During his recent visit to the islands of Vanuatu, Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director of Province Ministries, was warmly received by the Marist community. In his reflection, he commends the enduring Marist spirit, the commitment of the students at St Michel Technical College, and the strong culture of collaboration that defines the community there. Read more: My visit St Michel Technical College on Santo Island began with a warm welcome from Br Jean Marie Batick. His hospitality reflected the spirit of the Marist community, full of energy, hope and a strong sense of community despite some of the challenges they face. Br Simon Serero was also present during the visit, taking time to speak with young men about the possibility of a Marist vocation and encouraging them to consider this path. I also spent time with Ruth Hihiru, our faith formator from the Solomons, as she led formation workshops with the staff. The teachers worked together in groups, exploring Marist values and sharing how these could shape their teaching. Their energy and collaboration gave us real hope for the future. Staff, students and the Government Audit Team There are about 600 students in the high school and vocational classes. The Marist community there is also now working together to bring the high school, vocational school and nearby primary schools into one Catholic centre. If this happens, more than 900 students could be learning together. That’s a big dream and it shows how much hope and courage the community has. Ruth working with the staff Though some teachers have been on strike for over a year, others have stayed on such as young teachers, graduates and those who didn’t join the strike. Many are former students who came back to help. They work hard, even with big classes and limited resources. The students are keen to learn as their families see the school as a place where their sons and daughters can imagine a better future. Mark Pauschmann with Br Jean Marie Batick The vocational school, which was recredited at the beginning of the year, just passed the Government Audit and is now approved for five more years. Courses in hospitality, tourism and agriculture have started again. New ones in plumbing and electrical work are in the planning stage. The school is trying to grow these programs and meet government standards to help their students prepare for real jobs. Mark Pauschmann with Br Simon Serero and Ruth Hihiru Facilities are stretched as some classrooms are still damaged by past cyclones though many have been restored thanks to the work of AMS. A volcanic eruption on another island brought more students to the primary school, adding pressure. Thankfully, help from a Catholic diocese in Australia will support new buildings and classrooms. Students during recess Teacher training is one of the biggest needs. The young teachers are full of energy but need help to manage their classes and support their students. Some training has started and the staff are eager to learn more. This could be a great chance for a volunteer to come and run workshops, mentor teachers and share good teaching practices. Helping teachers now will build strong leaders for the future. Accommodation and Tourism students I leave Vanuatu feeling encouraged. The spirit of Marcellin Champagnat is alive in the everyday efforts of teachers, students and leaders. With strong leadership, a caring community and a clear mission, the future of Marist life at St Michel looks bright. Hospitality students Contributed by Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director of Province Ministries.

Congratulations to our Brothers from Melanesia - Br Mark Kenatsi, Br Cyril Benora, Br Fereole Melteror, and Br Carlvin Rumina - for their recent achievements at Divine Word University, Madang, Papua New Guinea. During a special Mass celebrated by Fr Wilson SVD, Head of Department, three of our Brothers - Br Cyril, Br Fereole, and Br Carlvin - received their Missioning Cross, a significant milestone in their spiritual and academic journey. This ceremony, held annually at Divine Word University, marks the readiness of final-year students to graduate and embrace new professional environments. The Missioning Cross is a symbol of God’s guidance and a reminder of the Christian values that will support them as they face life’s challenges with courage, wisdom, and purpose. Brothers Cyril, Fereole & Carlvin receiving their missioning Cross from their HOD Fr Wilson Jacob SVD Meanwhile, Br Mark Kenatsi concluded his Master’s program in Education Leadership with a compelling presentation on Administrative Leadership. His research focused on the critical issue of mismanagement of school funds, a topic often surrounded by misunderstanding and misplaced blame. Brothers Carlvin, Cyril and Fereole with their friend Joe Nanei Br Mark’s findings revealed that many school principals lack financial literacy training, that there is insufficient preparation before they assume their roles, that the Department of Education lacks robust financial monitoring mechanisms, and that schools often operate without proper audits. Br Mark and his class presented their research findings last week His presentation not only highlighted these systemic issues but also offered practical recommendations to assist incoming principals and improve accountability in school leadership. Br Mark with his classmates Congratulations to our Brothers! Wishing them continued success in all they do! -Pics courtesy - Br Mark Kenatsi and Br Carlvin Rumina, PNG

What began as a simple request from St Joseph’s School in the Solomon Islands has grown into a heartfelt act of generosity and friendship - a true reflection of the Marist spirit in the Pacific. Thanks to the combined efforts of Parramatta Marist High School in Sydney and its supportive parent community, 30 laptops are now helping bridge the digital divide for students in need in the Solomon Islands, writes Mark Pauschmann, Executive Director of Province Ministeries. The laptop donation initiative began after Jeoffrey Poea, Principal of St Joseph’s School in the Solomon Islands, reached out to Br Chris Wills from Bridge Builders and other Marist Ministries, explaining that access to laptops would make a real difference for his students. We reached out to Dr Gavin Hayes, Principal of Parramatta Marist High School, Sydney, to see if they had any spare devices and from there, the idea quickly gained momentum. Students from Parramatta Marist High School, Sydney, and St Joseph’s School, Tenaru, Solomon Islands. Word spread among the school community and thanks to the generosity of some parents, 30 second-hand laptops were sourced. These were all formatted for school use, with 12 delivered by the Parramatta Marist immersion group and the remaining 18 to be sent via post. It’s been a great example of practical solidarity and collaboration across our Marist network. St Joseph’s students trying out their new laptops! It is hoped that this initiative will spread to our other Marist Schools as there is a great need within our province. A truly Marist connection! View more pics:

Respected scholar and educator Br Michael Green has been awarded Australian Catholic University’s highest honour - the Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa). He received the title at a ceremony held in Sydney on 10 October, a fitting recognition that comes just a year after he celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a Marist Brother. The Honorary Doctorate recognises Br Michael’s significant contributions to religious pedagogy, and his scholarly work on Catholic spirituality and history, and the relationship between Catholic community and mission vitality. Br Michael Green receiving the degree from Hon Martin Daubney AM KC, Chancellor of the University Br Michael said it was a “great surprise” to receive an Honorary degree for his service to the Marists and the Church in Australia. “The first reaction of course was one of great surprise, but quickly that changed to one of gratitude and a sense of honour not to me, but to the work I’ve been doing and the people to whom I’ve been serving,” Br Michael said. Br Michael said it was a “great surprise” to receive an Honorary degree for his service to the Marists and the Church in Australia. Br Michael is the 200 th  recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from ACU and the third Marist Brother to receive the prestigious degree. Br Michael Green celebrated 50 years of being a Marist Brothers last year Born and raised in Sydney, Br Michael was educated by