Celebrating Marcellin: From Timor-Leste to PNG, Champagnat Day Celebrated Across 11 Countries

Champagnat Day on 6 June was celebrated across the 11 countries in the Star of the Sea Province with great joy and enthusiasm. From the inaugural celebration at the new Marist school in Timor-Leste to a double celebration in Mabiri, where the community also marked one of the Brothers’ birthdays, it was a week overflowing with prayer, reflection, laughter, and love.

Here are just a few glimpses of the celebrations across the Province.

Timor-Leste

Marist College Lautem celebrates their first Champagnat Day!

On 6 June, Marist College Lautem celebrated a meaningful milestone - their first-ever feast day of Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and now the College’s patron saint.

The day brought the whole school community together. It began with a prayer, followed by speeches and student presentations that reflected on the life and values of Champagnat. There were also games that brought plenty of energy and laughter, and the celebration ended with a shared meal - a simple but special way to be together.

It was a day full of pride, joy, and community spirit - and a memorable first chapter in what’s sure to become a much-loved tradition.

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Courtey: Br Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate, Timor-Leste and Cambodia

Cambodia

Lavalla School honours the enduring legacy of Marcellin

On 6 June, the LaValla community in Cambodia came together - staff and students alike - to celebrate Champagnat Day.

The morning began with a gentle sense of reverence and joy. Teacher Hokkhy took the younger students through the story of Marcellin - his early life, the challenges he faced, and how the Marist Brothers came to be.

After the storytelling, the community helped build a special wall displaying a picture of Saint Marcellin. The wall itself was a powerful symbol, evoking the image of the Marist Brothers building the Hermitage in France - stone by stone, dream by dream.

This was followed by a prayer service, marked by heartfelt singing and a beautiful sense of unity that filled the space.

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Courtesy: Br Brian Kinsella, Chair, Marist Solidarity Cambodia

Solomon Islands

Mass, games and lots of food at St Joesph's School in Tenaru, Solomon Islands

The Champagnat Day celebrations in the Solomon Islands began with a beautiful Eucharistic Mass, bringing the community together in prayer and thanksgiving.

After Mass, the energy shifted to joy and laughter as the staff and students moved into a series of indoor games, with students and staff joining in on the fun and friendly competition.

Later in the afternoon, everyone gathered again - this time for vocational talks. Our very own Brothers, along with members of other congregations, shared their stories and reflections. It was a meaningful moment for many of our young people, offering insight into the call to religious life and the many ways one can serve with purpose.

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Courtesy: Br Epalle Taega, Solomon Islands

Vanuatu

Champagnat Day in Vanuatu celebrated with prayer and lots of food!

On 6 June, students and staff in St Michel's Technical School in Vanuatu came together to celebrate the Feast of Marcellin with a beautiful and reverent Mass.

Gathered in the church, the community prayed, sang, and reflected - united in gratitude for the life and legacy of Marcellin.

It was a day full of joy and quiet blessings, one that reminds of the strength and warmth of the Marist spirit that continues to guide our journey.

One look at the young faces filled with hope and faith, it was easy to imagine Marcellin smiling from above, proud of the love and dedication shown by his Marist family here in Vanuatu.

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Courtesy: Br Jean-Marie Batick, Vanuatu

Fiji

A Call to Belong: “Come and See” Marks Champagnat Day in Fiji

As part of the Champagnat Feast Day celebrations, the Champagnat Marists in Fiji gathered for a special "Come and See" event. The gathering was led by Br Anitelia Fidow and Ili, Champagnat Marist, and brought together members of the Marist family in a spirit of reflection, fellowship, and joy.

A particularly meaningful part of the celebration was the Commissioning of new lay Marists - a moment filled with hope, commitment, and a shared sense of mission. It was a beautiful way to honour the legacy of Marcellin, and a reminder that his spirit continues to inspire and guide us all.

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Courtesy: Br John Hazelman, Provincial Delegate, Pasifika

Mabiri, Bougainville

Madang Community in Mabiri has a dual celebration!

The Madang Marist community in Mabiri came together for a joyful celebration, marking the Feast of Marcellin.

Adding to the joy was another special occasion, Br Carlvin’s birthday!

The celebrations were heartfelt and full of life, with the community embracing both milestones with prayer, laughter, and plenty of good cheer.

Courtesy: Br Henry Uguni, Mabiri, Bougainville.