Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, is currently undertaking a week-long visit to Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand to engage with Marist schools, Brothers’ communities, and educational leaders. The visit underscores the Province’s commitment to supporting and deepening the Marist mission of education, faith formation, and service among young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. St Paul’s Principal Keith Simento, Br Darren, & Br Peter Horide at St Paul’s Coll

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

Proprietor appointees to the Boards of three Marist colleges in Aotearoa New Zealand were formally inducted at a special Mass held in the chapel of Sacred Heart College, marking a significant moment in the governance of the institutions. The ceremony, celebrated by Fr Steve Berecz, brought together newly appointed Board members alongside college leaders, staff, and supporters in a meaningful occasion that blended the spiritual mission of the Marist tradition with the formal r

Educational leaders and regional representatives from the Marist Institute met in Madrid from 16 - 20 February to chart the future direction of the Marist Global Network of Schools, marking a significant milestone in the network's development. Dr Frank Malloy, Br Kevin Wanden and Mark Pauschmann The gathering brought together delegates to review the network's strengths, challenges, and opportunities, culminating in the development of a four-year Strategic Plan that will guide

The Marist Scholastic brothers in Triloka, Timor-Leste, recently took part in an enriching workshop focused on the structure and dynamics of community prayer, led by Br Michael Akers of the Marist Mission, Life and Formation team in Sydney. Central to the day's program was an exploration of the new Marist book of morning and evening prayer, compiled and produced by Br Michael in late 2025. The morning unfolded in two parts. The first examined the key elements that give shape

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

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