“The Future Is in Your Hands”: Br Tim Leen Speaks at Senior Leaders’ Induction Ceremony at Marist Brothers High School

The following address was delivered by Br Tim Leen at the Senior Leaders Induction Ceremony at Marist Brothers High School, Fiji, on 26 February. Br Tim, an Aotearoa New Zealand–born Marist Brother with decades of mission experience across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, speaks candidly to the school’s incoming student leaders about what it truly means to carry the Marist spirit - and why, now more than ever, that responsibility rests in their hands.

What follows is a transcript of his speech.

My name is Brother Tim. I am now 68 years young and am the youngest NZ born Marist Brother. I first came to Fiji in 1986 as a young brother on my way to my first mission in Kiribati where I stayed for 10 years. Since then, I have been sent on mission to Lomeri in Fiji for ten years, then the Southern Philippines, Cambodia, American Samoa, Kota Kinabalu in North Borneo and last year, back to Cambodia and Kiribati.

I repeat again, I am the youngest NZ born Marist Brother at 68 years young. What does this have to do with honouring our student leaders today? Be patient, all will be revealed.

The Marist Brothers came to Fiji in 1888 (138 years ago) with the arrival of Brothers Harvey, Vincent and Alphonsus.  From that time until the present, many Marist Brothers have come to Fiji to establish the charism of Marcellin Champagnat. Some like Brother Lambert I had heard of but never met. But a number I knew and had the honour of living with, in Fiji and other mission countries.  I would like to honour some of their names.

I can see them standing around this hall with us today as they did when they lived here. Again, what does this have to do with honouring our student leaders today? Again, be patient … all will be revealed.

Three Qualities Marcellin Champagnat has taught me

Firstly, every young person deserves a second chance. Young people make mistakes, but these mistakes can become opportunities to learn.

Secondly, relate with the potential of the young person and who they can become and not just with the naughtiness of the present. Young people are only on a journey to become the person God wants them to be.

Finally, Marcellin began his religious vocation following a “life of rules.” As he grew older, he followed a “life of love.” Relate not through rules, but with love.

These are just three aspects of what I call the “Marist Charism.” These are just some of the ways we lead as MARIST leaders.

To the senior students taking on leadership roles in the Marist Brothers High School this year.

Firstly, you are called to lead the younger students as leaders who are compassionate as you recognise that every student here deserves a second chance as you yourself were given a second chance.

Secondly, you are called to lead and guide the younger students to recognize their potential and the person they can become with your support.

Thirdly, you are called to lead the younger students not through obedience to a set of rules but to lead them through a life of love.

The Present Reality               

I began by telling you something about myself and that I am the youngest NZ born Marist Brother. Then I named some of the Brothers who have gone before me that were part of the 138 years of Marist presence here in Fiji. They helped build the Marist spirit of this High School. The sad reality of this present time is that there are no more Marist Brothers coming to Fiji from New Zealand and unless you young men become Marist Brothers, we will become a historical memory.

These Brothers gave you the Marist Spirit that is the Marist Brothers High School. Now, you must embrace the responsibility of ensuring that this school remains Marist. We hand this role and responsibility over to you.

Yes, winning the Coca Cola games is important but it does not make our school Marist. Achieving high academic results is important but it does not make this school Marist. Bringing home numerous sports cups and trophies is good but it does not make this school Marist. Following all the school rules is important but it does not make this school Marist.

What makes it Marist is that you live, breathe and are led by the Marist Charism.

Something to Remember

Most days I walk up Carew Street to buy some items at the supermarket. As I approach the Flagstaff Plaza with my two shopping bags, I look up and see the MBHS crest on the outside side wall of the Plaza. The same crest you have on your school shirt next to your heart. And on the bottom, it reads, “Marist Brothers High School.” As I walk up Carew Street, I stop and say, “Lord keep it Marist.” And on the way down Carew Street I say, “Mary, our good Mother, keep your school Marist.”

The Marist Brothers now entrust to you, our senior leaders, the mission of keeping the Marist Spirit alive in this school. Making sure the younger students keep the school rules is your job but it is not your priority. Your priority is to protect and promote the Marist Charism of the Marist Brothers High School.

If you do not accept this responsibility, then one day that crest on the wall of the Flagstaff Plaza is going to read, not the Marist Brothers High School but the “Flagstaff Public High School.” We will have disappeared.

The future is up to you, now, in the present, in 2026. Do a good job with the Marist charism. We place it in your hands.

Thank you! 

Words - Br Tim Leen

Pics - Br Petero Navuku