The Missions of Oceania

What gave these first Marists the courage to go to Oceania? They went without knowing exactly where they were going, and they didn't really know much about the area. They certainly didn't know the language! There was no way to Google information to prepare for what might be waiting for them. And yet, they went! They were inspired by people like St. Francis Xavier and other missionaries who brought the Gospel to distant lands. They were drawn by the Holy Spirit and fired by Mary's YES to bring the Word into the world. Amazing when you think about it!

(Picture of Bishop Pompallier in the sacristy of IC Church.)

That first group of Marists included Bishop Pompallier, who was connected to the Marists from early on. He was consecrated Bishop in a Church right near the offices of the Propagation of the Faith, which was the congregation in Rome in charge of the foreign missions. The name of the Church is Immaculate Conception.

Fr. Kevin Stewart Presided at our Mass there this morning remembering all those who went with Pompallier on that journey. We remembered that our brothers from that moment, frequently in great danger, spread the faith to Oceania by their presence. In word and in deed they lived the Gospel. We try to live up to their courage in our own time in our own mission fields. Not an easy thing to do!



(Kevin Stewart, SM celebrating Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.)



The day ended with a 'book launch' here at the General House (my first). Fr. Charles Girard, SM edited a 9 Volume Book of letters that the Marist missionaries from Oceania sent back to France. nfortunately, it's in French so I'm not able to read it. But Fr. Greiler edited a companion book in English to go along with Charlie's work. The books were being promoted here in Rome today. Fr. Girard and Fr. Greiler ought to be proud of their accomplishments -- we're all proud of them and their dedication to researching our Marist heritage and making it come alive for us.


(We also did a quick visit to the Spanish steps in Rome on the way back.)