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

Following last week's successful teacher and staff orientation, St Louis High School in Kiribati launched its student orientation program this week, welcoming new learners into the school's vibrant community and setting the foundation for the academic year ahead. St Louis' new students The orientation week commenced on Monday with the arrival of Form One students, the newest members of the Saint Louis family embarking on their junior and senior high school journey. For many o

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

As the new year begins, schools and communities across the province are launching into 2026 with renewed energy. At the Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP) , Timor-Leste, preparations are underway to welcome a new cohort of students and teachers, writes Br Paul Gilchrist, the institute's Director. ICFP staff returned to start the new academic year on 5 January 2026. After an opening prayer and a meeting with all staff, the lecturers were quickly down to wo

Marist Brothers’ Primary School, Mulivai, Samoa, began the 2026 academic year with a three-day teacher orientation programme held 26 to 28 January. The programme brought staff together for formation, reflection and planning, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead. A highlight of the orientation was the formal introduction of the new Acting Principal, Tusipepa Niko. Tusipepa is a committed Champagnat Lay Marist who has served the Mulivai school community for over 20 ye

On 22 January, Br Julian Quinlan passed away in Sydney, 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 Julian Quinlan died peacefully last night at 6.14 pm in Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney). Julian had a massive cerebral haemorrhage on Tuesday morning as he was getting out of bed and was rushed to hospital. He lingered for some days due to his strong heart and

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

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

On 7 December, the Marist Brothers community in Kaikohe marked the close of nearly 50 years of presence and service in the north of Aotearoa - New Zealand. A beautiful and deeply moving Mass brought the community together as local parishioners, friends, and former students gathered to honour the Brothers and express their gratitude for decades of ministry, accompaniment, and friendship. Br Peter Horide, Provincial Delegate to Aotearoa - New Zealand, has penned a heartfelt ref

Sixteen young Cambodians from the Marists’ LaValla Programme for Inclusive Education gathered this week for a heartfelt farewell as they set off for the airport - each proudly dressed in new tracksuits in the colours of the Cambodian flag. Their destination: the Asian Para-Youth Games in Dubai, UAE, taking place from 10 to 13 December, where they will represent their country on one of the region’s most significant sporting stages. The students travelling come from LaValla’s f

At the end of this school year, the Marist Brothers Community in Cairns will conclude after an extraordinary 96 years of presence, service, and ministry. Last week, the community gathered with mixed emotions to honour nearly a century of Marist life at St Augustine’s College. Across those decades, 191 Brothers lived, taught, guided and shaped generations of young men in Cairns. At the farewell celebration, Br Darren Burge offered a heartfelt reflection on this legacy and the