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The Marist Way

Following Mary's example as the first disciple of Jesus Christ — a community of Marist lay people and Marist religious in Australia.

Formation · 06 November 2026

Retreat - A Marist Reflection on living in the way of Mary

Join Marist Brother Bill O'Sullivan for A Marist Reflection on Living in the Way of Mary, a retreat that invites participants into the quiet, contemplative heart of the Marist tradition. Drawing on the spirituality that has shaped generations of Marists, Brother Bill explores what it means to walk through life as Mary did: attentive to the presence of God in ordinary moments, ready to say 'yes' without fully knowing where that yes will lead, and content to live 'hidden and unknown' in a world that prizes recognition. Through prayer, reflection, story, and shared silence, the retreat opens up Mary not as a distant figure of devotion but as a living model for discipleship, one who pondered all things in her heart and trusted God's will even when the way ahead was unclear.

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September 2026
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Gospel - Pentecost

Gospel — In today’s Gospel – John 7:37-39 – we find Jesus in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles. On this feast in autumn, the people to this day build temporary shelters to remind themselves of the time in the wilderness. One commentator writes concerning Jesus’ celebration of this feast: “For the first seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests would carry water from the Pool of Siloam in procession to the temple and pour it out as a libation—a sacrificial offering—and a symbolic prayer for rain. On the eighth day, the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus uses this liturgical use of water to talk about the spiritual life that he gives” (Francis Martin and William M Wright IV, The Gospel of John.

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Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation

Aboriginal Spirituality — The Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation is a community-led initiative focused on empowering Aboriginal women and families through cultural connection, healing, and support. Founded and led by proud Aboriginal women, the group provides a safe space for women of all backgrounds to come together, share stories, and build resilience through culture and community. Their goal is to preserve and celebrate Aboriginal identity and ensure that their culture remains strong for future generations.

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The Two Popes

Movies — The Two Popes is a thought-provoking drama that imagines the private conversations between Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis) and Pope Benedict XVI in the lead-up to Benedict’s unprecedented resignation from the papacy in 2013. The film opens with Bergoglio seeking permission to retire from his role as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He travels to Rome with the intention of submitting his resignation letter, only to find himself drawn into a series of intimate and challenging discussions with Benedict, who is secretly contemplating his own resignation due to personal doubts and the burden of recent Church scandals.

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Nothing Else - The Heart of Worship - Kari Jobe

Music — 'Nothing Else' by Cody Carnes and 'The Heart of Worship' by Matt Redman are both powerful worship songs that focus on returning to the core of faith: a genuine connection with God.

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Love with your Heart - Father Jim

Gospel — In his homily, Father Jim reflects on the greatest commandment given by Jesus: to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. He emphasizes that these two commands are inseparable; we cannot truly love God without also loving our neighbor, and vice versa. Father Jim then delves into the idea of loving God with our whole heart, exploring the challenges we face in achieving wholehearted love due to our fragmented human nature. He highlights Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Delict Nos, which invites us to rediscover the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a model for wholehearted love. Through prayer and meditation on the Sacred Heart, we can deepen our capacity to love both God and others, as Jesus did. The devotion to the Sacred Heart calls us to a dual commitment: a personal spiritual journey with God and a compassionate mission to love humanity. Father Jim encourages us to embrace this path to strengthen our love for both God and our neighbors.

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Why we have too few women leaders - Sheryl Sandberg

Leadership — Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk, 'Why we have too few women leaders,' addresses the issue of women's underrepresentation at the highest levels of professional sectors worldwide. She begins by sharing staggering statistics: out of 190 heads of state, only nine are women; women hold just 13% of parliamentary positions globally; and they make up a meager 15-16% of C-level jobs and corporate board seats, a figure that has been stagnant since 2002 and is, in some cases, declining.

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Mary as Liberating sister

Inspiration — Our traditional image of Mary has been a maternal one. Because a single image cannot capture her identity for everyone, this article will investigate how religious women today regard Mary as “blessed among women.” Drawing on their insights, it will distinguish between the stereotyped image of Mary and the real person.

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History of the Marist Family

Courses — Father Pat presented a brilliant PowerPoint production, complete with music, to illustrate his own understanding of the Marist Vision in today's world. With powerful images of St Peter's in Rome, and people in various situations he presented the image of the Patriarchal Church where love equaled obedience. He then went on to present the Marian Church where love equaled mercy which he illustrated with another image of St Peter's taken from a different angle. In between these two images is that of the Simeon Church - the contemplative Church.

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2015 Marist Lay Immersion

Formation — In 2015 13 lay people travelled to the Phillipines on immersion. They went to gain a sense of what it means to be in Marist community and ministry in the Philippines.

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September 2026
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Retreat - A Marist Reflection on living in the way of Mary

Formation — Join Marist Brother Bill O'Sullivan for A Marist Reflection on Living in the Way of Mary, a retreat that invites participants into the quiet, contemplative heart of the Marist tradition. Drawing on the spirituality that has shaped generations of Marists, Brother Bill explores what it means to walk through life as Mary did: attentive to the presence of God in ordinary moments, ready to say 'yes' without fully knowing where that yes will lead, and content to live 'hidden and unknown' in a world that prizes recognition. Through prayer, reflection, story, and shared silence, the retreat opens up Mary not as a distant figure of devotion but as a living model for discipleship, one who pondered all things in her heart and trusted God's will even when the way ahead was unclear.

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Saint Francis and the Sultan seeking peace

Story — Saint Francis in the 1219 traveled to Egypt to engage with the Islamic sultan Al Kamil during the crusades. Francis went to seek peace. After Francis had approached the Christian generals, they rejected him. Francis stayed in the camp with Sultan in dialogue. There was a mutual understanding and appreciation of each other.

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Taize - Veni Sancte Spiritus - virtual choir

Music — 'Veni Sancte Spiritus,' also known as the 'Golden Sequence,' is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost. It's a beautiful, ancient hymn calling on the Holy Spirit. The text is attributed to either Pope Innocent III or Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the early 13th century. Here are the traditional Latin lyrics along with an English translation.

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The Land Owns Us

Aboriginal Spirituality — Bob Randall, an Aboriginal Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Australia, explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. This way includes all beings as part of a vast family and calls us to be responsible for this family

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Domestic violence - Dr Ann ONeill turned grief - into good

Social Justice — The ABC Australian Story about Dr. Anne O'Neill offers a profound and emotional narrative of her resilience and recovery following a harrowing family tragedy. At 24, Dr. O'Neill was stalked, harassed, and intimidated by her estranged husband for 18 months. This culminated in a tragic night when he broke into her home and fatally shot their two children before turning the gun on himself, leaving Dr. O'Neill severely wounded and ultimately leading to the amputation of her leg.

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Stan Grant - On Country - with Indira Naidoo

Aboriginal Spirituality — Stan Grant, a respected Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi journalist, has transitioned from a decades-long media career into theology and spiritual reflection. After facing intense public backlash during the Voice to Parliament referendum, Stan Grant retreated to his property on Muradjug land, seeking healing and connection. He described the deep pain of the 'No' vote as a profound existential sadness, not merely political but personal—a rejection of Indigenous identity. Silence, for him, became a sacred and powerful language when words failed.

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Kiribati - a drowning paradise - in the South Pacific

Environment — On the low-lying atolls of Kiribati, families like Tear Tata’s are struggling to survive as rising sea levels caused by climate change erode their land, flood homes, and contaminate water supplies. Makeshift coral sea walls offer only temporary protection, while overpopulation and limited infrastructure worsen the crisis. Despite government efforts—such as climate education, mangrove planting, vocational training for seafaring, and new economic ventures like palm sugar production—many residents fear displacement and the eventual loss of their homeland. Yet, a deep sense of cultural identity and resilience persists, as locals strive to adapt, protect their traditions, and hold onto hope in the face of an uncertain future.

