Champagnat in the Pacific 2026: 16 ANZ Marist Educators Gather for Three Days of Formation

From 9 to 12 August, sixteen participants from nine schools in our network in Aotearoa New Zealand took part in the annual Champagnat in the Pacific program. Daniel Dungey, Partnerships Coordinator for New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, reports on the event.

Vaughan Park, Long Bay, once again provided a wonderful setting for the 2026 Champagnat in the Pacific (CITP) staff formation program. Sixteen participants representing nine schools from across our network gathered for three days of formation, reflection and community, exploring the spirituality and pedagogy of Marist education in the tradition of St Marcellin Champagnat.

I was privileged to co-present the program alongside Brother Bryan Stanaway. His facilitation, pastoral presence and ability to accompany participants through the various workshops made a significant contribution to the success of the program.

A Journey from Head to Heart

The deliberately unhurried pace of the program was an important feature. CITP is not intended to be a conference; rather, it creates space for participants to step away from their usual routines, reflect deeply and make the journey from head to heart as they discover and deepen their own Champagnat Marist Way to Jesus.

The program provided opportunities for personal reflection, shared learning, prayer, conversation and community. These experiences enabled participants to explore what it means to live and express the Marist charism within their own roles, relationships and ministry settings.

Programs such as CITP rely heavily on the generosity and commitment of others. This year, we were particularly grateful for the contribution of Kieran Fouhy and Kevin Shore, who led sessions on Marist Education and the Calls, Challenges & Realities for Us Today, and Cherie Jaeger, who explored the implications of Marist ministry. Their knowledge and willingness to share their experience enriched the formation journey for all participants.

Encountering the Marist Story

A particular highlight was the Fireside Chat, featuring Brothers Bryan Stanaway and Samisoni Talia. Their honest, humble and authentic responses to questions about mission, vocation and life provided a powerful opportunity for participants to encounter the Marist story through personal experience.

For many participants, this was their first opportunity to meet a Marist Brother. The openness and authenticity of the conversation created a meaningful connection between the history and tradition of Marist life and the lived reality of Marist mission today.

The presence of the Brothers throughout the programme was warmly received and reinforced the importance of relationships and personal encounter in sustaining the Marist charism.

Prayer, Eucharist and Community

It was a special blessing to welcome Fr Frank Bird SM, who led our community Mass as we approached the Feast of the Assumption. The celebration of Eucharist, followed by a shared meal, provided a beautiful expression of the Marist spirit of gathering around the table.

We were also grateful for the presence of the Auckland-based Brothers and our local Champagnat Marist, Terry Horne. Many thanks to Brothers Peter Horide, Alan Henley, Osmund Macnamara, Kevin King, Martin Pattison and Barry Burns for joining us and contributing to the sense of community experienced by participants.

Participant Experience and Impact

Initial feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. The responses affirmed the value of providing formation opportunities that allow people to pause, reflect, connect with one another and deepen their understanding of the Marist charism.

Importantly, participants identified not only what they had learned, but also how the experience had affected them personally and professionally.

·       The opportunity to build community and connect with our Marist Story was a great joy. The presence of the Marist Brothers for Mass and a shared meal was a special gift.

·       Coming around the table to break bread from different cultural and faith backgrounds lifted my spirit!

·       I feel affirmed in my role at my kura and encouraged to be a witness before an educator.

·       Br Bryan and Br Samisoni’s Fireside Chat was so authentic, heartfelt and inspiring – thank you.

·       Our charism is a gift worth sharing – all are welcome here!

·       God’s mission continues and we have a big part to play through the examples of Mary and Marcellin.

These reflections demonstrate that the impact of CITP extends beyond the three days at Vaughan Park. Participants leave with a renewed sense of identity, connection and purpose, together with a deeper appreciation of their role in continuing the Marist mission.

Where to From Here?

The journey does not end at Long Bay. The challenge now is to find ways to support participants as they take their experiences back into their schools, ministries and personal lives.

The feedback strongly affirms the need for continued guidance, accompaniment and opportunities for formation. The organising team is therefore encouraged to look beyond the annual program and consider how the relationships and learning established through CITP can be sustained.

One possible next step is to bring together participants from previous CITP programs within each ministry setting. Such gatherings could provide opportunities for continued reflection, mutual support and discernment as participants ask the important question:

“What happens next?”

Our group will have the opportunity to reconnect online on 3 September.

In this way, the spirit of Champagnat in the Pacific can continue to grow - not simply as an annual program, but as an ongoing journey of faith, community and mission.

As we continue to carry forward St Marcellin Champagnat’s dream, may we remain open to where the Holy Spirit is calling us and committed to bringing the Marist charism to life in our ministries and in our everyday relationships.

Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi

With your basket and my basket, the people will live

 -Pics and words by Daniel Dungey