Community
5 December, 2025
End of holy era at Saints
Marist Brothers cut connection to St Augustine’s
ST Augustine’s College has formally farewelled the Marist Brothers after 96 years of continuous service, marking the end of a defining chapter in the school’s history.
Since 1930, more than 150 Marist Brothers have taught, guided and supported generations of students, shaping the college’s academic, sporting and pastoral identity. Their educational philosophy of love of work, humility, simplicity and care for others remains central to the school’s culture.
College principal Glen Seivers said the community was grateful for the brothers’ long-standing contribution.
Sad departures
“Although it was sad to see the brothers depart, we were immensely grateful for all they had given St Augustine’s,” he said.
“Their presence, their example and the Marist way of teaching and caring for others are woven deeply into this school. My job now is to ensure that legacy continues.”
Mr Seivers told ABC Radio the brothers’ quiet leadership had been felt in everyday moments.
“I saw Brother John walking through the Year 7 quad the other night,” he said.
“He picked up a few papers, put some books in a locker, closed the locker, just a general tidy-up. He didn’t see me. That’s who they were here: good men who led through simple acts of service.”
Historic moment
Communications officer Lydia Roberts said it was a historic moment for the college.
“We will continue as a Marist school, but we no longer have the brothers here on campus,” she said.
Ms Roberts said three brothers had remained active in recent years in roles including archivist, science and counselling, with a fourth living on site in retirement.
“The oldest one was 81,” she said. “The youngest one, 67, moved down to Campbelltown to help another school with archiving. They’ve all gone on to their next chapters.”
Mixed feelings
Brother John Horgan, who served for decades in Marist education, told ABC Radio that leaving the Saints was met with mixed feelings.
“Once you leave a place, there are memories and friendships, but there is a break,” he said.
“It was a bit of a wrench, but I was glad to be going back to family, that’s important too. Hearing the boys sing at Saints always gave me goosebumps; that tradition was something special.”
Brother Michael Haynes, who spent more than a decade at the college, told ABC radio the brothers hoped their values would endure.
“The big thing the Marist Brothers contributed was a sense of community and family,” he said.
“We did more than teach kids, we tried to influence them and their families to become good citizens, good Christians and to work hard. I believe that spirit will continue.”
Dwindling numbers
Brother Michael reflected on why fewer young men are joining the order.
“I think it’s a change in attitude. Younger people are finding it harder to make long-term commitments, and as a result, people are finding it harder to see the attraction of something like religious life. I know a lot of kids say they wouldn’t mind doing it for a little while, but they don’t want to make a life out of it.”
At the farewell mass, Bishop Joe Caddy reflected on the brothers’ profound impact across the diocese.
“For 96 years, the Marist Brothers walked with us, teaching, forming, praising and serving,” he said.
“They shaped generations of young people, not only with words but with witness, not only with lessons but with love and care.”
Long Legacy
He said their legacy would endure long after their departure.
“Though the brothers’ physical presence here has come to an end, their spirit does not depart. Their wisdom continues in the lives of their students, in the faith of our communities, and in the Marist way that has become woven into the Catholic education story in Cairns.”
To honour their service, the college held a full college mass on Thursday 27 November, a full college assembly on Friday 28 November and a garden party on Saturday 29 November.