the Marist Brothers throughout his entire schooling years, a connection that played an enormous influence on his decision to enter religious life. He was on track to study law after completing high school when he instead followed in his teachers’ footsteps and devoted himself as a Marist Brother. “I was quite captivated by some of the Brothers who taught me, and I could see myself being a Marist,” Br Michael said. “It seemed to me a very worthwhile thing to devote one's life to.” L - R: Dr John Kyle Robinson, Regional Director, Marist Schools Australia; Br Peter Carroll, Superior General, Marist Institute; Br Michael Green; Dr Frank Malloy, National Director, Marist Schools Australia, and Michael Blake, Headmaster of St Joseph’s College   “I was quite captivated by some of the Brothers who taught me, and I could see myself being a Marist,” Br Michael said. “It seemed to me a very worthwhile thing to devote one's life to.” Since becoming a Marist Brother, Br Michael has served as a teacher, secondary school principal, university college rector, senior administrator, author and lecturer. He is also known by the Marists’ international community for his spiritual formation on the congregation’s spirituality and history. In 2010 Br Michael was appointed the inaugural National Director of Marist Schools Australia to oversee the educational mission and formation of the country’s 56 Marist schools. “The Catholic school is one of the greatest treasures and contributors to God's mission,” Br Michael said. L - R: Prof Zlatko Skrbis, Vice Chancellor of ACU, Br Michael Green, and Hon Martin Daubney, Chancellor of ACU “I think it's telling that although the pews in some churches may be a bit empty, many Catholic schools are not empty, in fact there’s never been more schools and bigger schools. “We need to ask why people are coming to our Catholic schools and not take for granted or undermine the potential contribution of people who are attracted to our way of educating, to the culture and the outcomes and the quality of our Catholic schools. “The Catholic school is one of the greatest treasures and contributors to God's mission,” Br Michael said. “We also have these wonderful people teaching in Catholic schools so we need to be asking ourselves, ware we doing to nurture their spiritual lives? What are we doing to educate them theologically? What are we doing to excite them about the faith?” L - R: Prof Zlatko Skrbis, Prof Richard Colledge (Head of Faculty of Theology and Philosophy), Br Peter Carroll, Br Michael Green, and Hon Martin Daubney Drawing on his scholarly work on the Marist charism, Br Michael said a study by a French Jesuit in the 19 th  Century found the Marist Brothers were “the least Marian” of all the newly established French Marian congregations at the time. “He said the Marists were the least Marian because they hadn’t introduced any new Marian devotion, they had no new Marian symbol but, he said in another way they were the most Marian because their essence was to live Mary's spirit,” Br Michael said. “Our Marist charism is not primarily devotional but imitational, of doing and sharing in Mary’s work to bring Christ to birth and to nurture Christ’s life. “Our Marist charism is not primarily devotional but imitational, of doing and sharing in Mary’s work to bring Christ to birth and to nurture Christ’s life. Br Michael Green with his sisters L-R - Susan Field, Elizabeth Green, Annie Green “In my experience that seems to be very attractive to both women and men, a charism of being merciful, being inclusive, being forgiving, being empowering, as a mother or a sister would. “That some elements of the Marist way that we've continued since the first Brothers came to Australia more than 180 years ago.” View more pics from the ceremony: Press release prepared by Australian Catholic University Read more: Revered Scholar, Loved Educator, True Marist: Celebrating Br Michael Green’s Half-Century of Marist Service

Excerpts from Interview with Br John Hazelman, General Councillor, Marist Institute, Part 2. Read Part 1 here . How did your journey then lead you to become the leader of the District of the Pacific? After my years in formation, I returned to Samoa as a school principal from 2014 - 2016. Not long after, I was asked to serve again at MAPAC as its leader, and then the Brothers discerned that I should become District Leader of the Pacific. At first, I hesitated - I had invested so much into formation and community-building. But when I realised my Brothers truly needed me, I accepted. It also felt significant that, for the first time, an Islander was asked to lead the District, which then covered Aotearoa - New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Kiribati. In 2019, just as I began my role as District Leader based in Auckland, COVID-19 hit within weeks. That was my initiation into leadership. It was a tough beginning, especially as I had never served on council before and moved straight into leading a District. I made mistakes, of course, but I was supported by excellent people, including my deputy, Br Peter Horide, and others who gave me confidence. Also, Br David McDonald was a great mentor to me, I learnt a lot from him during my time there. Br John Hazelman playing with the students of the newly opened Colégio Marista Lautem School, Timor-Leste, 2025 It was also a very different world from my previous work with mostly young Brothers - in New Zealand I met older Brothers, who were predominantly white, and had very different expectations. "But when I realised my Brothers truly needed me, I accepted. It also felt significant that, for the first time, an Islander was asked to lead the District, which covered New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Kiribati." At times I struggled to adapt. My personality leans towards being a peacemaker, while the context there often demanded quick and firm decisions. That was a learning curve. But I also met many extraordinary lay people - professionals whose dedication to Marist mission impressed me deeply and taught me a great deal. By the time I finished my term, I could honestly say I was grateful for the experience. I told the Brothers, “ Thank you for allowing me to lead .” Leadership in New Zealand helped me face my own weaknesses, discover my strengths, and prepare me for the wider responsibilities I carry today. Was this when you were invited onto the newly formed Star of the Sea Provincial Council? Yes. When I was asked to join the Council in 2022, I felt ready. The years in New Zealand had prepared me for seeing the bigger picture. I knew the realities of the Pacific, the challenges of sustainability, and I had learned from how things operated in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. I also wanted to return my focus to the Pacific, because I had been away so long. Br John Hazelman as a Vocation Promotor to different parishes in Savaii, Samoa, mid-2010s The first thing I did in this new role was to visit Melanesia. It was my way of saying: “I want to know you, understand you, and walk with you.”  I quickly learned just how isolated, small, and at times inexperienced our communities there can be. It was a huge challenge. But I realised my approach had to be as a Pacific Islander - patient, trusting that growth takes time. That has become one of my great lessons in leadership - patience. Could you elaborate on what you mean by patience? How has that shaped the way you lead? When I say patience, I mean allowing people the space to find their own rhythm, to listen to others, and to grow at their own pace. It’s something I still work on in myself, but I’ve learned how important it is in leadership. Patience has made me more sensitive, more open to the opinions of others. Part of my role has been to encourage and empower local leaders - particularly in Melanesia and across the Pacific. That hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes people expect one leader to do everything, and the temptation is to just take the responsibility yourself. But I’ve learned that if you want sustainable leadership, you have to delegate and create space for others to lead. Br John Hazelman with (L-R) Brothers Hudson Horoto, Sixtus Winduo, Peter Carroll and Graham Neist, Solomon Islands, 2024 "When I say patience, I mean allowing people the space to find their own rhythm, to listen to others, and to grow at their own pace." In places like Samoa and Fiji, we have a long history of developing our own leadership and identity. But in Melanesia, it has taken longer for that development to strengthen. It was challenging - especially during COVID-19 when support was harder to provide - but it reinforced for me that leadership is a gradual process. You trust the evolution, and even when things are slow or frustrating, you hold on to the belief that it will bear fruit in time. That must be difficult, bringing together so many different national identities under one province. Yes, it was a real challenge. I represented six countries – Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea (and Autonomous Region of Bougainville) - each with its own history and strong sense of identity. Even though our numbers are small, these are people with feelings, traditions, and stories that matter. At times, some have felt that forming a larger province meant losing their identity or freedom. So, part of my responsibility was to make sure no one feels forgotten - that every country and community knows their voice is part of the bigger picture. Br John Hazelman with Brothers Karalo Ratuyada, Kees van der Weert and Christopher Poppelwell, Fiji, 2023 "You trust the evolution, and even when things are slow or frustrating, you hold on to the belief that it will bear fruit in time." I believe in evolution - things take time, and you have to trust the process. Our work is slow but steady, and I believe in listening and helping people bring their local gifts to the wider mission. I have been blessed to learn from so many leaders across the council – Br Peter Carroll, Br Darren Burge, Br Graham Neist, Br Greg McDonald, and others. They each bring wisdom that has shaped my leadership. But at the heart of it, my own focus has always been on formation. That’s where I began, and it’s still where I feel I can contribute most meaningfully. Alongside leaders like Brothers Brian Davis and Peter Rodney, we have been working on formation teams not only in our province but also in connection with Asia. Formation has always been close to my heart - it is where you mentor people, strengthen their faith, and prepare them to lead. Looking at the present, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Marist mission in the Pacific? Numbers, first of all. We are few. And yet our ministries - especially schools - are demanding and sometimes overwhelming. One of our biggest responsibilities is to ensure the Marist charism is kept alive in our schools, even when there are fewer Brothers. That means developing lay leaders and sharing our charism with them so that the mission continues after us. Br John Hazelman with (Standing from L to R): Joeli Koroiravudi (St Marcellin Primary School, Vatuwaqa), Asish Dayal (Marist Brothers High School, Suva), Br Anitelea Fidow, Br Karalo Ratuyada, Br Kees van der Wert, Mariseta Kalokalo (Marcellin Angels Kindergarten, Suva), Mereoni Matanitobua (Marist Champagnat Institute Vatuwaqa) , Michael Kumar (Marist Bros Primary School Suva). Seated: Mark Pauschmann, Br Fergus Garrett. Fiji, 2025 At the same time, we must live as authentic communities - witnessing to the spirit of brotherhood not only in words but in the way we live together. We have faced challenges in our communities - issues like alcohol, inappropriate relationships, or conflicts - that can damage our witness. So, strengthening community life is a key concern. Sustainability is another challenge. For now, the Province is supporting the Pacific, but that cannot go on forever. We need to find new ways of sustaining our mission. "One of our biggest responsibilities is to ensure the Marist charism is kept alive in our schools, even when there are fewer Brothers. That means developing lay leaders and sharing our charism with them so that the mission continues after us." Education remains vital, especially in places like Bougainville where it is still an urgent need. But in other areas our schools are now well established, which frees us to explore new ministries - social work, ecology, non-formal education, outreach to the margins. I believe the next wave of ministries in the Pacific will go beyond traditional schools into areas that spark new life and respond to emerging needs. Vocations are another challenge. Why do you think fewer young men are joining the Brothers today? I believe the first witness to vocation is ourselves - how we live as Brothers. People can see very quickly whether we are authentic, joyful, and whether what we offer is meaningful. So we must be real witnesses of brotherhood. But there are other pressures in the Pacific context. The priesthood is still widely seen as the “main” vocation of a man, tied deeply into cultural views of leadership - the  matai  in Samoa, the  turaga  in Fiji, or the village chief. Families often push young men in that direction, seeing priests as leaders in the community with authority and prestige. Br John Hazelman with teachers and students at Marist Brothers Primary School, Fiji, 2022 Then there are simply more options today. Many young men leave to work overseas as seasonal workers, something that wasn’t possible decades ago. Economic pressures are strong, and religious life may not seem as attractive when compared to opportunities to support one’s family financially. "Also, numbers alone are not enough - it must be about quality and depth." Finally, cultural expectations can sometimes weigh heavily. In Pacific culture, there is a strong emphasis on status, possessions, and meeting family obligations. If Brothers are not careful, they too can fall into the trap of entitlement or “big man mentality.” Holding to the true spirit of humility and service is not always easy in that environment. Also, numbers alone are not enough - it must be about quality and depth. One worry is that sometimes, because we are desperate for numbers, we focus less on careful discernment and formation. The fact that quite a few Brothers have left the Brotherhood in the Pacific in recent years shows the challenge of preparing men well for this vocation. Br John Hazelman, MAPAC, 2023 Formation has to help young Brothers integrate faith and culture in a way that is authentic - not just following cultural habits because that is what men are expected to do, but really reflecting on how those practices align with our values as Brothers. That is the deeper challenge for vocations in the Pacific today: forming men who can resist pressure, live joyfully, and be authentic witnesses of Marist life. You have been a Marist Brother for more than 30 years now. Looking back, what would you say was your biggest challenge? I professed my first vows in November 1992, so this marks 34 years as a Brother. It’s been a long journey with many blessings, but also challenges. In the early years, the biggest challenge was the personal side of religious life - coming to terms with not having a partner. That sense of celibacy was real. But in time, I came to understand it as part of the freedom my vocation offers: freedom in relationships, freedom to listen and to be attentive, freedom to share what I have. Obedience was less difficult for me, probably because of my upbringing. My family life already instilled generosity and a sense of service, so I never saw obedience as a restriction but as a way of offering my life to others. Poverty, too, I came to understand less as “going without” and more as being grateful for simplicity and for what we already have. Br John Hazelman during the Secretary of Laity’s visit, Fiji, 2025 "That sense of celibacy was real. But in time, I came to understand it as part of the freedom my vocation offers: freedom in relationships, freedom to listen and to be attentive, freedom to share what I have." Other challenges included learning that life in community means you can’t always do what you want. You live for others, not just for yourself. At times it has also been frustrating when Brothers didn’t seem to live up to the ideals we profess - when their commitments to religious life or ministry fell short. And of course, one of the greatest challenges for me personally was confronting the painful reality of abuse in the Church. Yes, you were also involved in assisting the Royal commission in New Zealand. How did that experience impact you?  