Provincial Chapter Day 2: Engaging the Chapter Calls and Reflecting on Province Realities

Day 2 of the Provincial Chapter began with an invitation for the Brothers to reflect on what was “bubbling within” them as they entered the day. Br Tony Leon guided this reflective opening, encouraging participants to attend to what was speaking to them inwardly. He also acknowledged the tragic events that unfolded at Bondi Beach the previous evening. This was followed by two minutes of silence, as the Brothers held in prayer those who lost their lives, their families, and all who were affected by the tragedy.

The morning reflection drew on the image of the net, inspired by the logo from Timothy Radcliffe OP’s Synodal Retreat 2024, rooted in the Gospel scene of the resurrection fishing. Br Tony shared an excerpt consisting of five short paragraphs on the power of the net. Each table was invited to read and reflect on one paragraph.

A key insight emerged around the idea that when cultures meet, neither should consume the other. There must remain a space between them. Just as a net is made effective by its empty spaces and holes, without which it cannot haul fish, so too our relationships and communities need space, boundaries, and openness. Participants were invited into prayer, reflecting on what stayed with them and what resonated most deeply.

The ‘currents’ shaping our Province

Br Peter Rodney then reflected on the “currents” shaping the Province as it moves forward. One significant current, he noted, is what is already present within the Province: the spirit, energy, commitment, and responsibility that have been built over the past three years. Alongside the achievements, there is also a conscious awareness of fragilities. Part of the Chapter process, he explained, is to name and understand this current more clearly, so as to be honest about the Province’s present reality.

Another important current is the wider Marist Institute itself. The Province is part of a much larger movement that has developed over decades, shaped by evolving priorities, visions, and decisions. Br Peter highlighted that this Provincial Chapter is particularly privileged to take place soon after the General Chapter, which has set a clear direction for all Provinces.

The morning session therefore invited the Brothers to enter into this global current of the Institute, beginning with the presentation of the Chapter Calls from the recently concluded General Chapter. This was followed by input from Br Peter Carroll, Superior General, and a time for questions and discussion.

Br Peter Carroll speaks about the Calls of the Chapter

Before speaking about the Calls, Br Peter took the opportunity to congratulate Br Darren on his election as the Provincial and acknowledged the outstanding support he had received from him, noting his many years of service and the depth of experience he brought to the role.

He acknowledged the rich history present in the room: former Provincials from Aotearoa New Zealand, Sydney and Melbourne (former Australia Province), as well as former District Leaders from Melanesia. This history speaks to the long journey of Marist life in Oceania and to the region’s movement towards a unique and shared provincial identity.

Br Peter described the General Chapter experience so far as one of genuine fraternity, marked by strong intercultural interaction. This, he said, is a sign of hope for both the Institute and the Province. The experience reflected what the Church and the world deeply need today.

Two key themes were highlighted as particularly relevant to the Chapter. The first was encounter, as frequently spoken of by Pope Francis: a culture of encounter that goes beyond superficial relationships to respectful dialogue, deep listening, and collaborative action. The second was fraternity, a theme recently emphasised again by Pope Francis, calling the Church to move from encounter towards a lived fraternity among brothers and sisters. Synodality, described as a “third arm”, was seen as closely linked to both encounter and fraternity, strengthening a sense of shared community.

Br Peter reminded the Brothers that religious are called, in their own way, to be prophets of peace: people who live below the surface, build bridges, and offer a genuine witness of reconciliation in the world.

The session then turned to learning more about the Chapter Calls, introduced through a video message from Br Peter that was released on 8 December. It became clear that a strong emphasis on community and common life emerged as a central call. Many of the other calls flowed from this, particularly in response to challenges in lived community experiences.

He then invited Br Ken McDonald, Br Ken McDonald, former Vicar General and the Chair of the Facilitation Commission, to say a few words. Br Ken reflected that, given the great diversity of the Province and of the men within it, an important question is what building blocks are needed to sustain communities that are truly life-giving and mission-oriented, communities that have a real impact on the world. The growing emphasis on fraternity within the Church was seen as both timely and challenging.

Br Darren, also a participant at the Chapter and part of the Facilitation Commission said that a strong and distinct call around vocation also emerged, with a clear decision to place vocation at the centre of provincial life. There was a recognition that for too long vocation awareness has been narrowly understood as “vocation promotion”.

Instead, the Chapter heard a deeper invitation to help Brothers, and other Marists, to live their vocation more fully, especially through strong, authentic community life. Br Peter Horide who was in the group working on leadership and governance at the General Chapter, said the importance of listening emerged strongly. Listening was named as essential for community building and discernment, echoing insights shared among participants at the General Chapter.

Another influential contribution came from a letter written by the younger Brothers who attended the General Chapter. Speaking on this, Br Jacinto Fuli Falo, who was a guest at the General Chapter, noted that their reflections - particularly on formation, intercultural living in formation houses, and the challenges faced today - were taken seriously and integrated into the Chapter’s work. Formation was acknowledged as complex and demanding, yet crucial for the future.

The overall call was an invitation to return to heart, to nurture our inner spiritual lives, to move beyond superficial relationships, and to truly encounter one another through shared spirituality and lived community. 

The Brothers were then invited to reflect on Br Peter’s Chapter Calls. Guided by his comments and their own prayerful reflection, they were asked to consider what themes and ideas were emerging for them, what had engaged them most in the group sharing, and what was truly “catching” their attention. They also reflected on the lived experiences of the Province, acknowledging that the reality on the ground can vary greatly, and asked how best to support one another and encourage deeper local engagement.

The group sharing highlighted the importance of building bridges and strengthening connections in all aspects of community life. Brothers reflected on what truly enlivens communities today, noting the need to move beyond fine words to the lived reality on the ground. There was a strong call for honest engagement, local responsibility, and a deeper commitment to vocation, community life, and a culture of encounter.

Several groups emphasised the centrality of vocation and openness to new ways of living. The experience of being together as a Chapter was described as encouraging and life-giving, marked by deep listening, shared spirituality, and a sense of hope amid cultural diversity.

View more pics from the morning session: