Missionary Memorial

“Their call is to be truly missionary”

On 16 June, a small group of Marists gathered under grey and windy skies to remember a number of Marist missionaries, Fathers, Brothers and one lay Marist, who were laid to rest in the Church grounds of St Charles Borromeo Ryde, in the 19th century, and to witness the blessing of a memorial stone honouring them. Fr Paul Monkerud, Parish Priest, and Fr Paul Cooney, Marist Provincial, officiated at the ceremony. Fr Tony King sm gave a short address. These Marists travelled from their homelands in France and Ireland to do Mary’s Work in Fiji, Wallis, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia New Zealand and Australia. The strong Marist spirit that survives at St Patricks Church Hill, Hunters Hill and Ryde is largely due to these men who helped shape the character of Marist ministry in Australia.

The lay Marist was a Samoan, Victor Ioela, who is buried with the others in the grounds of St Charles.

May the example of Christian love and fidelity to mission, shown by these men, be an example to all Marists of today.

Maria Baden