Author: Hayden Powick

District Visit, Celebration and Assembly

District Visit, Celebration and Assembly

Hayden Powick

Our Superior General, Fr Declan Marmion, formally visited our District of Asia from 16th February till 23
March, 2026. This was his first official visit to a unit of the Society of Mary since he was appointed as
Superior General at the recent General Chapter. He was able to visit the formation community in Davao City,
our mission parish community in Digos City, and the community in Eden which combines the International
Novitiate and the pastoral ministry in the local parish. He then travelled to Ranong, Thailand, to visit the
community and mission there. He met each Marist confrere and also visited the various places of ministry.
His visit strengthened our sense of belonging to the wider Marist world and he was able to help us reflect on
our present and future life and mission. The support and encouragement he offered was gratefully accepted so
that the Work of Mary continues with trust in God’s grace and the leadership of the General Administration.

After his visitation, Fr Declan Marmion, joined the members of the District in Thailand to celebrate the 20th
Anniversary of Marist Presence and Mission in Ranong. Bishop Paolo Trairong of Surat Thani Diocese opened
the two-day celebration with the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Bishop Paolo has commended the Marists for
‘walking’ with Burmese migrants. “When we look at these twenty years, we see: Children educated with
dignity and hope, Migrant families from Myanmar welcomed and accompanied, brothers and sisters living
with HIV treated not as statistics, but as beloved children of God… All these are not simply ‘projects’. They
are signs of God’s mercy at work in our time.”

The Anniversary Celebration was followed in Ranong by the District Assembly, which aims to review our
District ministries and to foster fraternity. Our confreres reflected and shared the strengths, challenges and
opportunities of each community and ministry in the District. Both the Celebration and Assembly were blessed
with the presence and participation of Fr Declan Marmion and Fr Frank Bird of New Zealand Province as
observer.

Pat Devlin and Kevin Medilo
11 March, 2026

Building Bridges of Hope Towards Lasting Peace

Building Bridges of Hope Towards Lasting Peace

Hayden Powick

On 19 November 2025, the Interreligious Leaders Encounter for Peace gathered Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian leaders from across Ranong Province for a morning of reflection, dialogue, and a shared desire to strengthen peace in the community. The event aimed to deepen understanding between faiths and encourage practical ways of building harmony.

The programme opened with an Interreligious Prayer offered by Venerable Ashin Nyanadaza, Mr. Madsah Manham from the Ranong Province Islamic Council, and Pastor Boonyuen Laopan of the Christian Baptist Church in Kapoe. Their prayers created an atmosphere of unity and reverence, reminding everyone of the values held in common.

Fr. Supachai Kaewpuang offered words of welcome, followed by Fr. Hermes Sabud, SM, who explained the purpose of the gathering and invited participants to reflect on the need for dialogue in today’s world.

Three interreligious leaders then shared reflections on the theme “Building Bridges of Hope Towards Lasting Peace: A Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian Perspective.” The speakers were Phra Maha Naphan Santibhaddo Thawonbanjob, Ustadz Navi (Varawut Masosot), and Fr. Yuthakarn Yonpaladyot. Each one spoke of the importance of building bridges rather than walls, and drew from their tradition to highlight compassion, understanding, and peace as daily commitments.

Participants continued the reflection in round-table discussions, exploring questions about how small acts of kindness can build peace, and why listening to the experiences of others is vital for creating a peaceful society. The sharing showed a strong desire to work together in practical and meaningful ways.

The morning ended with a Harmony Lunch where participants continued their conversations and deepened friendships formed during the event.

New Pastoral and Finance Council Members Take Their Oath

New Pastoral and Finance Council Members Take Their Oath

Hayden Powick

On October 19, 2025, the members of the Pastoral and Finance Council of St. Michael Archangel Quasi-Parish took their oath and were formally presented to the faithful during Sunday Mass.

The ceremony marked an important moment in the life of the parish community, as these men and women pledged to serve with dedication and faith. The faithful warmly welcomed and accepted the new council members, expressing their support and prayers for their mission.

May the Holy Spirit guide them in their work for the good of the parish and the glory of God.

The 30th General Chapter of the Society of Mary

The 30th General Chapter of the Society of Mary

Hayden Powick

The Marist Fathers of the District of Asia join with confreres from around the world as the 30th General Chapter begins at the Ad Gentes Centre in Nemi, just outside Rome.

Capitulants from 31 countries, including Asia, gathered in prayer and reflection under the theme “With Mary at Pentecost.” It was a moment of unity and renewal as we listened to the Spirit together, discerning how to live our mission with compassion, courage, and communion.

We are encouraged by the presence of so many voices, cultures, and experiences. From Asia, we carry the hopes of our people and the reality of our mission among diverse communities. This Chapter is a time to listen deeply, to share our joys and struggles, and to be renewed in our call to serve in Mary’s way.

With gratitude and prayer, we accompany the Chapter, trusting that the Spirit will guide us into a future of hope for the Marist family and the world.