From Rich History to Emerging Opportunities: New Caledonia’s Marist Presence Faces the Future with Faith, Writes Mark Pauchmann

Recently, the Executive Director for Province Ministries, Mark Pauschmann, visited the beautiful islands of New Caledonia - one of the eleven countries in our Province. The Marist Brothers have a long and rich history here, dating back to the late 1800s when the first Brothers arrived to serve in schools and communities, laying deep foundations in education, faith, and service that continue to shape lives today.

In his reflection, Mark writes about meeting with two French Brothers currently serving in Nouméa, and about how he sees both the present reality and the future possibilities for the Marist mission in New Caledonia. Read more:

My time in New Caledonia was marked by the warm and genuine welcome of the Brothers in Nouméa. They continue to live their vocation here in a steady, familiar way - faithful to what they have always done and deeply connected to the people. Five schools on Marist‑owned land still carry our name, and as a Province we remain committed to sustaining a Marist presence here, honouring the history and contributions of the Brothers.

Today, this presence is expressed through simple but meaningful acts - supporting parish life, assisting the Archdiocese with printing needs, bringing communion to parishioners, and maintaining a quiet but faithful witness in the community. These humble efforts continue to embody the Marist spirit of service and closeness, and in light of recent unrest, they may well be the foundation from which our mission evolves into new forms in the future.

Lycée Professionnel Marcellin Champagnat (LPMC)

During our visit, we met with the School Director, Monsieur Laurent Pain, who warmly welcomed us and shared insights into the school’s life and development, especially in the wake of the recent crisis and in preparation for the Province’s next phase.

With Laurent Pain, Director of LPMC

Despite challenges, LPMC continues to provide steady, quality education to over 600 students - an increase from just over 500 pre‑crisis. The school offers hands‑on vocational training in Construction, Maintenance, Electrical Engineering, and Metalwork, supported by well‑equipped workshops and classrooms.

Set among green spaces, the school also offers boarding, although numbers declined during the crisis. Currently, about 110 boys live in the main boarding house and approximately 30 girls board at Ste Thérèse.

With Sr Monica and Parish Priest of Paita

What stood out was the gentle but genuine way the Marist spirit is lived. Champagnat Day was celebrated with a school‑wide Mass on 6 June, and a Jubilee Year cross was created featuring a heart at its centre. We also learned about the quiet pastoral work of a staff member of the Pastoral Team, who offers voluntary faith‑based activities outside school hours, as formal Religious Education is not permitted during class time. This kind of gentle ministry reflects the Marist ethos and holds promise for future engagement.

Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM)

Visiting the SMSM was a memorable and grounding experience. We were welcomed by sisters working together outdoors, shovelling gravel - a simple image of humility and shared life.

Their hospitality over tea and crepes was warm and genuine, and our conversation, flowing naturally in a mix of French and English, revealed their joy, openness, and quiet strength. It was a moment of true encounter - both grounded and grace‑filled.

With Marist Missionary Sisters for afternoon tea

Meeting with Archbishop Susitino Sionepoe S.M.

Our meeting with the Archbishop was marked by warmth and openness, with a shared concern for the Church’s future in New Caledonia.

He expressed deep appreciation for the Marist presence over the past 150 years and showed keen interest in supporting future involvement, particularly to meet the growing social and spiritual needs of young people. There was mutual recognition of the importance of forming adults who can accompany youth, and of creating spaces where young people can grow in faith, identity, and leadership.

With Archbishop Susutino Sionepoe S.M.

Looking ahead, there was also openness to collaboration between the Archdiocese and the Marists in areas such as school pastoral care, youth-focused ministry, and revitalising places like Saint‑Léon as centres for formation and leadership. New Caledonia’s strong internet connectivity offers further opportunities to strengthen ties with the global Marist network through online exchanges and shared resources. The Archbishop welcomed working together to support the mission of the local Church during this time of change.

Meeting with Manoël van Aerschodt, Director of Catholic Education (DEC)

The DEC oversees a large network of schools serving over 2,400 students and employing about 200 teachers across primary, secondary, and vocational settings. With the gradual transition from religious congregations such as the Cluny Sisters and Little Sisters of Mary, the DEC is navigating pastoral staff shortages while continuing to promote faith-based formation.

With the Archbishop and Br Neville Solomon

They are exploring ways to activate centres like Saint‑Léon as spaces for youth formation outside regular school hours, including before and after school and on weekends. There is openness to sports and community projects that enhance youth engagement. Despite recent social and political unrest, Catholic schools largely avoided damage, and the resilience of their communities is a key strength to build on.

My visit confirmed what has long been true - the Marist presence in New Caledonia is not measured only by buildings or numbers, but by the quiet, faithful witness of those who serve here. In schools, parishes, and community life, the Marist spirit is alive - often in small, almost hidden ways - yet with a depth that touches hearts.

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Contributed by Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director for Province Ministries.