Provincial Chapter Day 2: Vision and Strategic Plan Shared with Brothers, Followed by Time for Personal Reflection

The second session of the day was characterised by a process of spiritual conversation, with significant time dedicated to shared reflection and dialogue.

Br Darren Burge presented the strategic documents that had been developed by the Provincial Council over many months. He explained that the intention was not to produce a detailed operational plan, but rather a set of guiding principles that express both the aspirations of the Province and its core vision. Drawing together a range of elements, the Council arrived at a vision that now forms the heart of the Province’s direction, further articulated in the Strategic Directions document.

He noted that the document was shaped over a six-month period through a deliberately slow and reflective process. At each Provincial Council meeting, elements of the document were revisited, discussed, and refined until a coherent direction emerged.  

The Brothers were then given time for personal reflection on the Vision and Strategic Directions documents. They were invited to read the documents carefully and to consider examples and expressions of the directions already evident in provincial life, including those referenced in the Provincial Council report.

To guide their reflection, the following questions were proposed:

·       What is not well represented in the documents?

·       Where are the gaps between the directions and how they are currently lived?

·       What new considerations or invitations emerge from these directions?

·       What would you like the Province to do next?

Following the individual reflection, the Brothers broke into small groups of two and three to share insights and discuss their responses to the guiding questions. The session concluded with sharing of key points arising from these group conversations.

A discussion on the realities of the Province

One group reflected on the Chapter Directions related to creation and care for our common home, noting that while these directions are present, there is an opportunity to deepen their engagement and expression across the Province. Concerns were also raised about future structures, particularly around responsibility, formation, and long-term commitment. The group emphasised the need for clear structures and sustained support if these priorities are to move beyond intention into action.

Another group focused on formation, acknowledging areas where the Province is doing well, particularly in initial formation. However, they highlighted the growing importance of ongoing and lifelong formation, especially as Brothers are called into new roles and responsibilities. The group questioned how well the Province is preparing younger Brothers for future leadership and ministry, and whether existing resources are being used effectively. They stressed the need for intentional planning, shared resources, and greater investment in formation at all stages of life.

A further group reflected on the reality that Marist life and mission now extend well beyond the structures of the Province. Using the Australian context as an example, they noted that organisations such as Marist Schools Australia operate independently of the Province, with their own governance and responsibilities, yet remain closely connected through collaboration. This led to a broader question about focus and urgency: over the next three to five years, what is the most fruitful contribution Brothers can make in each country?

The group emphasised that the answer will differ across contexts, but called for a more intentional and realistic discernment of where Brothers’ presence and energy are most needed.

Another group identified the challenge of moving from endorsement to integration. While many of the Chapter Directions were affirmed in principle, the question remains how they can be enculturated and lived in tangible, practical ways at the local level. Safeguarding emerged as a particularly strong theme, with a call to foster a culture of safeguarding through education, advocacy, and concrete action in communities and ministries.

The group was also struck by the final page of the Directions, which asks: Who do we choose to stand with and for? They suggested this question is central to the Chapter’s discernment, inviting clarity about the people and issues the Brothers commit themselves to in solidarity - such as Indigenous peoples, care for our common home, young people, and a simpler Church - while remaining open to refining or expanding these commitments.

The final group reflected on Marist life across the full span of a Brother’s life. They noted the strong sense of camaraderie and fraternity among younger Brothers and emphasised the responsibility to nurture and sustain this through formation and support.

At the other end of life, particularly in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, the group raised questions about how elderly Brothers can continue to live meaningful apostolic lives and remain connected to mission and community. They also reflected on the call to encounter those on the margins, acknowledging this as both challenging and necessary.  

Together, the group sharing revealed a Province attentive to reality, aware of its diversity, and deeply engaged in discerning how Marist life, mission, and vocation can be lived faithfully and fruitfully into the future.

“Voices amongst us” exercise leads to interesting insights

The second half of the afternoon session, led by Br Tony Leon, began with “Voices Among Us”, a series of video reflections from Marist Brothers and members of the wider Marist family. They were invited to respond to two key questions:

·       What is the value of being a Marist (Brother) today?

·       How can the Province better support you in living your vocation?

Following the viewing of the videos, the Brothers were invited to reflect on what they had heard and what resonated with them personally. Contributions from Brothers Feliciano Mali, Hudson Horoto, Isac Quintao, and Lay Marist Elizabeth Gallagher highlighted the meaning and value of Marist life today.

The session then moved into an interactive exercise designed to encourage honest engagement and listening without judgement. Using a scale marked from –3 to +3, Brothers responded physically to a series of statements related to the reports and reflections, particularly around mission and confidence in the future of the next three years.

Participants moved to positions in the room that best represented their level of agreement or disagreement.

This process created space for meaningful dialogue, especially as Brothers were invited to speak with those whose views differed from their own. The exercise showcased respectful listening, open communication, and deeper understanding across differing perspectives.

To conclude the day, Brothers were invited to reflect quietly on two questions: What is staying with me? and What are the realities we are facing?

They were also encouraged to consider how they might remain hopeful in the face of these realities, despite the challenges they present.

View more pics from the afternoon session: