The first-ever Asia-Oceania Marist Vocation Animators Training Program was held in Malaysia from 26 to 30 October, bringing together Marist Brothers from across different Districts, Sectors and Provinces to strengthen their shared commitment to vocation ministry. Br Anitele'a Fidow represented the Star of the Sea Province at the gathering, which focused on the common mission of awakening, nurturing and accompanying vocations to Marist religious life. The program took place ag

St Joseph’s College Tenaru celebrated its 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Saturday, 24 October, under the theme "Rooted in Faith, Strive for Excellence", recognising the achievements of students completing Years 9, 11 and 12. Outgoing Head Boy and Year 12 Dux, Bernard Jean Mario Garo, receives his award during St Joseph’s College Tenaru’s graduation ceremony. Photo: John Houanihau Among the graduates were 104 Year 9 students, 98 Year 11 students and 130 Year 12 s

On Friday, 16 October, St Louis High School in Kiribati held its annual Prize Giving Ceremony, bringing together students from all year levels and some parents for a special celebration of the students’ achievements. Reflecting on the occasion, Deputy Principal Leo Minoneti Kaufusi shares highlights from the day. Read his reflection below. St Louis High School’s 2026 Prize Giving Ceremony was a special occasion to recognise the hard work, perseverance and achievements of stud

Students at St Michel Technical College in Vanuatu have had a busy few weeks, with activities ranging from practical classroom assessments to community engagement and reflection during Mission Week. The Year 10 students put their learning into practice through a practical internal assessment in General Technology, focusing on local food preparation. The activity provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and explore local food preparation as pa

Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, recently visited Vanuatu for the first time, taking the opportunity to spend time in the Brothers community, learn more about their mission and gain a deeper understanding of the local context in which they serve. Br Darren with some students of the academic section Much of the visit centred on sharing in community life and holding individual pastoral conversations with the Brothers. An important part of the visit

Being part of a Province spanning 11 countries creates valuable opportunities for schools to share resources, exchange knowledge and learn from one another’s cultures and experiences. Recently, Aidan Kavanagh, Head of Religious Education, Sacred Heart College, Auckland, visited Marist Brothers School in Suva, Fiji, to share resources and ideas around Catholic education. Read his reflection on the visit below. Recently, I had the privilege of representing Sacred Heart College,

During a two-week visit to Honiara, Solomon Islands, Br Tony Leon spent time with five young men undertaking the Marist Aspirancy program, supporting Br Simon Serero in their formation and vocational journey. Brothers Tony Leon, Simon Serero, Hudson Horoto and Epalle Taega with the Aspirants The six-month residential Aspirancy program provides young men with an opportunity to explore their vocation as Marist Brothers. The program currently hosts five aspirants from Papua New

On 15 September, Marists in Fiji marked a significant leadership transition as Br Kees formally handed over the role of Country Coordinator in Fiji to Br Sefo Une after 48 years of service in the country, including the past 30 as Country Coordinator. Br Kees passes the mantle of leadership to Br Sefo Une The ceremony, titled “Light to Light,” took place among Marists who have known and worked with Br Kees for decades. In a simple but symbolic gesture, both Brothers were give

Less than a year after it began, the Montagne Street Ministry in Port Moresby has grown from a simple feeding program into a wider network of support for people experiencing homelessness. Named after the dying young boy whose encounter with Marcellin Champagnat left a lasting impression on the young priest, the ministry was initiated by Br Mark Kenatsi and members of the Marist family as part of the re-establishment of the Marist Brothers community in Port Moresby. Br Tim wit

During the recent school holidays, a group of Year 10 and 11 students from Parramatta Marist High School, Sydney, embarked on the school's inaugural immersion to Fiji, where they experienced firsthand the global Marist mission through encounters with local communities, schools and ministries. Parramatta Marist student Dimiriti The group was welcomed by the Marist Brothers' community in Suva and quickly immersed in the daily rhythm of community life, joining the Brothers for m

