QUEST Week Three: Brothers complete third week at MAPAC, Br Michael Green joins them for a three-day workshop
- maristbrothers
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
After two weeks of profound learning, connection and shared experiences, the young Marist Brothers participating in the QUEST Program at MAPAC have now completed their third week of formation.
With only six days remaining in this rich formation journey, there is a growing awareness among the brothers that this unique experience is drawing to a close. Yet, the conversations remain as lively as ever, and the depth of group sharing continues to reveal personal courage, insight and a willingness to trust one another with their sacred stories.
Week Three provided opportunities for the brothers to deepen their understanding of community life, Marist spirituality and their own role in shaping the future of Marist mission.
Exploring community as an ecosystem
The week began with Br Tony Leon from Star of the Sea Province guiding the Brothers through the theme of "Communities as Ecosystems." Drawing on the words of Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who reflected, - "To be a religious is to choose a strange form of life, and we will need our sustaining environment: Prayer, Silence, Community. Otherwise we will not thrive." - the brothers explored what allows communities to flourish.
Through this workshop, they examined the importance of communication and relationship-building, using principles from Restorative Practices to explore healthier ways of listening, responding and living together.
Discovering the heart of Champagnat Mission Apostolic Spirituality
For three days, the QUEST Brothers were also accompanied by Br Michael Green, who presented on Champagnat Mission Apostolic Spirituality.
The sessions invited the Brothers to reflect more deeply on the Marist way of life and the meaning of their vows. In their evaluations, many participants shared that hearing the human stories of the first Marist Brothers helped bring new understanding to the vows they profess.
Several brothers commented that they recognised this spirituality as deeply connected to their own journey and identity as Marists.
Beyond the formal sessions, Br Michael continued conversations with the group through evening Q&A sessions, including some light-hearted “Marist myth-busting” discussions that strengthened their sense of connection and shared history.
Responding to the dreams of young Marists
A highlight of the week was hearing from Br Jacinto Fuli Falo from Timor-Leste, who shared his experience as part of the young Brothers' team that presented their hopes and dreams to the delegates of the XXIII General Chapter held last year in the Philippines.
The Brothers reflected on these dreams and identified several commitments that felt particularly urgent and relevant within their own cultural contexts. As an initial response to the dreams of young Brothers, the QUEST community also prepared and sent a video message to Superior General Br Peter Carroll.
Building trust through creativity and joy
Community life continued to grow through a range of social activities, including improv theatre sessions. The enthusiastic participation of many Brothers demonstrated not only individual courage but also the trust and encouragement that has developed within the group.
These moments of laughter and creativity have become an important part of building a strong and supportive QUEST community.
A physical journey of water and wonder
On Sunday, the Brothers stepped away from the classroom for a community outing to Pagsanjan Falls. The group canoed upstream and rafted beneath the powerful waters of the waterfall, experiencing the beauty and force of creation in a very physical way.
The adventure provided another opportunity for the Brothers to strengthen their bonds, share moments of joy and reflect on the image of "water from the rock" - a powerful reminder of renewal, life and God’s presence in their journey.
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-Br Tony Leon
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