It was very tough. I walked into it almost immediately after arriving in New Zealand as the Leader. I had little preparation, and suddenly I was face-to-face with survivors of abuse. As the Leader I had to reach out to some of the survivors, arrange meetings, and try to listen. That was confronting, especially when the Royal Commission hearings began, and several survivors of historic abuse by Marist Brothers were among the first to testify. Br John Hazelman with Brothers from Melanesia during the Melanesian Brothers' Gathering, Papua New Guinea, 2024 Some advised me not to attend, but I felt I had to go. My purpose was simply to listen. I represented the Brothers, and since harm had been done in the past, the least I could do was be present and hear the voices of those who were hurt. It was not easy. To sit in that crowd, to hear my own name read out, and to feel the shame - it was painful. But I knew it was important. "To sit in that crowd, to hear my own name read out, and to feel the shame - it was painful. But I knew it was important." I remember later being asked directly what I felt when I saw the names of Brothers connected to abuse. It struck me deeply. I thought, this is the exact opposite of what we vowed to live for - the opposite of protecting and nurturing children . It shook me, but it also taught me I must be honest, even if my honesty pained some of my Brothers. I had to say what I felt for my own integrity. Over time, I became more objective, especially through communicating with survivors. I learned that by speaking to them from my own vulnerability, I could connect with them as people, not as “cases.” One survivor eventually found healing to the point of helping others. These experiences taught me that while there is no “positive” in abuse, there can be pathways to support and solidarity for survivors, and as Brothers we have a responsibility to stand with them on that road. Br John Hazelman during the first safeguarding workshop held in the Pasifika. Fiji, 2025 As you prepare to leave the Pacific for some time, what do you hope the Marist mission here will continue to embody and achieve? My first hope is that every Brother and every Marist community - no matter how small or remote - will feel they are part of something bigger. In the Pacific, we have small and scattered communities, and it’s easy to think, “What does Rome have to do with us? What does Australia know of our reality?” But belonging to a Province means we carry one another. It’s not just about doing our “own thing” in isolation, but realising that we are supported, strengthened, and energised by being part of a larger Marist family. I also hope we remain faithful to those on the peripheries - the poor and the marginalised. We already see efforts, such as the Champagnat Institute in Fiji, which serves students from disadvantaged backgrounds, or schools in Kiribati and Bougainville that continue to support families in simple circumstances. Wherever we are, our schools must form not just successful students, but good people with values and compassion, and with their faith as a guide. "Wherever we are, our schools must form not just successful students, but good people with values and compassion, and with their faith as a guide." The future will also rely more on lay partners. Many of our schools are already run by dedicated lay leaders, and that is the direction ahead. We should not see it as a threat to our vocation, but as a gift - an evolution that strengthens our mission and extends the Marist charism in new ways. Br John Hazelman, Melanesian Brothers' Gathering, Papua New Guinea, 2024 "Belonging to a Province means we carry one another. It’s not just about doing our “own thing” in isolation, but realising that we are supported, strengthened, and energised by being part of a larger Marist family." Finally, I believe we must have the courage to explore new ministries beyond traditional schooling. Education is still important, but in some parts of the Pacific, the need is shifting toward social work, ecology, non-formal education, and outreach to people at the margins. My hope is that, though we are few, we can embrace these new opportunities and bring life to them, especially with the help of lay partners who walk beside us. Br John, as you step into your new role as General Councillor, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in the Pacific? That’s a tough question! I suppose what I hope most is to be remembered as a good listener. Someone who was approachable, who valued people’s cultures, and who made others feel heard and empowered. Br John Hazelman, Pasifika’s gentle giant, now the General Councillor to the Marist world. (Term duration 2025 - 2033) If I can be remembered as someone who encouraged others to step up and lead, who helped them see their own gifts and bring them to the mission, then I think I have lived my vocation well. For me, legacy is not about being remembered, but about leaving behind people who feel confident, supported, and ready to carry the Marist mission forward. "For me, legacy is not about being remembered, but about leaving behind people who feel confident, supported, and ready to carry the Marist mission forward." View more pics from the election day:

Congratulations to six of our Brothers in temporary profession - Br Clementino Xavier, Br Dionisio Madeira Martins, Br Filomeno Mendonca, Br Julio Brites, Br Juvencio Hanjam Nia, and Br Salvador Baptista Ferreira - who renewed their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience on 6 October during Mass in the Chapel of Vila Marista Boa Mãe, Timor-Leste. Br Tony Caddy, Coordinator of Scholastics, received their vows on behalf of the Superior General, and Padre Manuel Ximenes SDB was the celebrant for the Mass. The evening concluded with a joyful meal shared with family members, friends of the Brothers, and local religious. We thank the Lord and our Good Mother for accompanying these six Brothers in their discernment and in their choice to live as Marist religious for the coming year. God bless you, Brothers! View more pics from the ceremony - Contributed by Br Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate to Timor-Leste & Cambodia

Br João Carlos do Prado is not one for formal greetings. For him, a simple handshake or a polite nod will never be enough. He speaks the language of big, warm hugs and the diplomacy of laughter. As a guest at his table, he makes sure your cup is full to the point of overflowing, your plate abundant, and your heart at ease - so that whether you are an old friend or someone he has only just met, you feel instantly at home. For Br João, no one is ever an outsider; everyone is family.   This comes as no surprise, for Br João is truly Brazilian; born into a large family of 13 children, the spirit of togetherness flows through his veins. With his piercing yet encouraging gaze and his ever-ready laugh, he has a rare gift for making others feel welcome and at ease. These qualities naturally drew him to the Marist charism and to a life dedicated to young people on the margins. From his first community in Joaçaba, Brazil, to the many places his journey has taken him since, Br João has remained steadfast in his joyful openness across cultures and his commitment to living Marcellin’s dream. Br João Carlos do Prado: General Councillor - 2017 to 2025 In 2011, he was invited by then Superior General Br Emili Turú to become Director of the Mission Secretariat, before eventually being elected as a General Councillor. In these roles, he travelled widely across the Marist world - listening, encouraging, and discerning how best the Institute might respond to emerging needs. Just this past May, alongside the Secretariat of Laity, he attended the first Champagnat Marist Family gathering in Fiji. He recalls it as a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, one that opened his eyes to the resilience and vitality of Marist life in Fiji. True to his vision, Br João has always worked towards a unified expression of Marist life - locally, regionally, and globally. Br João Carlos do Prado with the new General Council at the 23rd General Chapter, Tagaytay, Philippines   Now, with the 23rd General Chapter behind us, the Star Post  sat down with Br João to reflect on his vibrant journey: the challenges he has embraced, the blessings he has received, and his hopes for the next chapter of life and mission.   Now that the General Chapter has come to a close, how are you feeling? It must have been quite an intense and perhaps demanding time, both in the lead-up to the Chapter and throughout the weeks of discernment.   