Thanks and farewell to Fr Brian O’Connell sm

Brian O'Connell sm

After battling serious ill-health for a number of months, Fr Brian O’Connell sm has been forced to relinquish editorship of the Marist Messenger.

Since he assumed the Editor’s chair in 2005, Fr Brian has stamped his own mark on the Marist Messenger.

His influence and expertise have been recognised in a host of awards over the last eight years, but more significantly he has brought to his editorship a freedom and forthrightness of expression that has been reflected both in the content and direction of the magazine. As a result, the Marist Messenger while continuing to retain its characteristic of presenting rich spiritual reflection material has also assumed an important voice and commentary on significant issues affecting the Church and its members. In addition, social issues of the day have been considered and reflected upon from a Christian and Marist perspective.

From Feb 2005

To August 2013

Fr Brian’s commitment and dedication to the Marist Messenger will be missed but at the same time he hands over to his successor a vibrant and healthy magazine and that is a great tribute to him. We assure him of the ongoing prayers and good wishes of all readers of the Marist Messenger as he faces the challenges ahead.

Taking his place – albeit it on a temporary basis – will be Fr Kevin Head sm as acting Editor. Fr Kevin, who has been working alongside Fr Brian for several months, is a member of the spirituality team at Pa Maria and brings to the work at the Marist Messenger not only his experience in that ministry but also a rich and varied background of work in education (both in New Zealand and Samoa), Maori Pastoral Care, parish ministry and ministry in the Cook Islands.

The new Editor in 2014 will be Fr Bernard Carney sm who is currently overseas on sabbatical.

He too brings a rich background to the role – education in New Zealand and Samoa; university chaplaincy; parish ministry in New Zealand and Ireland and Maori Pastoral Care. We will leave him to introduce himself more fully in the New Year!