Around Pasifika: Stories of Mission, Education and Community

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 continues to grow and now operates under its new name, Montagne Street Ministry, inspired by Jean-Baptiste Montagne, whose encounter with St Marcellin Champagnat gave rise to the Marist mission.

For almost a year, the ministry has been serving people experiencing homelessness and other social challenges in Port Moresby by providing weekly meals and a welcoming community. From the outset, its vision has been not only to respond to immediate needs, but also to become a bridge connecting vulnerable young people with opportunities that can help them rebuild their lives.

That vision has now become a reality for three young men who had been living on the streets for several years and have been part of the Montagne Street Ministry. After learning about the ministry's work, the manager of a local construction company contacted the Brothers and offered employment opportunities to three young people. The ministry identified three young men and connected them with the company. They commenced work this week.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville: Education leaders visit St Joseph's Mabiri

Senior education officers visiting Buka for their annual conference took the opportunity to visit St Joseph's College, Mabiri, on 17 July.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by students and staff, who had the opportunity to showcase the work, achievements and ongoing development of St Joseph’s Mabiri College.

Samoa: Samoa Marist Vocation Team Visits Savai‘i

During the first week of the school holidays, the Marist Brothers' Vocation Promotion Team travelled to Savai'i to conduct a four-day vocation program across the parishes of Falealupo, Mauga and Samalaeulu.

The team, comprising Rev. Setefano Tavoi, Novices Pedro and Alfredo, and Br Steve Vaea, met with many young people who expressed genuine interest in learning more about the Marist Brothers and their mission.

The program provided an opportunity to share stories of Marist life, encourage young people to listen to God's call, and deepen their faith through prayer and reflection. The team expressed gratitude for the generous hospitality shown by each parish community and reaffirmed the importance of continuing to proclaim the Good News through witness and accompaniment.

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New Caledonia: Marist Association reflects on the Champagnat Family Asssembly in Fiji

Members of the Marist Association in New Caledonia recently gathered at the Marist Missionary Sisters' Retreat Centre for a meeting focused on the outcomes of the Marist Association gathering held in Fiji earlier this year.

Pierre Chanel de Takaniko, who attended the Fiji gathering as a delegate, shared an in-depth reflection on the key themes and discussions from the conference. He was joined by Pascaline Elika de Takaniko, his wife and Br Jean Paul Delesalle, who also participated in the Fiji event, enabling the local community to gain a deeper understanding of the conversations and priorities that emerged.

The gathering concluded with afternoon tea.