The 23rd General Chapter was a beautiful experience of communion, better understanding of the Marist world and sharing of visions about the future of our charism. During this period, I was part of the Facilitation Committee. Therefore, it was a period of great dedication and commitment to contribute to the smooth running of the Chapter. At the end of this period, I feel that the mission has been accomplished. This is for two reasons. Firstly, because the Chapter was a very beautiful and profound experience. The participants in general are very happy with the experience they had. Br João Carlos do Prado with Manu Gomez Cid, Director of the Secretariat of the Laity, at the 23rd General Chapter, Tagaytay, Philippines Secondly, because with the Chapter my mission as General Councillor (2017-2025) also came to an end. It has been eight years of a unique experience contributing to Marist life around the world. For me, in particular, I have dedicated myself to accompanying the Administrative Units of the Arco Norte and Europe Regions. In addition, I have served as a link with the Secretariats of Laity and Brothers today and with the Communications Department. I am very grateful to my companions on this journey, especially the members of the General Council and the many Brothers and Laity I have met during this period in various parts of the world.    What message do you have for the newly elected General Council?   My message to the new General Council is to allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit who speaks through each Brother, lay person, child and young person who is part of our Marist family. I am sure they will do an excellent job. Although it is a small group, the new council is composed of a wealth of Brothers who represent the beautiful diversity of the Institute. "My message to the new General Council is to allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit who speaks through each Brother, lay person, child and young person who is part of our Marist family." Br João Carlos do Prado at the 23rd General Chapter, Tagaytay, Philippines This richness and diversity will help them to have a better understanding of the Institute and to take the necessary steps that the Institute needs for the future.Therefore, may the new Council walk with confidence and hope. God will guide them every step of the way and they can count on the support of all the Brothers and lay Marists around the world.  Before we talk about your Marist journey, Br João, could you share a bit about your early life - what was your childhood like, and what kind of life did you have before becoming a Brother? I was born in a little town in the south of Brazil called Jaborá, in Santa Catarina state. I come from a very big family - 13 children in total, eight brothers and five sisters. My father passed away 35 years ago, but my mother is still alive and, God willing, will turn 90 next year. Growing up in such a large family meant community life was second nature. Even when some of my older siblings moved away to study or work, there were always five or six of us at home. We learned to share life, support one another, and work together. That sense of community has stayed with me ever since. "Growing up in such a large family meant community life was second nature." Br João Carlos do Prado in Curitiba, Brazil I did my primary schooling in Jaborá, and for my last four years I studied at a Franciscan boarding school; there were no Marist Brothers in the area. Faith was central in our family, especially through my mother, who taught us prayers and passed on her devotion. The wider community also played an important role. Our neighbours were like an extended family - we celebrated, prayed, and grew up together. So how and when did you encounter the Brothers? As a teenager, I was active in youth groups in my parish. I loved the sense of belonging, the excursions, and the joy of gathering with other young people. I began to feel that, in the future, I wanted to dedicate myself to that kind of ministry. At the time, I only knew the Franciscans and assumed the only path was to be a priest. But I wasn’t drawn to parish life, funerals, or Mass - I just wanted to work full-time with young people. Then one day a Marist Brother came to my town for vocational ministry work. He spent the night in our boarding school. We had breakfast together, and he shared about his life. I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I want - to be among young people, to serve them, to walk with them. "I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I want - to be among young people, to serve them, to walk with them ." Br João Carlos do Prado with Br Michael Green I gave him my name and address and asked to be accompanied. For three years, we corresponded by letter - no internet or WhatsApp back then! He would send me letters about Marcellin Champagnat and the Good Mother, along with questions to reflect on. Later during school holidays, I also spent a few days living with the Brothers in Joaçaba city to experience their life more closely. How old were you at that point? I was 14 when I first met the Brother. By the age of 16, I entered the juniorate. Isn’t 16 very young to make such a life-changing decision. Also, did you experience doubts in your journey? Yes, 16 is quite young. And honestly, I didn’t have full clarity at the time. What attracted me most was the joy of working with young people and the sense of freedom in community life. The deeper understanding of our spirituality and mission came later. In many ways, I continue to renew that “yes” every day. My vocation is a journey - constantly deepening, discovering, and trusting in God’s call. "My vocation is a journey - constantly deepening, discovering, and trusting in God’s call." I did have many doubts. During my postulancy, I was full of questions. One month I wanted to be a Brother, the next I wanted to leave and become a priest, the next I imagined getting married. It was a real struggle! Br João Carlos do Prado with Br Ken McDonald and visitors "I did have many doubts. During my postulancy, I was full of questions. With the help of my formators, I learned to discern more clearly." With the help of my formators, I learned to discern more clearly. They encouraged me to write down the reasons for  and against being a Brother. That exercise helped me grow in maturity and confidence. And by the end of my novitiate, I was at peace with my choice. Of course, doubts still returned from time to time - but not with the same intensity. Since then, I have been very sure of my vocation. I see it as God’s way of telling me: This is your path. How did your family react to your decision? My parents never pressured me one way or the other. They always said, “This is your decision.” At one point, I even told my mother to say “no” if the Brother came back to take me! She replied, “It’s not my decision. You contacted him, you go and talk to him.” Br João Carlos do Prado in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2018 That freedom was very important. My family supported me by visiting during formation and staying close. Today we’re still very connected - we even have a family WhatsApp group where we check in with each other every day. "It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been meaningful. And that, I believe, is the surest sign that I am where God wants me to be."  Looking back now,   I am grateful and happy. My vocation has given me the freedom to live fully among young people, to serve in community, and to walk the Marist way. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been meaningful. And that, I believe, is the surest sign that I am where God wants me to be.   Could you tell us about your journey after your final profession in 1999?  After my final profession, I joined my first community in a town called Joaçaba, Brazil. During that time, I completed my university studies in Portuguese language and literature and worked in a youth community centre - a mission that I deeply enjoyed. In 2001, the Marist Province I belonged to in Santa Catarina merged with another from São Paulo, forming a new province called “Brasil Centro-Sul”. I moved to Curitiba, where I served as a member of the Provincial Council and was responsible for coordinating pastoral activities in our schools. I also oversaw various ministries during that period, a mission that continued until 2006. Br João Carlos do Prado in in Rio de Janeiro during the MIMA I After 2006, the three Marist provinces in Brazil created a joint association called União Marista do Brasil  (UMBRASIL) to strengthen collaboration and represent Marists in dialogue with the Brazilian government. I first served as mission coordinator and later, from 2009 to 2010, as the executive secretary. While carrying out these responsibilities, I divided my time between Brasília and Curitiba and also completed a Master’s degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Curitiba. Read Part 2 here .

