Formators from Four Regions Gather for 2026 Marist Asia-Oceania Colloquium at MAPAC

Held at the Marist Asia Pacific Center (MAPAC) in Manila from 26 to 30 March, the Marist Asia-Oceania Formators’ Colloquium 2026 brought together Brothers from across the region for a time of shared reflection, dialogue, and renewal in the ministry of formation. Among those present were representatives from the Star of the Sea Province - Peter Rodney, Tony Caddy, Raphael Fakaia, Jone Seduadua, Luke Fong, Simon Serero, and Anitelea Fidow - who joined fellow formators in exploring contemporary challenges and opportunities in Marist formation. Br Ador Santiago, Director of MAPAC writes more about the gathering.

In a spirit of deep communion and shared mission, twenty-nine Marist formators from the Provinces of Star of the Sea, East Asia, South Asia, and the Marist District of Asia gathered at the Marist Asia Pacific Center (MAPAC) for the 2026 Formators’ Colloquium, held from March 26–30, 2026. Over these grace-filled days, participants journeyed together through prayer, listening, and honest dialogue, seeking to renew the heart of Marist formation in today’s world.

Guided by the theme “Walking Together in Formation: Listening, Learning, and Renewing Our Practice,” the gathering became more than a meeting - it was an experience of fraternity, discernment, and hope. Through input sessions and synodal conversations, the Brothers reflected on the realities they face: the richness and challenge of intercultural living, the need for authentic accompaniment, and the call to build communities that truly give life.

A significant highlight was the presentation on the New Formation Guide by Br Pere Ferre and Br Lindley Sionosa, which invited participants to see formation not simply as a program, but as a dynamic journey of growth rooted in the Marist charism. This was echoed in the shared conviction that formation must move beyond structures alone and foster genuine transformation in the lives of those being accompanied.

At the heart of the colloquium was a renewed awareness that caring for formators is essential to the vitality of the mission. The session facilitated by Fr Jose Emmanuel Cabarles, MI, reminded all that formators can only accompany others authentically when they themselves are supported, nourished, and accompanied.

The gathering also turned its attention to the future, particularly the need for sustained accompaniment in the post-novitiate stage. Participants recognised that formation does not end with initial stages but requires ongoing care, guidance, and discernment as Brothers grow into their vocation.

As a concrete expression of their shared discernment, the participants presented the Marist Vocation & Formation Action Plan for 2026, highlighting key priorities: the formation of formators, the strengthening of formation structures, and the development of ongoing formation programs. These are supported by calls for deeper collaboration, improved vocation discernment, and greater intercultural integration across Administrative Units.

At the same time, the colloquium affirmed that renewal begins in the present moment. Many initiatives - such as fostering a culture of prayer, strengthening community life, encouraging spiritual direction, and promoting the well-being of formators - can already be lived out in local communities.

Beyond the sessions, the spirit of the colloquium was seen in simple yet meaningful moments: shared meals, laughter, sports, and prayer. These experiences revealed that formation is not only taught but lived - built on relationships, trust, and joy in being brothers together.

As the colloquium concluded, participants carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The recommendations have been entrusted to the leaders of the Administrative Units, but the deeper fruit lies in the strengthened commitment of each formator to accompany with greater authenticity, compassion, and faith.

In the spirit of Mary, our Good Mother, the gathering stands as a reminder that formation is a shared journey - one that calls all to walk together, to listen deeply, and to continually renew the gift of Marist life for the mission of the Church.

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By Br Ador Santiago (Director of MAPAC)