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Jamberoo Abbey - ABC Series - Monastic Life

Movies — The Abbey is a powerful Australian documentary series that follows the transformative spiritual journey of five women from various walks of life who spend 33 days living inside a Benedictine monastery. Filmed at Jamberoo Abbey, a secluded Benedictine community in New South Wales, the series offers a rare glimpse into the rhythm, silence, and spiritual discipline of monastic life.

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The Marist Way

Act Local — The Marist Way is a spiritual journey modeled on Mary’s humility, faith, and quiet strength, calling Marists to live with openness to God’s will, compassionate service, and deep trust in divine providence. Rooted in the phrase 'In the Way of Mary,' this charism emphasizes humility, presence, and mission, inspiring Marists to serve hidden and unknown, without seeking recognition. It is an inclusive and accessible path, inviting all—both lay and religious—to integrate faith into daily life, embracing a lived discipleship that reflects Mary’s “yes” to God at the Annunciation. Guided by the belief that faith is a continuous journey, the Marist Way calls its followers to be instruments of divine mercy, bringing hope and compassion to those on the margins. In a world that often values power and recognition, the Marist Way offers a gentle, humble alternative—one of service, simplicity, and love.

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Straw No More - Molly Steer

Think Global — Molly Steer, a nine-year-old from Cairns, was inspired to take action after watching the documentary A Plastic Ocean. She learned that plastic never breaks down and is devastating marine life, with straws, bags, and other waste harming turtles, birds, and fish—and ultimately humans who consume seafood. Shocked by the scale of the problem, particularly the 500 million straws used daily, Molly realized that even small, everyday items like straws have a lasting impact on the planet.

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Movie - Bakhita - From Slave to Saint

Movies — In 1948 Aurora Marin arrives with her family at the convent of the Canossian Sisters of Schio, Italy, where Sister Bakhita has just died. Aurora was hoping to see her before she died. She gathers her children around the picture of Bakhita and tells them of the incredible life of the woman that had raised her as her nanny.

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The Chosen - Should you Forgive - How many times you should forgive?

Inspiration — In this scene from The Chosen on forgiveness, Peter wrestles with the challenge of forgiving someone who has repeatedly wronged him—specifically, Matthew, whose past actions as a tax collector caused immense harm to Peter and his family. In a late-night conversation with Jesus, Peter recounts Matthew’s betrayals, including his merciless collection of taxes, endangering Peter’s livelihood, and even preparing to turn Peter over to the Roman authorities. Peter questions how he could possibly forgive such egregious and unrepentant sins. Jesus reminds him that forgiveness is not limited to seven times but should be extended '77 times'—a call to boundless, limitless forgiveness. Despite acknowledging his new identity as Peter, the 'rock,' Peter admits he still feels like the flawed man he was before, doubting his ability to forgive. Jesus gently reminds him that relying solely on human understanding makes life harder and that forgiveness, though difficult, is a divine calling that brings ultimate peace.

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A Guide to leadership - Simon Sinek

Leadership — Simon Sinek's presentation, 'A Guide to Leadership,' explores the true essence and challenges of leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in our charge. Sinek points out that most people are trained to be good at their jobs, but there's a lack of training in how to lead others. This gap often results in managers who micromanage instead of true leaders.

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The Chosen - The Last Supper

Movies — In the climactic moments of Season 5, The Chosen brings Jesus and His disciples to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As tension with the religious leaders grows and the shadow of betrayal looms, Jesus gathers with His closest followers for what will become known as the Last Supper. Set in an upper room, the atmosphere is both intimate and heavy with unspoken emotion. Jesus washes the feet of each disciple, a radical act of humility that sets the tone for what is to come. He then blesses the bread and wine, offering them as His body and blood—instituting the Eucharist and revealing the depth of His self-giving love.

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Song - I Am Australian in Yawuru Aboriginal language

Music — Watch a very special performance of 'I Am Australian' by the students of Broome Primary School. The ABC would like to thank the Mabu Yawuru ngan-ga language team and Yawuru Traditional Owners of Broome for providing the translation of the song 'I Am Australian' and for assisting us in the making of this video. To find out more and share your ABC stories visit

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Story - Michael Evison

Story — Michael shares his lifelong connection with the Marist community, which began when he was ten years old and continued through his education with the Marist Brothers at Mossman and later at a high school in North Sydney. His profound admiration for his teachers led him to join the brothers for some time, and although he ultimately left, he continued teaching in Marist schools as a lay teacher and maintained strong friendships within the community.

