Welcome to the Marist Seminary
International Formation for Priests & Brothers of the Society of Mary
The Marist Life
Marists prefer to work where the Church doesn’t exist or where it is not strong. For that reason they are often out on the ‘boundaries’.
Being a Seminarian
Training occurs in stages. The first stage is Accompaniment. The purpose is to clarify together, or ‘discern,’ what God might be ‘saying’ to this young man.
Vocation & Discernment
A vocation is a work that I feel I am meant to do. The calling may be challenging to you, but, if it is truly our Lord who is calling, then have courage.
Got questions about the Marist seminary?
Learn more about what it means to be a Marist Seminarian.
Scripture & Prayers to help you discern
It is in times of quiet contemplation of the Scriptures that you are most likely to hear ‘the call’ of God. View the Scriptures section on our Discernment page for more info.
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We pray eternal life for Fr Brian Cummings of the Society of Mary who died after a short illness last Friday. Fr Brian was 68 years old. We mourn the passing of one who fulfilled important roles in the Society and for the Church in New Zealand. Brian’s first mission was education at St Bede’s College and St Patrick’s College Silverstream. He was rector of St Bede’s from 1990 to 2001. He then worked in formation for a short time, before taking up roles in administration in the New Zealand Province. Brian was Provincial from 2008 to 2013. Finishing his term, he returned to spirituality ministry as director of Pa Maria Marist Spirituality centre. Here, Brian was engaged in spiritual direction and supervision, directing retreats, providing film critiques and commentaries as well as working as an advisor/facilitator with Church groups throughout New Zealand during this time. Diagnosed with cancer, Fr Brian endured his final illness calmly and peacefully. He died aged 68 and a Marist priest for 43 years, on Friday 19th of August at the Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington. Brian was a wise, thoughtful and deeply spiritual man taken too early.![]()
May he rest in Peace.