This week marks the 150th anniversary of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The journey began in 1876 when the Marist Brothers began teaching, laying the foundations for a ministry that has touched generations of young people. In the lead-up to this anniversary, we are sharing a series of articles and interviews featuring Marist educators, leaders and alumni who have helped shape this rich legacy. In the first article of the series, historian and author Br Edward Clisb

This week marks the 150th anniversary of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The journey began in 1876 when the Marist Brothers began teaching, laying the foundations for a ministry that has touched generations of young people. In the lead-up to this anniversary, we are sharing a series of articles and interviews featuring Marist educators, leaders and alumni who have helped shape this rich legacy. In the first article of the series, historian and author Br Edward Clisb

After four weeks of formation, community building and learning, ten young Marist Brothers from across the Asia-Pacific region have completed the 2026 QUEST Program at the Marist Asia-Pacific Centre (MAPAC). The month-long program brought together young Brothers preparing for the next stages of their vocation, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, deeper understanding of Marist identity, and fraternity across cultures. Congratulations, Brothers! When asked about their

23 July marks a significant date in our shared Marist history: Fourvière Day. On this day in 1816, Marcellin Champagnat was among twelve aspiring Marists who climbed the 800 steps to the chapel of Our Lady of Fourvière, overlooking Lyon. There they pledged themselves to the foundation of a new religious movement, the Mary-ists, whose life and ministry would be shaped by Mary’s way of living the Gospel. This moment became the foundation of the Society of Mary, which would tak

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

Almost one year after its launch, the Buy A Tree (BAT) initiative continues to grow from strength to strength. In its first year, the initiative has raised almost AUD $5,000 to support the planting of native trees across the Province. These funds are being used to grow and plant native species in Marist communities, supporting environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. Today, trees are being planted across the Province, with recent plantings taking place in the So

The past few weeks have been busy across Pasifika. From creating new opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness in Papua New Guinea to promoting vocations in Samoa and strengthening Marist educational partnerships in Bougainville and New Caledonia, Marists across the region have continued to strengthen communities and respond to local needs. Papua New Guinea: Three Young Men get Jobs through Street Ministry The Marist Brothers' street ministry in Port Moresby c

After two weeks of profound learning, connection and shared experiences, the young Marist Brothers participating in the QUEST Program at MAPAC have now completed their third week of formation. With only six days remaining in this rich formation journey, there is a growing awareness among the brothers that this unique experience is drawing to a close. Yet, the conversations remain as lively as ever, and the depth of group sharing continues to reveal personal courage, insight a

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

After a packed and enriching first week of the QUEST Program, the Brothers have now reached the halfway point of their time at MAPAC. As they settle into the rhythm of community life, the young Brothers are embracing the program with enthusiasm, taking initiative in daily activities. Brothers from the Star of the Sea Province, Marist District of Asia and the Marist Province of South Asia During the second week, one of the highlights was a presentation by Cenacle Sister Perry

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

On 4 July, ten new candidates were formally accepted into the postulancy program at Vila Marista Boa Mãe. The ceremony marked an important step in their journey of vocational discernment and formation within the Marist community. The program welcomed seven young men from Timor-Leste and three from the Solomon Islands. Three young men from the Solomon Islands – Augustine Aba, Augustine Parasaia and Gideon Baura – arrived on 19 June accompanied by Br Simon Serero. They were joi

Building on the strong foundations laid during the opening few days, the 2026 QUEST program continues to offer participants opportunities for deeper reflection, learning and fraternity as they prepare for Perpetual Profession. With Br Canisio Willrich FMS from the Secretariat of Brothers Today During the first week, the Brothers gained a broader understanding of the life and mission of the Marist Institute through sessions led by Br Canisio Willrich FMS from the Brothers Toda

Congratulations to Br Harry Prout from Melbourne, who was recently honoured with the Paul Harris Fellow award at his local Rotary Club's Presidential Changeover Dinner. Named after Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International, the Paul Harris Fellow is one of Rotary's highest recognitions. It is presented to members and honorary members who have made a significant contribution to Rotary's work and its mission of fostering goodwill and understanding. The citation accompany

On 30 June, Br Peter Thompson 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 is with deep sadness that I share with you the news of the death of Br Peter Thompson, who died peacefully at 11.00 am on 30 June in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. His health declined sharply in recent days, especially from Sunday, when he lost consciousness. Throughout this time, he remained peaceful

Ten young Marist Brothers from across the Asia-Oceania region have commenced the 2026 QUEST program (formerly Preparation for Perpetual Profession Program), a formation journey that prepares participants for Perpetual Profession as Marist Brothers. First-year novices and the QUEST Brothers Held every two years in a different location across the region, QUEST provides an opportunity for Brothers approaching their final vows to deepen their understanding of the evangelical vows

Eight young men have begun the next stage of their Marist journey after being formally welcomed into the aspirancy program at Casa Marista, Teulale, on 24 June. The new Timorese aspirants - Augusto de Jesus Ena, Alberto Da Costa, Elviano Da Cruz De Oliveira, Flabiano Cabene Meob, Juvito Moniz Mendonça, Gil Manuel Da Costa, Nine Lorenso Pinto, Paulo Da Silva - come from three districts across Timor-Leste, with all eight hailing from agricultural backgrounds. During the welcome

On 25 June, Br Terry Orrell passed away in Perth, 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 announce the death of Br Terry Orrell, who died in Perth on the evening of 25 June. In recent days, Terry had entered renal failure associated with the dementia he had lived with for the past two years. He was lovingly cared for by the nursing home staff and faithfully visited by the Brot

The Marist180 Board announces the appointment of Angela Raguz as Chief Executive Officer, effective 10 August 2026. Angela joins Marist180 as a deeply values-driven leader with extensive experience across the health and human services sector, most recently as Head of Aged Care for The Salvation Army Australia leading a team of over 3000 staff caring for some of the nations most vulnerable older people including those who have experienced trauma, homelessness and chronic menta

Br Michael Green of the Star of the Sea Province recently attended the annual in-person meeting of the International Marist Spiritual Patrimony Commission, held at the General House in Rome from 15 to 19 June. The Commission is an international body of the Marist Institute responsible for helping preserve, deepen and promote the spiritual heritage of the Marist Brothers. Its work includes encouraging research, publications, formation programmes and initiatives that help Maris