Pompallier Pilgrimage

Marist Laity shine in the early Pacific History and the momentum surges ahead. Marist Laity Australia can lay claim to a wonderful story. The Spirit "impelled" me to fly to New Zealand on a great quest: to rediscover our precious heritage of the early Marist missions in the Pacific. I'm still a little awed at the experience and the revelations. I was lucky to have Sr. Alyson to share resources before I left, as well as other sources.

Once back home, I sat and reflected and considered: "How can I share this wonderful Marist story? A book? Powerpoint? NO. Then it hit me with great force: a movie would give greatest impact. And so, over some 5-6 months I was consumed with this project of POMPALLIER PILGRIMAGE

In the last month there have been showing.-launches in Brisbane, Sydney and at the Brothers' retreat in Mittagong. I've been affirmed, delighted and "stoked" at the response. Going hand in hand was a two day "course" for Brothers at Mittagong with Br. Frederick McMahon and myself presenting. Again, a very heartening response to a story, whose time has come for retelling and celebrating. I must add that the spur came from a recently restored letter from Marcellin to his friend, Jean Baptist Pompallier written in 1838. Reflections:

- A highpoint is the living out of the Marist vision; with ALL branches playing their roles, did occurr in the 1830-40s.
- Women were undaunted by a clerical church and won their right to be at the forefront of mission. The Maori people responded eagerly to Bishop Pompallier and were so active in setting up the church in New Zealand. We've come to a new place in appraising the work of Pompallier and his missionaries.