The Netflix documentary World’s Water Crisis explores humanity’s growing struggle to secure clean, accessible water in a world where it is increasingly scarce. Although modern life allows many to take running water for granted, the film shows how fragile this privilege truly is. Using Cape Town’s near-catastrophic “Day Zero” as a central example, the documentary highlights how cities across the globe—including São Paulo, Melbourne, and Mexico City—are approaching similar tipping points due to overuse, drought, and poor water management.

Join us for a Marist Pilgrimage on Sunday, May 4, as we journey through Marist sacred spaces and stories that have shaped the Marist mission in Australia. Starting at St Patrick’s Crypt in Sydney with a guided tour by Fr McMurrich, we’ll travel by bus to Hunters Hill to explore key sites of the Marist Fathers and Brothers, and the Marist Missionary Sisters at Woodbury house , then continue to Woolwich to hear the inspiring story of the Marist Sisters. It’s a day of reflection, connection, and deepening your understanding of Marist spirituality and heritage—all are welcome!

In today’s Gospel, Luke’s account of the Passion (Luke 22:14–23:56), we are drawn into the climactic heart of the Christian story—Jesus' suffering and death. As Fr. Michael Whelan reflects, echoing Cardinal Kasper, the Gospels are not merely moral lessons but Passion narratives with extended introductions, culminating in the cross, which is not incidental but essential to the Incarnation. The mission of Jesus is not to hand us a moral code but to enter the very depths of human experience—the “abyss and night of death”—where our alienation and woundedness are most profound. In the Eucharist, we remember and participate in this transformative descent, proclaiming the liberating power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here, we are invited to say “Yes” to our full humanity, to embrace the mystery of salvation not as escape, but as redemption within the flesh of our lives. True freedom, as Whelan underscores, emerges when we dare to follow Jesus into the desert of our own vulnerability and allow ourselves to be found by the One who heals us.

'Ten Years of Hope' documents the transformative journey of Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America and the first to take the name Francis, signaling his mission to emulate Saint Francis of Assisi—advocating for the poor, the environment, and the marginalized. His election in 2013 came after a turbulent period in the Catholic Church, marked by scandals and division. From his first words, “Buona sera,” spoken with humility, Pope Francis captured hearts with his simplicity and unexpected acts of compassion, such as washing the feet of juvenile detainees, including Muslims and women. These gestures began to define him as the “Pope of surprises” and a leader committed to restoring credibility to the Church.

In the climactic moments of Season 5, The Chosen brings Jesus and His disciples to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As tension with the religious leaders grows and the shadow of betrayal looms, Jesus gathers with His closest followers for what will become known as the Last Supper. Set in an upper room, the atmosphere is both intimate and heavy with unspoken emotion. Jesus washes the feet of each disciple, a radical act of humility that sets the tone for what is to come. He then blesses the bread and wine, offering them as His body and blood—instituting the Eucharist and revealing the depth of His self-giving love.

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me. You have been so, so good to me. Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me. You have been so so kind to me.

The April 2025 edition of the Marist Way Australia Newsletter reflects on the Easter Triduum amid a world of uncertainty, encouraging readers to find hope through the example of Mary. It invites participation in the Marist Way Committee, which unites branches of the Marist family to nurture the charism through prayer, reflection, resources, and retreats. The newsletter highlights recent online prayer gatherings and announces the upcoming Marist Pilgrimage on May 4 across sacred Sydney sites. It also shares news of a proposed JPIC website focused on justice and peace, encourages feedback on domain names, and celebrates the cross-cultural connection fostered through The Other Half program with Filipino youth. Lastly, it promotes the 2025 Marian Lecture by renowned Wiradjuri journalist Stan Grant, who will speak on hope and healing in a fractured world.

Jonathan Roumie’s journey to portraying Jesus in The Chosen began with small-scale performances for a friend’s church. Initially cast in a short film titled The Two Thieves, Roumie originally auditioned for the role of the penitent thief but was unexpectedly asked to read for Jesus. Though Jesus had few lines, Roumie embraced the role, which led to recurring collaborations with Dallas Jenkins—the creator of The Chosen. These early projects, rooted in Ignatian spirituality and filmed for Good Friday services, laid the foundation for the larger vision of a series exploring the life and ministry of Christ. What began as a short film eventually transformed into a multi-season global phenomenon, with The Chosen becoming the most successful crowdfunded television series in history, streaming to millions worldwide.

Documentary and Trailer of the Passion of the Christ