Marist Education in Aotearoa New Zealand Marks 150 Years with Sesquicentennial Mass, Bringing Together Brothers, Students and Alumni
- maristbrothers
- 46 minutes ago
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The Marist education ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, 30 July 2026, marking 150 years of Marist education with a special Sesquicentennial Mass at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph in Auckland.
The celebration brought together Marist Brothers, school leaders, students, educators, clergy and supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand to give thanks for a ministry that has formed generations of young people in faith, learning and service. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Auckland.
The story of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand began in 1869, when Bishop Philippe Viard appealed to the Marist Brothers' Superior General to send three Brothers to establish a school in Wellington. That request was answered in May 1876 when the first Marist Brothers arrived, laying the foundations for a ministry that has continued to shape the lives of thousands of young people over the past 150 years.
A highlight of the celebration was the active participation of students from Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s College and Marcellin College, whose leadership throughout the liturgy reflected the vibrant faith and cultural diversity that continue to define Marist education today.
The liturgy began with St Paul’s College leading the entrance hymn, Christ, Be Our Light, as Bishop Stephen Lowe and the clergy processed into the cathedral. During the Mass,
Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, who travelled from Australia for the occasion, was formally welcomed.
In his address, Br Darren reflected on the significance of the milestone, describing it as a moment “where memory and hope meet.”
“We pause with gratitude for the friendship, sacrifice, prayer and faithfulness passed from one generation to the next, and for the many hands and hearts that have shaped this story,” he said.
He paid tribute to the generations of Marist Brothers who had served in Aotearoa New Zealand, together with principals, teachers, hostel and support staff, parents, families, parish
communities, past students and friends of the Marist Brothers.
“This sesquicentenary belongs to all who have contributed to the mission across the generations and to those who now carry it forward with generosity and hope,” Br Darren said.
He concluded by expressing confidence in the future of Marist education, praying that the next generation would continue to form young people “who know they are loved, who grow in faith and generosity, and who carry into the world the beauty of goodness, service and hope.”
In his homily, Bishop Stephen thanked the Marist Brothers for their faithful service over the past 150 years. Reflecting on the Gospel, he reminded those gathered that Christ calls his followers to empty themselves so that God's love may flow through them.
Using the image of water, he noted that individual drops become streams and streams join to form rivers. Likewise, he said, the dedication of the early educators in the faith, including the Marist Brothers, has flowed through generations, helping to foster a vibrant faith community in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bishop Stephen expressed profound gratitude for the Brothers' enduring contribution to building God's Kingdom through their ministry of education, faith and service.
Students from the three Marist schools played key roles throughout the celebration.
St Paul’s College proclaimed the First Reading, with Head Student Peter Creevey serving as reader. Sacred Heart College led the Responsorial Psalm, with Head Student Cooper Fox leading the assembly in the response, “Happy the one whom the Lord instructs.”
Marcellin College showcased the rich Māori and Pasifika heritage that is central to Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students led the Gospel procession with a traditional Tongan Fakahā'ele Tohitapu procession, a powerful expression of reverence for the Word of God and a reminder that Scripture guides the Christian journey. Marcellin students also led the Prayers of the Faithful and the offertory hymn, O le Atua Faitaulaga (Samoan Taulaga), highlighting the cultural richness and diversity of the Marist family.
The celebration concluded with Sacred Heart College leading the final hymn, Mō Maria, a fitting tribute to Mary, whose example remains at the heart of Marist spirituality.
The Marist Brothers expressed their gratitude to all those who travelled from near and far to be part of the celebration, including a group of students and teachers from St John's College, Hamilton.
Following the Mass, students from the three schools gathered together to celebrate the occasion, meeting their peers, sharing taking photographs with Bishop Stephen, the Brothers and Br Darren Burge, commemorating a historic day in the life of Marist education.
The Sesquicentennial Mass was both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future. It honoured the generations of Marist Brothers, educators, families and students whose dedication has sustained the Marist mission for 150 years, while renewing the commitment to continue forming young people with faith, compassion, service and hope for generations to come.
More updates to follow.