Excerpts from Interview with Br João Carlos do Prado , Part 2. Read Part 1 here .   So until 2010, your work was mainly focused in Brazil?  Yes, and then at the end of 2010, I received an invitation from the then Superior General, Br Emili Turú, to move to Rome and serve as Director of the Mission Secretariat. I accepted and relocated to Rome in January 2011. Br João Carlos do Prado with Ulises, a Lay Marist in Mexico City, in Mexico The Mission Secretariat at that time included education, evangelisation, and solidarity - all under one umbrella (today these are separate secretariats). I served in that role until 2016. It was a period of significant growth and learning. For the first three years I was alone in the role, and then another Brother from Mexico, Br Miguel Espinosa Barrera, joined me. What came after your time as Director of the Mission Secretariat? At the end of 2016, I stepped down from that role to do a PhD on leadership formation and sustaining the Marist charism  at Fordham University in New York. I completed English studies and prepared my project proposal, and the university accepted me. But just days later, I was called back by Br Emili Turú - my Province had elected me to serve as Provincial. Initially, I was disappointed because I was excited about the PhD, but I understood that leadership in the congregation was a greater call. Br João Carlos do Prado with two Marist Brothers, Edmundo and Aderlan, in Curitiba, Brazil I returned to Brazil in mid-2017, spent a short period there, and then participated in the 22 nd  General Chapter. Shortly afterwards, I was elected to the General Council and returned to Rome. How was the transition for you - moving from many years of work in Brazil to life in Rome, at the heart of the Marist world? It was a big challenge. In Brazil, I had deep connections - family, friends, fellow Brothers - but in Rome I was starting from zero. I had to build relationships and adapt to a new environment. Language was another difficulty. In Brazil, I spoke only Portuguese, but in Rome we use Italian and Spanish daily, and English and French are also common. It took time to feel confident communicating in all those languages. "It was a big challenge. In Brazil, I had deep connections - family, friends, fellow Brothers - but in Rome I was starting from zero. I had to build relationships and adapt to a new environment." Br João Carlos do Prado in Santiago, Chile, during an educational Conference in 2012 The climate was a shock too - I left Brazil in January, in the middle of summer, and arrived in Rome during cold, rainy winter days. And perhaps the biggest challenge was psychological: convincing myself that Rome was now home. Gradually, I began to feel at home in Rome - returning to the General House after travelling, greeting the Brothers, and realising this was where I belonged. You’ve spoken a lot about leadership, and even planned a PhD on the topic. How has your understanding of leadership evolved over the years? Leadership, for me, has always been more than a role - it’s a journey. At first, I saw it as a responsibility: organising, planning, making decisions. But over the years, I have come to understand it as something deeper. It’s about trust : trusting God, trusting the people you serve, and trusting the process. It’s about accompaniment : walking with others rather than leading from above. And it’s about growth : allowing experiences - even challenges and doubts - to shape you into a better servant. "It’s about trust: trusting God, trusting the people you serve, and trusting the process." My years in mission, education, administration, and international service have taught me that leadership is never static. It keeps evolving as you evolve. And that is something I am still learning every day. Br João Carlos do Prado at the General House, Rome You’ve now taken part in three General Chapters. What does it feel like to return to this experience once more? And how do the questions and challenges facing the Institute today differ from those during your first Chapter? Yes, this is my third Chapter. In 2009, I was a member of the Preparatory Commission and also a delegate of my Province. Then again in 2017 I was elected as a delegate. And now, in this Chapter, I participate by right as a member of the General Council. For me, being part of a General Chapter is a little like being a guardian of the family. First, it is a moment of celebration and fraternity, where Brothers and Lay Marists from all over the world come together. It is a chance to deepen our communion, to strengthen our relationships, and to grow as a global family. "For me, being part of a General Chapter is a little like being a guardian of the family." The second aspect is responsibility. Even though our contexts differ greatly - whether in Australia, Brazil, or Europe - we are all co-responsible for what happens in every part of the Institute. We need to listen, to understand one another better, and to share both our challenges and our solutions. Br João Carlos do Prado, part of the Facilitation Commission, during the 23rd General Chapter in Tagaytay, Philippines In terms of challenges, I think vocation is the most urgent. In recent years, we have done excellent work in mission - updating documents, building networks, reflecting together, and especially involving Lay Marists in deeper ways, such as through the International Forum on the Marist Mission. The reality today is very different from even a few years ago. We are losing about a lot of Brothers each year, and the majority of those who remain are elderly. Among five Brothers, maybe three are over seventy. The number of younger Brothers is very small. "Instead, the profile of the Brother must evolve - more prophetic, more present among people, walking alongside young people and Lay Marists in ministry, rather than simply being managers." So, the question is: in this new reality, what kind of Marist Brother do we need today? The Institute will not have the same numbers we once had, but perhaps it does not need to. Instead, the profile of the Brother must evolve - more prophetic, more present among people, walking alongside young people and Lay Marists in ministry, rather than simply being managers. Given this, how do you see the Marist mission changing over the next ten to twenty years? Do you think Lay people will increasingly be the face of Marist life and mission? In fact, already today more than 99% of our daily mission is carried out by Lay people. That is the reality. So, the priority for the future is not just numbers - it is investing in formation. Lay Marists need a strong sense of identity and charism so that when they lead schools or ministries, they do so not simply as educators but as Marists. Br João Carlos do Prado with the Secretariat of Laity, Fiji "In fact, already today more than 99% of our daily mission is carried out by Lay people. That is the reality. So, the priority for the future is not just numbers - it is investing in formation." It’s not just about teaching subjects; it’s about forming “good Christians and good citizens.” And when I say “Christian,” I mean it more broadly as the values of the Gospel - values that affirm life, human dignity, and the right of every person to live fully. Whether one is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or of another background, our mission is to serve humanity with this Gospel spirit. This year you visited the Pacific - your third time in Australia, and your second time visiting Aotearoa - New Zealand and Fiji. How do you see the Marist mission in this region? Each country has very different cultures, languages, and contexts, but the Marist spirit is recognisable everywhere. The values, the pedagogy, and the passion for the mission unite us. Br João Carlos do Prado during the traditional kava ceremony in Fiji "Whether one is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or of another background, our mission is to serve humanity with this Gospel spirit." Of course, the challenges vary. In places like Fiji, resources are limited, and maintaining schools or supporting human resources can be difficult. But what strikes me is the richness of diversity in this Province. The question is how to build greater solidarity across borders, so that no matter where a child is born - in Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand - they can experience the same opportunities to grow and flourish. Was there a particular moment during your visit in the Pacific that really affirmed the strength of the mission? Yes. For me, it was the direct contact with young people in Fiji - visiting schools, meeting students and teachers, seeing the passion and joy in their faces. That made the mission very tangible. Br João Carlos do Prado speaking to teachers from Marist schools, Fiji In Aotearoa - New Zealand and Australia, I also saw this passion, though expressed more at the provincial or institutional level. But everywhere, what unites us is this deep desire to be Marist and to live the mission with love. What is your dream for the global Marist mission in the future? My dream has two parts. First, that Brothers and Lay people remain deeply committed to the mission, supported by strong processes of formation and connection. Second, that we truly become a global family. "That we truly become a global family." Over the past decades, we have moved steadily in this direction, but there is still more to do. I hope we can strengthen our identity as an international Institute - sharing resources, good practices, and formation across Provinces, and supporting one another in solidarity. We have enormous potential, and my dream is that we continue to unlock it together, as one Marist family. With the Chapter wrapped up, where do you see your journey taking you next, Brother?   At the end of the Chapter, my new mission will be in Brazil, where I will return in November. At first, I will participate in a sabbatical programme, probably in the USA, in the first half of 2026, and from July onwards I will return to the Marist Province of Brazil Centre-South for the mission that my Provincial will entrust to me. Br João Carlos do Prado with the Star of the Sea Province team in Australia "I am grateful for the affection of so many people who have been part of my life, many of them in the Star of the Sea Province." At the moment, I do not yet have a defined mission, but I am open to whatever is needed and to whatever I can contribute. I am grateful for the affection of so many people who have been part of my life, many of them in the Star of the Sea Province. I carry everyone in my heart and I am sure that the experience I have had will be a great contribution to my new mission in Brazil.

