday afternoon was truly spirit-directed. The many different groups shared their particular ways of being Marist in their cultures. These stories became the vehicles for understanding the "many rooms" in the Marist Household.

On Sunday, we left Auckland early for our pilgrimage to the St Peter Chanel shrine at the Bay of Islands. The natural beauty of this whole area inspired us all. After celebrating Mass with the parishioners of Russell, the reliquary of St Peter Chanel was opened and we all spent sacred time with this great Marist saint whose catch-phrase was:

"To Love Mary and to Make Her Loved"

Then it was off to visit the historic Pompallier House and Marist Printery. On the long journey back we were warmly welcomed by the Marist Family of Whangarei who fed and entertained us to the full!

Monday, 25 April, ANZAC day, was especially meaningful for us Aussies united with our NZ brothers and sisters, remembering those fallen in wartime

Fr Michael Young gave the final presentation, Mary in the Liturgy, which gave us wonderful insights into Mary's place in the Eucharist. Fr Michael spanned Mary's life from her Immaculate Conception to her Assumption and gave each of the key events in her life Eucharistic meaning. Every aspect of Mary's life tells us something about Christ, but also about us, because she is one of us. Mary's place in the liturgy tells us what it means to be Marist - to think, live and breathe as Mary. As Marists, we encounter Mary sitting, standing and kneeling in the midst of her Family.

The conference ended on a great high for all participants. Fr Patrick Kervin, drew out the gems of the conference in the final homily. The many parting speeches and generous gift-giving over, we were treated to a rousing Tongan farewell concert which ended with all of us dancing and singing. The challenge of the conference, to find unity of mind and heart, had been met!

Thank you Fr John Craddock, Jane Langham and Glynis Collins for providing this wonderful Marist experience Thanks also to the staff of St Joseph's for your efficiency and hospitality Thanks to the many Tongans and Samoans who gave the conference such spirit and spontaneity with their music May Mary develop in all of us that Marist intuition towards unity in mind and heart.

Maria Baden