Student Outreach, Lay Commissioning and Prayer Gatherings Mark a Vibrant Month in Fiji

The Marist mission in Fiji continues to flourish, with communities finding new and meaningful ways to live the Gospel in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat. Whether through the commissioning of new Champagnat Marist Lay members, students reaching out to support younger learners, or alumni gathering in prayer and fellowship, each initiative reflects a vibrant and growing Marist family committed to making Jesus Christ known and loved.

Here are some of the inspiring highlights from the past month.

New Champagnat Marist Lay Members Commissioned

A significant milestone was celebrated in June with the commissioning of 11 new Champagnat Marist Lay members - comprising eight adults and three young people from the Champagnat Youth movement, an outreach program of Marist school students in Fiji.

The commissioning marks the culmination of a formation journey undertaken through various Marist programs. Following a period of discernment, participants publicly committed themselves to the shared mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved in the spirit of Marcellin.

The newly commissioned members pledged to live according to the Champagnat Marist Lay Constitution and the strategic plan developed in Fiji, which is aligned with the Five Calls of the 23rd General Chapter. As a visible sign of their commitment, they received blessed Marist pins.

Fiji was the first Marist Province to commission Champagnat Marist Lay members, with the inaugural commissioning taking place in 2023 under the leadership of the then Provincial Br Peter Carroll. To date, 31 lay members have been commissioned.

Reflecting the inclusive nature of the Marist charism, the Fiji Champagnat Marist Lay community also includes members from other faith traditions. Four Hindus are currently part of the movement, including the Head of Early Childhood Education at Corpus Christi Teachers College.

Marist Students Learning Together, Growing Together

Each Tuesday, students from Marist Brothers High School who are members of the Marist Champagnat Youth reach out to younger students at Marist Brothers Primary School through a peer-learning program. Senior students assist Year 7 students in subjects they may be finding challenging, including Mathematics, English and Reading.

More than academic support, the initiative fosters encouragement, confidence and friendship, while giving the older students an opportunity to grow as servant leaders.

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Marist Bothers High School Students and Old Boy Unite in First Friday Prayer

On 3 July, the Marist community in Fiji gathered for its regular First Friday Masses, a cherished tradition that brings together both students and alumni in prayer.

The day began with Marist Brothers High School students celebrating First Friday Mass, gathering as a school community to pray and begin the new month.

Later that evening, the Marist Old Boys came together for their monthly First Friday Mass, continuing a longstanding tradition of prayer, and meetings. The gathering provides an opportunity for alumni to pray for one another and entrust the plans and intentions of the month ahead to God.

Following the evening Mass, participants received a presentation on the Calls of the 23rd General Chapter, reflecting on how these calls continue to inspire and guide the Marist mission in Fiji.

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