From 7–19 July 2026, two groups from Marist College Canberra are visiting the Solomon Islands for immersion experiences focused on strengthening educational partnerships, cultural exchange and learning. The first group comprises six educators participating in a Staff Immersion experience. They are visiting schools in Honiara and working alongside local educators to share resources, explore new approaches to teaching and learning, and discuss emerging challenges facing educati

The Divine Word University community in Papua New Guinea came together on 1 July to celebrate Br Francis Hough as he marked 60 years as a Marist Brother. The Jubilee celebration was a joyful occasion, with Fr Phil presiding over the Eucharistic liturgy alongside four other priests. The students led the music, while the Sisters beautifully decorated the altar, and Br Francis shared a heartfelt reflection at the conclusion of the Mass. The festivities continued with student cul

The Marist mission in Fiji continues to flourish, with communities finding new and meaningful ways to live the Gospel in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat. Whether through the commissioning of new Champagnat Marist Lay members, students reaching out to support younger learners, or alumni gathering in prayer and fellowship, each initiative reflects a vibrant and growing Marist family committed to making Jesus Christ known and loved. Here are some of the inspiring highlights f

Marists across the Star of the Sea Province came together to celebrate the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat, honouring the life and legacy of the founder of the Marist Brothers through prayer, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Vanuatu At St Michel Technical College in Santo, Vanuatu, the celebration began with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration led by the boarding students. The Mass was presided over by Fr Louis SM and provided an opportunity for the school comm

The Marist formation community at Marist Asia Pacific Centre (MAPAC), Manila, recently welcomed eleven young men who have begun their Novitiate journey following the successful completion of their postulancy program in Timor-Leste. The group with Gabriel from South Korea (East Asia Province) who is also commencing his novitiate Following a period with their families and home communities after the conclusion of the postulancy program, the eight Timorese candidates - Agio Ena,

Congratulations to Br Steve Vaea of Samoa, who made his Perpetual Profession as a Marist Brother on 30 May, marking a significant milestone in his vocational journey. L - R - Brothers Siaosi Ioane, Sefo Une, Darren Burge, Steve Vaea, Anitelea Fidow, Ken McDonald, John Curry, David Surrounded by fellow Marist Brothers, family, friends, and members of the wider Marist community, Br Steve made a lifelong commitment to the Marist way of life through the vows of poverty, chastity,

Day 4 brought the gathering to a deeply reflective and hopeful conclusion, as participants turned their attention toward the future of the Marist mission across the Province. The day began with a moving prayer led by the Fiji delegation, centred around a beautifully woven traditional Fijian mat. In Fijian culture, mats are far more than decorative objects - they symbolise family, unity, hospitality, and life. They are brought out during important gatherings, where people sit

Day 3 of the Champagnat Family Assembly began with an energetic and uplifting opening prayer led by Br Anitelea Fidow, who had the entire room dancing to Son of Abraham. The joyful session brought warmth, laughter, and energy to the gathering. This was followed by a profound and moving prayer led by the Aotearoa New Zealand delegation, with Daniel Dungey, Tara Quinney, and Br Martin Pattison guiding the Assembly into a more reflective space. Br Anitelea Fidow led an energ

The morning session of Day 2 began with a beautiful prayer led by the Solomon Islands delegation, facilitated by Ruth Hihiru, Priscilla Senga and Jane Sau. Participants were invited to place a candle on a small table, which featured a meaningful collection of symbols: a beautiful sculpture of Mary and Jesus from Palestine, the Marist Heart, a relic of Marcellin, and a striking cross designed by a First Nations Australian artist that is also one of Br Michael Callinan’s person

For the first time since the establishment of the Star of the Sea Province in 2022, lay members of the Champagnat Marist Family and Brothers gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for a dedicated Assembly - a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration, connection, and shared mission across the Province. The Champagnat Family Assembly, being held from 17–20 May, has brought together 35 Marists from across every country of the Province, including representatives from Aotearoa New Ze