The 4th Marist Study Summer School at Casa di Maria brought together people from a diverse range of backgrounds, age and experience: Marist priests, a Marist sister, two SMSM sisters and lay people, with each continent represented.

Larry Duffy and three students, Alex, Machiu and Zoubair, the last at present a Marist Brother, welcomed us warmly and ensured we were provided with everything we needed. Working with such an international group over rather more than three weeks must have been a considerable challenge, but Larry’s experience, wisdom and leadership meant that we became a real Marist community, sharing prayer, meals and insights. There were many opportunities at all levels to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Marist charism: access to the library and online resources; sessions on spirituality and history led by Larry, on the different branches of the Marist family by the representatives present, on ecology by Ben McKenna and on hidden and unknown ’ by Faustino Ferrari; visits to places in Rome of significance for Fr Colin; and a reflection during Mass celebrated by the Superior General. There was also time for our own reading, research and writing, which resulted in 12 completely different and
absorbing presentations. All participants were very appreciative of the opportunity, and very grateful to Larry for his hard work, and to everyone who made it possible.

Wilhelm Tangen, SM, Meppen, Germany
Dilys Wadman, Walsingham – Wells, England

Dilys Wadman writes on a more personal note: “First, it gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in Marist scholarship, which I found inspiring. I believe it is essential that this is continued in all the cultural contexts in which the Marists have a presence, and that Marist thinking draws on the riches of other cultural traditions. Second, I valued the experience of living for a short time in a Marist community with members from many different parts of the world. It seems to me that the international reality of the Society should continue to be affirmed, celebrated and explored. Third, the chance to engage in different ways with Marists from varied backgrounds and perspectives deepened my understanding of Marist identity. Fourth, the availability of a piano at Casa di Maria meant that I was able to practice and, at Larry s insistence, to play for the group – a lovely opportunity. Finally, after many years I did some academic writing and produced an article on Synodality and the Society of Mary. This confirmed my view that the Society has an essential contribution to make to the Church today.”