Provincial Chapter Day 4: Provincial Council Elected; Br Ken McDonald Appointed Vice Provincial

After three days of deep spiritual conversations and careful discernment, the 25 delegates of the Provincial Chapter elected a new Provincial Council to support Br Darren Burge, the newly elected Provincial, in the leadership of the Star of the Sea Province.

The elected Councillors are Brothers Ken McDonald, Sefo Une, Peter Horide, Kevin Wanden, Greg McDonald, and Bryan Davis. Br Ken McDonald was appointed Vice Provincial.

Murmuratio and Discernment

Day 4 began with murmuratio, a long-standing practice of discernment that invites respectful, prayerful conversation as Brothers prepare to make important decisions together.

Setting the scene, Br Peter Rodney recalled the key task entrusted to the Chapter, electing the Provincial Council. Then, the Chapter confirmed that the Council would consist of six Councillors, alongside the Provincial. With Br Darren already elected, the focus shifted to discerning the most suitable team to support him over the next three years.

Reflecting on the previous day’s listening and sharing - through three rounds of table conversations - Br Peter noted the honesty and depth of the exchange. These conversations helped the Brothers gain a clear understanding of the realities facing the Province. The challenge now was to hold those realities alongside the shared vision and discern the leadership team best suited to guide the Province forward.

 The murmuratio process unfolded through a series of paired conversations. Brothers were invited to reflect together on two key questions:

• What qualities are needed in a Provincial Councillor at this moment?

• Who might best embody these qualities?

The voting itself took place behind closed doors, with only Brothers present as the results unfolded. The new Provincial Council was announced before lunch.

Agreeing on the Calls of the Chapter

In the afternoon, the Brothers returned to the Calls of the Chapter, refining them in light of the previous day’s deliberations and in dialogue with the Calls of the General Chapter, ensuring greater alignment with the wider Marist world.

Brothers Michael Green and Neville Solomon distilled the discussions into three key Calls that will guide the Province in the years ahead. These are

1. Community Life

2. Marist Formation

3. Sustainability of Marist Life and Mission

Following these discussions, Br Darren appointed Br Ken McDonald as Vice Provincial, a moment met with warm applause from the Brothers.

The Chapter concluded with a final Mass, during which the Brothers formally commissioned the new Provincial Council and pledged their support for the next three years.

Br Darren expressed heartfelt thanks to Br Tony Leon, Br Kevin Wanden, and Br Peter Rodney, who formed the Chapter’s Steering Committee. He also thanked Br Greg McDonald, Br Jean-Marie Batick, Br Petero Navuku, Br Bill Sullivan, Br Melquiano Obe, Br Jacinto Fuli Falo and George Mawi, the Chapter Secretary, for their outstanding support in liturgy, transport, coordination, and ensuring the smooth running of the Chapter.

Over the next three years, Brothers in each country are invited to discern what these Calls mean in their local contexts. 

View more pics from the day:

View more pics from the final mass and commissioning: