New Brother for Marists

28 September 2007

More than 80 Marist Brothers from Australia and overseas joined friends and family to celebrate with Br Anthony Robertson as he made his final profession in St Christopher’s Cathedral.

Originally from Young, Br Anthony has taught science and religious education at Marist College in Canberra for the past two years.

 Recently taking over as Patrick house dean, Br Anthony said he really enjoyed his work at the college.

 Not only did his mother and three brothers attend the ceremony, but 83 Marist brothers travelled from as far away as Cairns and Brisbane, and even Papua New Guinea and Korea to be present.

Before his profession Br Anthony worked in Bougainville for a month where he made good friends. “The experience ties the international relationships between the brothers,” he said.

Principal celebrant Archbishop Mark Coleridge said in his homily he had lived and worked with communities of Marist Brothers in various parts of the world. “In my time among the Brothers, I have come to think that each of them, for all his difference and frailty, is in some way a living portrait of the founder,” he said.  “It is Marcellin’s face that shines through in all of them and Br Anthony is no exception.”  For full text of the homily, click here.

Br Anthony’s final profession was celebrated on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which Archbishop Coleridge said was rightly so.  “Among the Marist Brothers she is revered and loved as ‘our Good Mother’.  Anthony, may Mary, whose name you bear, be for you always a Good Mother.” Among the clergy was Br Anthony’s “great mate” and Young parish priest Fr Richard Thompson.

 Provincial of the Marist Sydney Province Br John Thompson received the vows of final profession.