Star of the Sea Provincial Council Meets in Suva to Discuss Governance, Committees, and Pastoral Planning as General Councillor Br Rajakumar Joins In

The Provincial Council of the Star of the Sea Province gathered in Suva from 20–23 May for its quarterly face-to-face meeting. The meeting was attended by Provincial Br Darren Burge; Vice Provincial and Pasifika Delegate Br Ken McDonald; Provincial Delegate for Aotearoa New Zealand Br Peter Horide; Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste and Cambodia Br Greg McDonald; Provincial Delegate for Australia Br Bryan Davis; Support for the Provincial Delegate for Pasifika Br Sefo Une; and Province Secretary Br Kevin Wanden.

Back row L to R: Br Bryan David, Br Sefo Une, Br Greg McDonald, Br Peter Horide. Front row L to R: Br Kevin Wanden, Br Ken McDonald, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam, and Br Darren Burge

Joining the gathering was General Councillor and Link Councillor for Oceania, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam, who was in Fiji to participate in the recently concluded Champagnat Family Assembly. His presence added a significant international dimension to the meetings and offered an opportunity for deeper dialogue between the Province and the wider Institute.

Throughout the four-day gathering, the Council focused on the ongoing growth and development of the Province, with discussions centred on education, ministry, governance, leadership, and financial sustainability across the diverse realities of the Pacific and wider Oceania region. Particular attention was given to the future needs and challenges facing Marist education and ministry, as well as the continued strengthening of structures that support the life and mission of the Province.

A significant area of discussion was the development of a Province-wide pastoral plan grounded in the calls emerging from both the General Chapter and Provincial Chapter. Building on these discussions, the Council continued its process of communal discernment, seeking to identify priorities and concrete actions that will guide the Province in the years ahead.

The meetings also marked an important step in the finalisation of the Province’s committees and commissions, which are expected to begin their work in July. These groups are intended to strengthen collaboration, broaden participation, and create greater opportunities for Marists across the Province to contribute to the planning of future mission initiatives.

During their time in Fiji, the Provincial Council also met with the Fiji Champagnat Marist Education Governance Board and the Fiji Finance Committee. The Council expressed sincere gratitude for the dedication, expertise, and generosity of the members of both groups, acknowledging their vital contribution to the continued growth and strengthening of Marist education in Fiji.

Read more: Listening, Formation and Mission Take Centre Stage on Day 3 of the Champagnat Family Assembly