Br Darren Makes His First Overseas Visit to Timor-Leste After Being Appointed Provincial

Br Darren Burge, the newly appointed Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, is in Timor-Leste this week for his first international visit since assuming office. The trip provides him with an opportunity to engage directly with the Brothers across the country and to observe firsthand the steady growth of the Marist mission in the region.

Brother Darren Burge and Tony Caddy with the Scholastic Brothers at Vila Marista Boa Mãe, Triloka

His visit commenced at the Triloka Formation House in Baucau, the newest Marist community in Timor-Leste and home to both Postulants and Scholastic Brothers. The Scholastics, having recently completed their final semester at ICFP, welcomed him warmly. In a gesture of cultural respect, Br Melquiano Obe presented him with a traditional tais. The gathering offered valuable time for the young Brothers to speak with their Provincial about their formation, community life, and the realities shaping their vocational journey.

Br Darren later visited ICFP, Timor-Leste’s leading teacher training institute established by the Marist Brothers in the years following the nation’s independence in 2000. During his meeting with Director Br Paul Gilchrist, he was briefed on the institute’s ongoing contributions to the development of the country’s education sector and its enduring partnership with Marist communities across Timor-Leste.

Brothers Greg McDonald, Darren Bruge and Lecio Heckler with the aspirants at Casa Marista Aspirancy, Teulale

A significant part of his itinerary was the visit to Colégio Marista Lautém, the first Marist school in the country, where he met with Br Paul Kane, the Principal. This marked his first opportunity to see the school since its official inauguration earlier this year by then-Provincial Br Peter Carroll, now Superior General, alongside Bishop of Baucau Leandro Maria Alves. He noted the school’s rapid progress and its emerging role as a key educational presence in the region.

He also toured the completed Triloka Formation House, which he had last seen a year earlier while still under construction. Observing the finished building now alive with community life, he described it as “a striking testament to the vitality of the Marist spirit in Timor-Leste.”

Brothers Darren and Raphael Fakaia with the Postulants at Triloka

Throughout his visit, Br Darren expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by the young Brothers and his confidence in their leadership. He emphasised that they represent the future of the Marist mission in Timor-Leste - men who will accompany young people, contribute to the strengthening of education, and help shape the country’s ongoing development.

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