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Homeless Teenagers - Surviving Chicago Winter - Poverty Documentary - Real Stories

Social Justice — The documentary 'Homeless Teenagers Surviving Chicago's Winter' provides a deep and emotional exploration of the lives of young people experiencing homelessness in one of America's largest cities. The narrative unfolds through the personal stories of several teenagers who, despite their circumstances, exhibit resilience, hope, and a desire to improve their situations.

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Parramatta sets off on road to Synod 2023

Act Local — To be honest, the word ‘synodality’ is one of those words that used to fly right over my head because it wasn’t something I was familiar with. Lucky for me, there was an opportunity to unpack what Pope Francis is asking all people to be part of (see Vademecum p16-17). Are we listening to each other deeply or enough? What’s your experience and what can the Church do to be better at it? “What an opportunity…” I thought to myself, “…what an opportunity IF we do this right. So what do I need to know about this synodal process?”

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Song and Prayer - St Maximilian Kolbe

Music — The song 'Maximilian Kolbe' tells the powerful story of Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Catholic priest who was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The song portrays his selfless sacrifice and unwavering love in the face of unimaginable cruelty and despair.

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The Myth of Unconditional Love

Relationships — When we say we want #unconditional​ #love​, what we really mean is that we want an unconditional relationship. We want a #relationship​ with no consequences. We want a relationship where no matter what we do or don’t do, the other person will continue to value us and appreciate us to the degree that they will feel good towards us and never ever get into conflict suffering with us or want to leave us. Sit with this for a minute.

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Marist Fourviere Celebration 2026

Events — You are invited to join us on Sunday, 26 July 2026, to commemorate the Marist Pledge at Fourvière, first made on 23 July 1816. The Event will begin with Mass at 10 am Holy Name of Mary Parish Hunters Hill. Morning Tea 11 am. Ukulele Group 11.20 am. Youth Concert (PJ) 12.20 to 2pm. Please invite your family, friends and community.

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Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation

Aboriginal Spirituality — The Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation is a community-led initiative focused on empowering Aboriginal women and families through cultural connection, healing, and support. Founded and led by proud Aboriginal women, the group provides a safe space for women of all backgrounds to come together, share stories, and build resilience through culture and community. Their goal is to preserve and celebrate Aboriginal identity and ensure that their culture remains strong for future generations.

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The Pope - the Environmental Crisis - and Frontline Leaders - The Letter - Laudato Si Film

Environment — In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’ (The Letter); an encyclical letter about the environmental crisis to every single person in the world. A few years later, four voices that have gone unheard in global conversations have been invited to an unprecedented dialogue with the Pope. Hailing from Senegal, the Amazon, India, and Hawai’i, they bring perspective and solutions from the poor, the indigenous, the youth, and wildlife into a conversation with Pope Francis himself. This documentary follows their journey to Rome and the extraordinary experiences that took place there, and is packed with powerfully moving personal stories alongside the latest information about the planetary crisis and the toll it’s taking on nature and people.

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Song - My Island Home - Warumpi Band

Music — 'My Island Home' is a deeply meaningful and evocative song that touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the longing for a sense of place and connection to one's cultural roots. Originally written by Neil Murray, the song was made famous by Christine Anu's powerful rendition, which resonated with many Australians. The song's lyrics tell the story of an Indigenous person who has been living in the city for six years. Despite being away from their ancestral homeland, the person constantly dreams of their island home and the sea, symbolizing a profound yearning for a return to their cultural heritage and the land of their ancestors.

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Miriam-Rose on the importance of deep listening

Story — In this presentation, Aboriginal Elder Miriam Rose welcomes the audience to the Daily River region, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. She shares her personal connection to the land and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to live there. Miriam Rose discusses her upbringing, including being raised by her uncle, who was a police tracker, and her journey into education. She emphasizes the importance of art and culture in education and the role of storytelling in Aboriginal traditions. Miriam Rose also talks about the Miriam Rose Foundation, which she established to support young people in the community. She shares the challenges faced by the community, including the loss of young lives to suicide, and highlights the significance of walking together and understanding each other's cultures. Miriam Rose discusses her faith, the role of spirituality in her life, and the concept of Didi (deep listening) in Aboriginal spirituality. She expresses the need for greater understanding and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from each other. Miriam Rose concludes by discussing her role as an elder and the ongoing responsibility to support and guide the community.

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Catholicism - Amazed and Afraid - Bishop Robert Barron

Teaching — Bishop Robert Barron's video 'Catholicism - Amazed and Afraid' presents a profound reflection on Jesus Christ's identity and mission, challenging the common perception of Jesus as merely an inspiring religious teacher. Instead, Bishop Barron emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus's claim to divinity and his role as the central figure of Christianity, far removed from a safe or domesticated portrayal. He discusses how Jesus, in his teachings and actions, personified God's presence, compelling a choice between acceptance and rejection with no middle ground. Jesus's life, particularly his question 'Who do people say that I am?' points directly to his unique identity as God incarnate, a claim no other religious founder makes.

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Holy Name of Mary Liturgy Resources

Liturgy — Getting ready. Two resources for prayer to mark the coming feast of the Holy Name of Mary (Sep 12) are now available on the Colin website. The feast is the patronal celebration for the Society of Mary.

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Fourviere Celebration - Marist sites in Hunters Hill

Events — You are invited to join us on Sunday, 27 July 2025, to commemorate the Marist Pledge at Fourvière, first made on 23 July 1816. The event will be held at various Marist sites in Hunters Hill in Sydney, beginning with Mass at 10:00am at Holy Name of Mary Church, followed by a walking tour of the Marist Fathers' Villa Maria site, a light lunch, and a walking tour of St Joseph’s College. Please register by Monday, 21 July to attend any or all parts of the day using the registration link.

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Nothing Else - The Heart of Worship - Kari Jobe

Music — 'Nothing Else' by Cody Carnes and 'The Heart of Worship' by Matt Redman are both powerful worship songs that focus on returning to the core of faith: a genuine connection with God.

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Recent conversations

Spirituality on Blog - The sacred in ordinary

This reflection is such a gentle and needed reminder that the kitchen table, the 1am wake-up, and the patient presence through a child's frustration are not interruptions to our spiritual life but are the very fabric of it. The idea that Jean-Claude Colin called his followers to be present "in the manner of Mary", quietly, humbly, without seeking the spotlight, fits the hidden daily work of family life so perfectly. What is one ordinary moment in your daily routine that, after reading this, y

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026
People on A Mothers Day Reflection

This reflection beautifully captures how Mary's quiet presence at the foot of the cross is an invitation for all of us, not just mothers, to stand alongside others in their suffering with compassion and patience. The examples of Moira Kelly and the volunteers in the Philippines remind us that this "mothering" presence can take so many courageous forms in our world. Who in your life has been a "mother" to you in this sense, someone who showed up and accompanied you through a diffic

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026
Events on Marist Fourviere Celebration 2026

What a wonderful way to celebrate the 210th anniversary of the Marist Pledge at Fourvière with Mass, morning tea, a ukulele group, and a youth concert sounds like a truly joyful community gathering! The Fourvière Pledge reminds us that the Marist charism was born in a moment of humble and prayerful surrender to Mary's guidance. Are you planning to come along on 26 July, and is there someone in your family, parish, or community you could personally invite to join you?

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026
Blog on Come, Holy Spirit - The God Who Shows Up - When We Are Scared

The image of whispering "Come, Holy Spirit" in a moment of trembling vulnerability, and then feeling that warmth and presence, is something that resonates deeply. It is so true that God so often shows up not in our strength, but precisely in the places where we feel most out of our depth. Have you ever had a moment, big or small, where you felt the Holy Spirit show up unexpectedly, and what did that feel like for you?

A. J. — Marist Laity, Australia · 23/5/2026

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