From vibrant religious celebrations to enriching cultural exchanges, the Marist communities across the Pacific islands have had a busy week!
Brothers from the Preparatory for Perpetual Profession Program (PPPP24) visiting one of the Communities situated at Ho Chi Ming City (Saigon). Photo includes candidates as well as siblings of Br Bao Nguyen (leader of the sector of Vietnam).
Religious Congregational gathering in Samoa
In Samoa, the Marist Champagnat Community group showcased their musical talents at a Religious Congregational gathering on 6 July. Held at the St Marcellin Champagnat Hall in Mulivai, Apia, the event featured a Mass, presentations by various religious congregations, and concluded with a sumptuous feast – an absolute hallmark of any event in the islands. This annual celebration underscores the unity and shared mission of religious communities in Samoa.
The Marist Champagnat Community and others at the Religious Congregational gathering.
Samoa Marist Group resumes their Friday Retreat sessions
Following mid-year exams, the Samoa Marist Group resumed their Friday Retreat Sessions for senior classes. Alatina Alatina and Tusipepa Niko led a retreat for Year 6 students at the Marist Brothers' residence in Mulivai, continuing this important initiative that supports students' spiritual growth.
Deputy Principal Ms Tusipepa Niko, a Champagnat Marist, has been actively engaged in leading sessions with students at the Marist Brothers Primary School in Apia.
Deputy Principal Ms Tusipepa Niko (Champagnat Marist) leading a session with students of Marist Brothers Primary School Apia Samoa.
Laumanasa Formation Community celebrates Marist Aspirant
In the Solomon Islands, the Marist community gathered at Laumanasa to celebrate the Confirmation of Marist Aspirant John Chiparuka. The beautiful and moving event, which included a Mass and social gathering, was attended by John's family and Marists from the neighbouring St Martin Marist Fathers community.
Br Simon Serero delivering a talk on the occasion.
Br Simon Serero offered welcoming remarks, spoke about the important work that the Marists are doing and congratulated John for his enduring commitment to the Marist mission.
Aspirants John and Randolf cultivating and planting the cassava stalks at Laumanasa community garden.
Br Simon Serero, the formator demonstrating to the aspirants how to plant cassava stalks.
Randolf and John taking banana produce from their gardens for the community consumption.
Some of the vegetables from the garden.
Cultural exchange underway in Fiji
Students and staff from St Greg's College Campbelltown, Australia, visited Marist Brothers High School in Fiji as part of an immersion program. Hosted by the Marcellin Centre Community, the Australian group toured the school and boarding hostel, fostering international ties within the Marist educational network.
Br Henry's writes about his experience visiting home
Br Henry Uguni shares this beautiful experience about the visit to his home, Malaita, Solomon Islands.
“During my home visit three significant events happened. Firstly, for the first time after 42 years as a Marist Brother, we celebrated the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat at the parish level here. The Parish priest and the parishioners were very moved and vowed to make it an annual celebration. Second, I was asked by the Parish priest to speak to the youths on prayer life, focused on the Eucharist. I delivered my reflections to the youth mainly from the daily meditations by Richard Roher; Franciscan: Radical Grace. Third, the more exciting one was to the Men and women's groups. The topics covered were on parental control and guidance and the values for the domestic church. On both occasions, the recipients were very moved by the collective discussions and sharing and are looking forward to similar kind of interactions in the future.”
Br Henry speaking to the youngsters.
Food preparation Feast Day of Marcellin.
Women group at the parish.
Construction of administration block in Kiribati school progressing well
The building of the Administration Block project at the St Louis High School – funded by Australia Marist Solidarity – compound at Teaoraereke, Tarawa, Kiribati is progressing well. The project is managed on the ground, by a project committee that was set up by the SLHS Commission group. Br Tainga Moanriba is the chair of the Commission group.
Pics of the ongoing construction in Kiribati.
Comments