The new year has begun with energy and vitality across the Marist communities in Timor-Leste. From the arrival of new members in Triloka to joyful school celebrations, meaningful pastoral experiences, and ongoing formation initiatives, recent weeks have reflected a strong spirit of mission and fraternity. The following updates offer a glimpse into the life and work unfolding across the district. Welcome to Triloka, Br Rod Thomson The Triloka community was delighted to welcome

The following address was delivered by Br Tim Leen at the Senior Leaders Induction Ceremony at Marist Brothers High School, Fiji, on 26 February. Br Tim, an Aotearoa New Zealand–born Marist Brother with decades of mission experience across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, speaks candidly to the school’s incoming student leaders about what it truly means to carry the Marist spirit - and why, now more than ever, that responsibility rests in their hands. What follows is a transcr

From 19–22 February, 39 student leaders from across the Marist schools of Aotearoa New Zealand gathered for the annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum. Daniel Dungey, Partnerships Coordinator for New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, reflects on this enriching and inspiring event. Our annual Champagnat Marist Student Leaders Forum in Otautahi Christchurch took place from 19-22 February this year with 39 student leaders across 10 of our 11 schools’ network in attenda

The first gathering of Brothers at Triloka, the joyful start of a new school year at Lautem, new visitors welcomed into the community, and celebrations at religious events - January was a month full of excitement for the Marist family in Timor-Leste. Brothers come together to discuss the Province Chapter calls Twenty-seven Brothers gathered at Vila Marista Boa Mãe in Triloka on 27 January for the first community assembly of the year, taking time to reflect on the future direc

The newly elected Star of the Sea Provincial Council gathered for its first meeting, marking a significant moment as it begins shaping the direction of the Province for the next three years. The Council comprises Br Darren Burge (Provincial), Br Ken McDonald (Vice Provincial and Provincial Delegate, Pasifika), Br Peter Horide (Provincial Delegate, Aotearoa New Zealand), Br Greg McDonald (Provincial Delegate, Timor-Leste and Cambodia), Br Bryan Davis (Provincial Delegate, Aust

The Champagnat Marist Centre for Ecology and Sustainability in Lomeri welcomed Year 13 students from Marist Brothers High School for an enriching full-day program focused on personal growth, spiritual development, and leadership formation. The 2026 graduating class, accompanied by three dedicated teachers, spent the day immersed in meaningful learning experiences and the peaceful natural surroundings of the center. Marist Brothers High School Year 13 at Lomeri The morning pro

Last Christmas marked an important milestone for the young men in formation at the Tudella Novitiate in Sri Lanka - their first festive season away from family and friends. This experience offered a meaningful glimpse into the realities of life as a Marist Brother. While religious life calls for physical distance from one's family of origin, it simultaneously opens the heart to many new relationships, embodying the vocation of being a Brother to all. During the season, the no

Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, is currently visiting New Caledonia in his first Provincial visit of 2026. During his time there, he is meeting with Brothers Jean-Paul Delesalle and Georges Benigaud, who live near Noumea. Br Georges Benigaud, Br Darren Burge, and Br Jean-Paul Delesalle The visit includes several key engagements. Br Darren will update the community on the recent chapter held in Fiji and will meet with the Archbishop of Noumea on Fr

A week-long orientation program was underway at St Louis High School, Kiribati, bringing together new and returning staff as they prepare for the 2026 school year. Held from 12–16 January in Bishop Paul Mea Hall, the program was designed to support staff formation, reflection, and planning. It was led by senior management facilitators Frank Christopher, Deputy Principal (Junior), Tangaroa Arobati, Property Manager, and Kareaua Nawaia, Head of Student Welfare. Each day combine

On 12 January, Br Douglas Dawick passed away in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It was with great sadness that I received the news that our Br Douglas Dawick died in Auckland on 12 January at 1.00 am. Br Doug was peaceful in his final hours as he had slept most of Sunday and was well cared for by the staff at the hospital. Doug was 87 years old and had been a Marist Brother for 69

On 10 January 2026, a special Mass was celebrated at Tōtara Point in North Aotearoa New Zealand, marking 188 years since the first Catholic presence in the country. The occasion brought together the local Catholic community, clergy, religious, and members of the wider Marist family to honour both the beginnings of the Church in this land and its continuing mission today. The homily was given by Bishop Steve Lowe who reflected on the Church as a woven kete (a traditional Māor

On 1 January, Br Doug Walsh passed away in Melbourne, Australia. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It is with great sadness that I advise you that Br Doug Walsh died peacefully last night at 6.35 pm in Melbourne. His family, including his twin sister, Maureen, together with Br Harry Prout were with him, and praying with him throughout the day. Doug was peaceful and comfortable. Fr Wayne, the Parish Priest of Heid

At the General Chapter held in September in the Philippines, Br Peter Carroll, former Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, was elected Superior General, and Br John Hazelman, former Provincial Delegate to Pasifika, was elected as one of the General Councillors. In response to these appointments, Br Darren Burge, the newly elected Provincial, wrote a heartfelt tribute expressing his gratitude to both Brothers for their generous service, faithful leadership, and uncondit

The third day of the Chapter focused on the critical work of discerning and shaping the Calls of the Chapter. The day began with a beautiful Fijian prayer led by Brothers Petero Navuku, Melquiano Obe, and Jacinto Fuli Falo. Br Petero, a Fijian Brother, opened the prayer by reflecting on the lali , a traditional drum that calls people together. The lali is sounded in times of celebration, in moments of quiet reflection, and in times of difficulty, when people gather for str

The second session of the day was characterised by a process of spiritual conversation, with significant time dedicated to shared reflection and dialogue. Br Darren Burge presented the strategic documents that had been developed by the Provincial Council over many months. He explained that the intention was not to produce a detailed operational plan, but rather a set of guiding principles that express both the aspirations of the Province and its core vision. Drawing together

Day 2 of the Provincial Chapter began with an invitation for the Brothers to reflect on what was “bubbling within” them as they entered the day. Br Tony Leon guided this reflective opening, encouraging participants to attend to what was speaking to them inwardly. He also acknowledged the tragic events that unfolded at Bondi Beach the previous evening. This was followed by two minutes of silence, as the Brothers held in prayer those who lost their lives, their families, and al

On December 14, the Second Provincial Chapter of the Star of the Sea Province officially began in Nadi, Fiji. The gathering opened with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, followed by a deeply moving traditional Fijian ceremony. The Chapter brought together 25 Brothers from across the Province, joined by Br Peter Carroll, the newly elected Superior General and former Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. The newly elected Provincial, Br Darren Burge, led the openi

On December 14, the Second Provincial Chapter of the Star of the Sea Province officially commenced in Nadi, Fiji. The day began with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, during which Br Darren Burge, with the prayerful support of his Brothers, was commissioned as the new Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. As Br Peter Carroll, the Superior General and former Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, was unable to arrive in time for the morning liturgy, the comm