From Aotearoa to L’Hermitage: 12 Champagnat Marists Journey to the Heart of Marist Origins

maristbrothers

19 hours ago

5 min read

From 18 to 28 September, 12 Champagnat Marists from Aotearoa New Zealand undertook their third annual pilgrimage to Rome, L’Hermitage and Lyon. It was a deeply moving journey, tracing the footsteps of St Marcellin Champagnat. Along the way, the pilgrims deepened their understanding of the Marist heart and mission and formed beautiful connections that will last a lifetime, writes Daniel Dungey, Partnership Coordinator for Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our third annual pilgrimage brought together 12 Champagnat Marists from Aotearoa New Zealand for a transformative journey to Rome, Lyon and l’Hermitage from 18-28 September 2026. The pilgrimage was capably and enthusiastically led by Fr John Craddock SM (Chaplain) and Dan Dungey (Coordinator), with the presence of Br Kevin at l’Hermitage a particularly welcome addition for our pilgrims from ‘Far Distant Shores’.

**Pilgrims in front of the statue of Marcellin Champagnat at the Vatican, Rome**

Our purpose remains clear: to offer a 10-day transformative experience that connects pilgrims with the people, places and spirit that shaped Marcellin Champagnat, renewing their own sense of faith, vocation, and mission. Four Directors of Religious Studies (DRS’) from our Champagnat Marist Schools’ Network (Marcellin, St Paul’s, Sacred Heart & Campion College’s) joined staff, proprietor board and our wider Marist whānau representatives, including three married couples.

**The pilgrims arrive at L’Hermitage - 21 Sept**

The journey began in Rome with a shared meal on Saturday evening close to our central

accommodation at Casa per Ferie Sancta Lucia Filippini. A visit to the Marist Brothers’ General House was a real highlight, where Brothers Rajkumar Soosai Manickam and Michael Sexton warmly welcomed us.

After morning tea, our new Superior General, Br Peter Carroll (2026–2033), warmly embraced our pilgrims before sharing informal insights into developments during the first 12 months of his Council’s leadership. The day concluded fittingly with our Marist Brothers joining us for Mass, followed by pranzo with members of the community.

**Mo Cunning, Br Peter Carroll and Dan Dungey**

Spirits were high the following day as we entered the sacred grounds of the Vatican. At our St Marcellin statue, we reflected on the qualities of our founder and the inspiration behind the statue. A blessing from Pope Leo at the conclusion of the mid-morning Mass, followed by a second opportunity at the midday Angelus, lifted the spirits of our pilgrims after the long journey required to reach Rome.

Our encounters in Rome firmly established the kaupapa (purpose) of the pilgrimage and, through group reflection, the overwhelming feeling was one of gratitude for being part of our evolving Marist Story.

**(L-R) Fr John Craddock SM, Br Kevin, Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux and Dan Dungey**

In Lyon we encountered origins of the Marist Project at Fourvière and experienced the spiritual connection of being in places significant to the life and works of St Marcellin Champagnat, particularly at l’Hermitage and throughout the surrounding region. A special ‘Te Waewae Tapu – Sacred first-time visitors’ ritual took place upon our arrival at l’Hermitage. Each pilgrim offered a taonga (gifts representing hopes and dreams) that held deep meaning to them. We also honoured and acknowledged the spirits of the early Marists who came to Aotearoa on mission and died there. Setting out in 1836 with Bishop Pompallier were:

• Fathers: Servant, Bataillon, Bret & Peter Chanel

• Brothers: Marie Nizier, Michel Colomban & Joseph Zavier

There were so many blessings upon our arrival in France, and not even the occasional set back or weary body could diminish the spirit of our group. The accompaniment of Br Michel Longena Bokolu from the l’Hermitage community, whose wisdom, insights and genuine care enriched our time in ‘Champagnat Country’.

Another special moment came through Fr John’s close friendship with Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux who concelebrated Mass with us in his hometown of Marlhes. Bishop Jean-Yves was previously administrator of Notre Dame de Paris, Bishop of Pontoise and then Guadeloupe. His connection with our group wasdeeply meaningful, as he was responsible for negotiating with the French authorities for the exhumation and repatriation of Bishop Pompallier.

**Pilgrims gather around the LaValla table**

Sharing mass at Le Puy with a Marist family from Venezuela was a fitting reminder that the

original Marist dream continues to live on in each of us.

Many thanks to Brothers Darren Burge and Peter Horide for supporting this initiative; to Br David for preparing the Te Waewae Tapu ritual and all our mass and liturgy resources; and to

Br Bill Lawley (RIP) and Mo Cunning for their tireless work in fulfilling our printing request, which has become an important collection of keepsakes for the group.

Support comes in many different forms, and it is with deep gratitude that we would like to thank the many prayers and encouraging messages received from our Marist Bothers and wider Champagnat Marist whanau throughout this journey. As we are all aware, our pilgrimage is only now just beginning!

To journey alongside two passionate Marist men in Br Kevin and Fr John Craddock in delivering an authentic pilgrimage of the heart was a true joy. Our group acknowledged that we were all beneficiaries of their wonderful knowledge, companionship and presence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the communities of Br Kevin and Fr John for sharing these inspiring men and their gifts with us.

**Br Michel Longena Bokolu FMS, member of l’Hermitage community with pilgrims walking from La Valla to l’Hermitage**

Although Brothers Barry and Martin were not with us in person this year, their spirit was felt every step of the way. Their pastoral care and support were evident throughout every liturgy and timetabled event, and we extend our sincere thanks and gratitude for the part they played in making this pilgrimage possible.

Br Peter Carroll encourages us to build a new l’Hermitage for today in our own local regions, and we have a mighty foundation to build upon, 209 years on. As we now look towards the revisioning of our Marist dream here in Aotearoa New Zealand, let us be mindful of the ongoing need for coresponsibility.

Together, we can continue to dream new dreams for the benefit of God’s mission, inspired by Marcellin, Mary and Jesus, as companions on this journey.

At the beginning of the pilgrimage, pilgrims were each given a basket known as He Kete Taonga. This kete (basket) contains the taonga (hopes and dreams) of pilgrims from Aotearoa New Zealand who, on entering Champagnat country for the first time, come as Waewae Tapu (sacred first-time visitors).

Upon arrival, pilgrims leave their taonga at Champagnat’s reliquary before traversing the land, history and narrative of Champagnat’s dream.

At the end of their stay, they shift their taonga to the Oceania section to join with those who have come before them. Once completed, they are no longer Waewae Tapu. They are now Hunga Kainga, no longer stranger, no longer visitor but part of the Champagnat Marist whānau.