Provincial Br Darren Visits Brothers and Marist Community in Vanuatu for the First Time
Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, recently visited Vanuatu for the first time, taking the opportunity to spend time in the Brothers community, learn more about their mission and gain a deeper understanding of the local context in which they serve.
Much of the visit centred on sharing in community life and holding individual pastoral conversations with the Brothers.
An important part of the visit was a meeting with Theophile Kileteir, Principal of St Michel Technical School, the Marist school in Vanuatu. Theophile shared the story of the school, its development and its important role in the local community. Their conversation explored the social challenges facing teachers in Vanuatu, as well as the school's distinctive vocational education program.
Alongside academic learning, the school provides vocational and technical training, with some teachers travelling to other islands throughout the year to conduct workshops and share their expertise with other communities.
Br Darren also met with parish priest Fr Morris for an informal dinner and conversation, and caught up with Jimmy Estelio, a Lay Champagnat Marist, whom he had previously met at the Champagnat Family Assembly in Fiji. He also spent time with long-serving staff members who have close ties with the Brothers and the Marist mission in the country.
In keeping with local island customs, Br Darren was also welcomed to an evening of kava and good food and company.
View more pics:
Comments