Background and Early History

It is important to reflect on the history of Marist laity in order to provide a context for expressing how the present has evolved. Marist Laity Melbourne (MLM) was formed out of the close relationship between members of the laity and the Marist Sisters who had established themselves as teachers in the parish schools of Burwood and Bennettswood in the late 1950s. It was through the shared responsibility between the Sisters and families in the education and formation of local children that the spiritual movement took root. Two people stand out as pivotal to the development of the early Marist laity movement; Kevin Luxford, lay Marist and visionary and Sr Marie-Berise Nash sm a teacher, and mentor to the local Marist laity group while both simultaneously contributing towards building a national Marist laity movement. When this dream became a reality with the launch of Marist Laity Australia (MLA) on Sunday 20 July 2003 at a special Fourviere celebration at Villa Maria Church, Hunters Hill, Sydney, in the presence of representatives of the four religious branches; Marist Fathers & Brothers sm; Marist Teaching Brothers fms; Marist Sisters sm and the Marist Missionary Sisters smsm, the Marist laity became part of the Marist Story. Today, Marist laity continues as equal sharers in the mission of the Marist Family - to bring the presence of Christ in the prayful, compassionate spirit of Mary, Mother of God.