The third day of our 2012 Gathering gave an opportunity for our animator, Br Ben Consigli, to focus on leadership, recognising that good leadership will be important in the formation of our new Australian Province. He named four qualities he saw as important for Marist leaders at this time:
1. The ability to work collaboratively
2. The desire to put Marist mission 'front and centre'
3. The commitment to allowing mental boundaries to be flexible.
4. The capacity not to shrink from change.
The day was also significant in that two Australian Brothers died. Br Charles Howard passed away at Campbelltown in the early hours of Saturday morning. Charles had inspired many through his leadership at the school, Province and Congregational levels. A participant at this gathering, Br Stephen Bugg also died on Saturday as a result of a cerebral haemorrhage he suffered the day before. Steve had been Principal of Newman College, Perth, Sacred Heart College, Adelaide and Marcellin College, Bulleen. We prayed for these Brothers at the evening Eucharist.
John McMahon