SoTS Champagnat Family Holds First Cross-Province Meeting in Lead-Up to Landmark Assembly in Fiji

For the first time since the establishment of the Star of the Sea Province in 2022, members of the Champagnat Family will gather for a dedicated Assembly - an important milestone in strengthening collaboration, connection, and shared mission across the region.

In the lead-up to this historic gathering, a preliminary online meeting was held on 31 March, bringing together more than 25 participants from across the Province’s 11 countries. This virtual encounter itself reflected the growing sense of regional belonging, providing a space for people separated by geography to listen deeply, learn from one another, and clarify the hopes and focus of the upcoming Assembly.

Discussions highlighted several key priorities: strengthening collaboration between the Brothers and the wider Marist Family; connecting people, communities, and ministries across national boundaries; sharing learnings from immersion and formation programs across schools and works; and exploring how these formative experiences can be offered more sustainably and consistently across the region. Participants also reflected on how formation can both honour local contexts and cultures while deepening a shared Marist identity across the Province.

From its inception, the Star of the Sea Province has placed a strong emphasis on empowering the wider Marist Family and deepening their participation in the life and mission of the Institute. Central to this vision is the desire to strengthen the region by fostering relationships, nurturing leadership, and offering formation that draws people together across countries, languages, and experiences. Over the past three years, the Champagnat Family Commission has steadily laid important groundwork to support this regional approach, helping to build networks of connection and a shared commitment to mission.

The Champagnat Family Assembly will be held from 17–20 May in Nadi, Fiji, with 35 Marists from across the Province’s countries, along with the presence of the Provincial, Br Darren Burge, the Provincial Council, and the link Councillor from Rome, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam.

The Assembly will offer a significant opportunity to gather and listen to local realities, deepen relationships, strengthen regional collaboration, and help shape the future of Marist formation and mission across the Star of the Sea Province.