Br Michael Callinan FMS from the Marist Brothers’ Star of the Sea Province has been appointed as Assistant to the Superior General in Rome.
In a in letter sent to the Provincials on August 15 by Superior General Br Peter Carroll FMS, it was announced that Br Michael would replace Brother Jesús Alberto Rodríguez, known as Chuchi, who has held the position since September 2018.
Br Michael Callinan FMS, who has been appointed as Assistant to the General Secretary of the Marist Institute in Rome. PHOTO: Marists of Champagnat website.
In the letter, Br Peter, who was previously the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province and CRA President, thanked Br Chuchi, from the Province of Compostela, for the conscientious and highly competent way he has carried out every responsibility entrusted to him.
At the same time, Br Peter thanked Br Darren Burge, Provincial of Star of the Sea, and the Province for generously releasing Br Michael from his current responsibilities in spiritual and mission formation.
Br Michael will arrive in Rome during September to begin a period of transition.
He was born in Sydney in October 1967 and He did his first profession in the Institute on 18 December 1988 and the Perpetual profession on 29 May 1995.
His professional experience has been in leadership and teaching roles within Australian Catholic schools, including leading solidarity immersion groups of teachers, young adults and school students to Pacific countries and pilgrimages to World Youth Day.
His experience includes conducting mission review processes and promoting the spiritual wellbeing and holistic formation of educators and young people in Catholic ministries.
Michael has served on the Provincial Council of the former Province of Australia and is a current Council member of the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat in Australia.
During the 23rd General Chapter, he was leader of the Liturgy Group giving a significant contribution through his liturgical and musical gifts.
Br Michael will conclude his role in the Mission and Life Formation Team at Marist Schools Australia to undertake this new General Administration role, having recently led Campus Ministry nationally for the Australian Catholic University.
This article is drawn from a statement on the Marists of Champagnat website.