Our Vocation as Brother
“OUR VOCATION AS BROTHER IS A SPECIAL CALL TO LIVE THE BROTHERHOOD OF CHRIST WITH EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, LOVING THEM WITH A SELFLESS LOVE.”
- Marist Constitutions #3 -
Less than a year after the arrival in Australia of the very first Marist Brothers in 1872, local men sought to become part of the Marist mission. Since that time, over a thousand Australian men have given themselves to God's service as Brothers for a part or all of their lives.
To be a religious brother is to be a disciple of Christ who intensifies his baptismal commitment by professing the religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. As a lay consecrated man, he lives with his brothers in community, sharing prayer and witnessing individually and collectively to Jesus’ presence by his service and love, especially among young people.
The term "brother" expresses in a very rich way, our Marist style of relating. A brother is one who is approachable, unassuming, authentic, attentive and respectful. Irrespective of where we live our mission or with whom, being a “brother” means that our relationships are consistently simple, welcoming, and encouraging through compassion, joy and kindness. We are brothers of those we meet along life’s journey. This is how we live out our Marist Apostolic Spirituality and give flesh to our mission.
The term brother, then, not only expresses our vocation within the Church, but also our way of relating, especially with young people in need.
If you would like to enquire about life as a Marist Brother, contact our Vocations Team through their website.