Br Darren Burge Commissioned Provincial as Second Provincial Chapter Begins in Fiji

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 commissioning took place in two parts. The first part was celebrated during the Mass, marking the beginning of Br Darren’s new ministry of leadership.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the gathering continued in a distinctly Fijian way with a deeply moving traditional ceremony. Led by members of the Champagnat Lay Marists and Marist Old Boys, the ceremony expressed welcome, gratitude, and communal support. Through a traditional Fijian acknowledgement, Br Darren was recognised as their chief - a beautiful symbol of trust, respect, and unity.

During the ceremony, Champagnat Lay Marist Joeli Koroiravudi warmly welcomed Br Darren and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the work the Marists have carried out, and continue to carry out, not only in Fiji but across Oceania. This was followed by another symbolic gesture when Lay Marist Akeneta Matavudi placed a salusalu around Br Darren’s neck. Woven from the dried bark of the wild hibiscus plant, the salusalu is a profound sign of respect in Fijian culture, traditionally offered to honoured guests.

In a particularly moving moment, the Marist family presented young yaqona plants, along with a roasted pig and vegetables - symbols of the land’s finest gifts. This offering conveyed a powerful message of shared belonging and mutual commitment: “What is ours is yours, Brother.”

Later in the afternoon, the Chapter formally began with Br Darren leading the first session. Upon the arrival of Br Peter Carroll, the second part of the commissioning took place, during which he officially commissioned Br Darren as Provincial and offered his support and good wishes for the journey ahead.

In a symbolic gesture, Br Darren then placed the names of all the Brothers of the Province into the Champagnat ‘heart’, entrusting them to prayer and discernment. In the days ahead, the Chapter will set its directions and prayerfully discern from among these Brothers who will carry them forward over the next three years.

View more pics from the Fiji celebrations: