Br Tony Leon Co-Leads QUEST Formation Program for Asia-Pacific Brothers

Ten young Marist Brothers from across the Asia-Pacific region have commenced the QUEST formation program, an important stage of preparation for those discerning and preparing for perpetual profession in the coming years.

Running from 15 June to 26 July, the six-week program begins with two weeks of online sessions before participants gather for four weeks of residential formation at the Marist Asia Pacific Centre (MAPAC) in Marikina City, Philippines.

This year’s participants come from three Marist administrative units - the Marist District of Asia, the Marist Province of South Asia, and the Star of the Sea Province - representing Bangladesh, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

The program is being facilitated by Br Tony Leon of the Star of the Sea Province and Br Real Sauvageau of the Marist District of Asia. Through a series of formation sessions, reflection opportunities and community experiences, the Brothers are exploring themes of Marist community life, the vows of religious life, and the opportunities and challenges they may encounter as they continue their vocational journey toward perpetual profession.

Grounded in the Institute’s Constitutions, the QUEST program (formerly called Preparation for Perpetual Profession Program) seeks to provide participants with a significant period of intensive spiritual preparation, enabling them to discern more deeply their call to dedicate their lives to God in apostolic Marist community. The program also responds to the vision of the XXII General Chapter, encouraging Brothers to become “Beacons of Hope in this Turbulent World”, while supporting the XXIII General Chapter’s call to foster a stronger culture of vocation throughout the Institute.

A key feature of the program is its intercultural dimension. Bringing together Brothers from diverse countries and provinces, QUEST provides a unique opportunity to share experiences of Marist religious life across cultures and to deepen their understanding of the Institute as a global charismatic family. Participants are also invited to step away from the demands of ministry and study, creating space for prayer, discernment and the integration of their life experiences.

Through living, learning and reflecting together, the Brothers are experiencing Marist brotherhood in a rich intercultural setting while cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus, Mary and Marcellin Champagnat. The program aims to strengthen their commitment to Marist mission and support them in responding generously to God's call as they prepare for the possibility of perpetual profession.