The Star of the Sea Province is delighted to announce that Br Peter Carroll, its current Provincial, has been elected Superior General of the Institute of the Marist Brothers. This historic decision was made on 30 September 2025 during the 23rd General Chapter, held in Tagaytay, Philippines. Br Peter Carroll, the new Superior General of the Marist Institute Br Peter becomes the 15th Superior General of the Institute and only the second Brother from Oceania to serve in this role, following Br Charles Howard. He will guide the Marist Institute for the next eight years, leading a global mission to continue the charism of Marcellin Champagnat: to make Jesus Christ known and loved, especially among children and young people. The 23rd General Chapter, which commenced on 8 September, is the Institute’s highest decision-making assembly. Delegates from across the world gather every eight years to discern priorities, elect leadership, and shape the direction of the Marist mission for the future. The election process unfolded over several days of prayer and discernment. On Monday, capitulants submitted names of Brothers they believed capable of leading the Institute. This consultation produced a shortlist of candidates, which guided further reflection. On Tuesday, 30 September, Br Peter Carroll was formally elected Superior General. Biography of Br Peter Carroll Br Peter Carroll was born on 2 August 1958 in Brisbane, Queensland, the middle of three children. Educated at Marist College Ashgrove, he completed his schooling in 1976. Answering the call of the Marist vocation, he commenced Postulancy in 1977, entered the Novitiate in 1978, professed his first vows on 1 January 1980, and made his final vows on 20 June 1986. Br Peter dedicated much of his early ministry to Marist education, serving consecutively as a teacher and school leader from 1984 to 2012. His leadership included significant terms as Principal at St Peter Claver College, Riverview, Queensland (1997–2000), Marist College North Shore, Sydney (2001–2007), and Trinity College, Lismore (2008–2012). He specialised in Religious Education and pursued studies at Macquarie University and Australian Catholic University. In 2003, Br Peter Carroll was elected to the Provincial Council of the former Sydney Province. He continued serving on the Provincial Council when the provinces were unified in 2012 to form the Australian Province, including a term as Deputy Provincial. In January 2015, he was appointed Provincial of Australia. In December 2022, Br Peter became the inaugural Provincial of the newly established Star of the Sea Province, which encompasses eleven countries in the Pacific-Asia region: Aotearoa-New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu. From 2019 to 2022, Br Peter also served as President of Catholic Religious Australia, the national body representing 150 religious institutes across the continent. Additionally, from 2015 to 2025, he was the Leader of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, nurturing lay participation in the Marist mission. Br Peter's leadership is characterised by a deep spiritual commitment to the Marist charism, pastoral care, and a collaborative vision that embraces both Brothers and lay Marists.

If one were asked to choose a single word to describe Br John Matthew Hazelman, perhaps with some reluctance to narrow it down, that word would be maternal. He is a mountain of a man, a gentle giant, yet what truly defines him is the tender, nurturing spirit of a mother. That spirit was first sown in him at home. The youngest of nine children, Br John was raised by a single mum whose quiet strength, resilience, and love became the foundation of his life. He was her shadow, learning from her not just in words but in the way she lived - with sacrifice, patience, and unwavering care. Everything she embodied became part of him, forming the heart of the man he is today. Br John Hazelman being congratulated by fellow Brothers on his election to the General Council at the 23rd General Chapter, Philippines, 2025 So, it was little wonder that when his teenage years came, with their searching questions about purpose and calling, Br John was drawn to another motherly presence - Mother Mary. From his own mother’s embrace to Mary’s gentle guidance, he found himself carried by a maternal spirit that has never left his side. His Marist journey has taken him across oceans and cultures - from the turquoise waters of his Pacific homeland to the vibrant, bustling streets of Asia, and back again to the islands he calls home. In 2022, he was elected to the newly formed Star of the Sea Provincial Council, marking a historic moment as the largest Province in the Marist Institute came into being. When he first left home, Br John was a young Brother still finding his way. By the time he joined the Provincial Council, he had grown into a leader admired by his peers and deeply loved by the younger Brothers of the Pacific and Melanesia. That love is no surprise: shaped by his own mother and by Mother Mary, he has always been selfless, generous, and endlessly giving of himself. The General Council (L-R) - Br John Hazelman, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam, Br Deivis Alexandre Fischer, Br Hipólito Pérez Gómez (Vicar General), Br Peter Carroll (Superior General), Br Mark Okolo Omede, and Br Carlos Alberto Rojas Carvajal On 3 October, the Marist world recognised these very qualities, affirming his spirit and leadership by electing him to the General Council at the 23rd General Chapter in Tagaytay, Philippines, making him the first Brother from the Islands - beyond Aotearoa-New Zealand - to be appointed to this role. As he prepares to leave the shores of his island home for the very heart of the Marist Institute, The Star Post sat down with Br John to reflect on his journey as a Brother - the joys and struggles, the doubts and discoveries, and the hopes he carries into the next eight years. Congratulations on becoming a General Councillor, Br John! How are you feeling at this moment? It was a surprise to be nominated by a large group of Brothers as a General Councillor, especially knowing that Peter Carroll had already been elected Superior General by the capitulants. Nevertheless, I feel humbled by the trust and confidence the capitulants have placed in me for this role. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I believe I still have much to contribute in Pasifika - particularly in supporting sustainability plans for Fiji, encouraging new ministry initiatives in Port Moresby, and continuing support for Mabiri and Kiribati. I also deeply value the teamwork among the Province’s formators. Br John Hazelman at the 23rd General Chapter, Tagaytay, Philippines, 2025 On the other hand, I trust and believe that another Pasifika Brother is well placed to speak and lead Pasifika, and our province is blessed with experienced formators. Also, joining the General Council offers me a chance to represent both Pasifika and the Province in service to the wider Institute. "Joining the General Council offers me a chance to represent both Pasifika and the Province in service to the wider Institute." I am aware of the challenges that come with such roles - the expectations and workload. Language will be a limitation for me. However, I am excited to support the new team, especially our leader. I look forward to being a Brother to our leader and other members of the General Council. I am eager to learn about different realities, to listen, and to offer brotherly support while empowering others in their own contexts.     Take us back to the beginning, Br John - where were you born and raised, and what was your childhood like? I was born in Samoa on 21 September 1968, in a village called Lepea. It was an extended family environment, so I grew up surrounded by cousins, uncles, and aunties - a big family, very strong in the Catholic faith and very firm in the culture. From an early age, I learned the importance of family and community: that what you have is not just for yourself, but for everyone. A very young Br John Hazelman with his mum and sisters, circa early 1970s My dad passed away when my mum was three months pregnant with me. Dad was Fijian, and Mum was Samoan. Because of that experience, I think Mum treated me in a special way - I never knew my dad, so she tried to make up for it. I was youngest in the family. I have a sister who is three years older, and we were very close. She now lives in Wollongong, Australia. My other brothers were older and often busy with “boys’ things,” so my closest bonds were really with my mum, my sisters, and my cousins. "From an early age, I learned the importance of family and community: that what you have is not just for yourself, but for everyone." As a child, I was very shy and skinny. I spent a lot of time with my nieces and girl cousins, who were about my age, and they became my playmates. Growing up that way shaped me in quiet but important ways. Faith came into my life early, though I wouldn’t have called it “faith” back then - it was simply service to the Church. My mum was very committed to the parish. She typed the parish bulletin and spent long hours helping out. I remember waking up at three o’clock in the morning and seeing her at the typewriter. She was a hardworking woman, and from her I quickly learned the value of hard work. Br John Hazelman, a shy boy We didn’t have much, but I never felt we were lacking. Mum gave us what was essential, and at the time I thought that was great. Only later did I realise how simple things were compared to others. Looking back now, I’m grateful. Being the youngest, I was a little spoiled, but there was always someone looking after me. One of the things I loved was serving as an altar boy. In fact, I wanted to serve even before I received my First Communion! I was drawn to it, and from that experience I learned the joy of service and the importance of commitment. School was another happy memory. The first school I attended was run by Sisters. I still remember how, every day, I would bring flowers for the statue of Mary. My mum loved plants and flowers, and my brothers helped me collect them. At the time it felt natural, but looking back, it makes me smile. "We didn’t have much, but I never felt we were lacking." I was also very active as a child - always running, full of energy. We used to race home from school, me and the other boys, just to see who would get there first! Was this the time when your faith began to draw you towards the Brothers? Yes, I think so. I was about ten when I first entered a Marist Brothers’ school, and very quickly I felt drawn to the life. I remember a Brother once asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and without much thought I replied, “I’d like to be a Brother.” I didn’t fully understand what I was saying, but it planted a seed in me that never really left. Br John Hazelman as a novice (Left) having first Profession at Lomeri with two Fijians, 1992 The Brothers had a chapel near the school, and we students often went there to pray before classes. I started doing that regularly, and it became a natural part of my rhythm. I even became friends with one of the older Brothers - he was considered a bit eccentric, but we connected. At that time, I had started growing my own vegetable garden, and I used to earn some money from selling the cabbages I grew. I would give some to the Brothers, and in return, I often noticed the wonderful smell of their food at lunchtime - which was another attraction for me! Still, what impressed me most was their teaching, their presence among young people, and the way they coached sports like rugby. Since I was athletic myself and loved rugby, I found that very inspiring. Through those years I was a rather shy boy - especially around girls. I was academically solid but not exceptional, usually somewhere in the top five at school. I still remember winning a scholarship, which meant a lot to me because my mother was raising us alone. It felt like a gift I could give back to her. Br John Hazelman during a Samoan festival "Through those years I was a rather shy boy - especially around girls." I joined Marist groups during my schooling, and when co-education came in my final year, I also began experiencing life in mixed classes. That was important for my confidence too. But deep inside, the desire to join the Brothers grew stronger. By the age of 17, I actually knocked on their door and asked if I could join. The Brother who knew me and my family sent me back with wise advice: “You are too young. Do more studies first. Enjoy life a bit more, then come back.” He was right - it wasn’t the time yet. But the seed was still there, and I remained close to the Brothers, attending “Come and See” programs and continuing to pray. After school, I became serious enough about the vocation to pause and think carefully. The Sisters at my old primary school invited me to spend a year teaching, and I took it up as a way of testing my sense of calling. That year brought clarity. I remember one Mass in particular: the youngest children, in Year 1 and Year 2, performed a liturgical dance, and it struck me deeply. I thought:  This is what I want - to work with young people, to be part of their lives, to serve them. Br John Hazelman supporting a reading program for students with coping difficulties, Samoa, circa early 2010s "I still remember winning a scholarship, which meant a lot to me because my mother was raising us alone. It felt like a gift I could give back to her." From then on, I knew I would join the Brothers. What was your journey into the Brothers like? There’s no single path - you begin with “Come and See” experiences where you live with the Brothers and understand their way of life. Then there is postulancy, novitiate, and different stages of formation. I remember the day I entered postulancy clearly. My family was invited, including my mother, one sister, and a brother. My mother gave me a small card with words on the back I will never forget, "Son, this is what you want, I let you go. I understand, and I support you. But remember, the door is always open.” She only heard about my decision a week before I went to live with the Brothers - it was sudden for her. Being the youngest in the family made it even harder. I could sense her pain, though she didn’t say much, and I will always remember that moment and her blessing. Br John Hazelman as the MAPAC formator, late 2000s Afterwards, I moved to Fiji for the next stage of training. It was there that I worked through some deeper parts of my own story, most importantly the loss of my father, who died before I was born. That surfaced strongly, and I remember breaking down in tears as I confronted that absence for the first time. Fiji was also where I discovered a love of nature - gardening, fishing, being outdoors. "My Mother wrote, “Son, this is what you want, I let you go. I understand, and I support you. But remember, the door is always open.”" Later, I continued formation in the Philippines. Asia opened my mind beyond the small Pacific islands I knew. It also brought challenges. I fell in love. Even as a Brother, I experienced falling in love. It was an important time for me - because it helped me to be honest with myself, to understand human relationships more deeply, and to appreciate what love really means. "Even as a Brother, I experienced falling in love. It was an important time for me - because it helped me to be honest with myself." Br John Hazelman working on a project helping children living on the streets in Manilla, circa late 2000s My mother’s reaction when I confided in her was typically protective - “That’s the devil talking!” - but I knew she simply wanted to safeguard my vocation. I learned that honesty, openness, and friendship are vital for living religious life well, and that love helps you become more authentic in how you love and serve others. That person and I talked and decided to part ways, because I couldn’t give up being a Brother. It was always my path. Thank you for your honesty, Br John. What happened after your time in Asia, did you return to the Pacific?  Yes. After time in formation, I returned to Samoa for teaching and made my final vows. Later, my superiors asked me to prepare as a formator myself. That journey took me to the United States, India, and then back to the Philippines. Br John Hazelman in Chicago, training to become a Formator India, in particular, shaped me with its interreligious dialogue, its simplicity of life, and its emphasis on friendship and relationship. It was also where I studied counselling, which became part of my professional training. Most of my religious life was spent in the Philippines, where I eventually joined the staff of MAPAC, the international training centre for Brothers from across Asia and the Pacific. That experience exposed me to diverse cultures and opened me further to the richness of the wider Marist world.   Read part 2 here .

There are leaders who command by position, and there are leaders who inspire by presence. Br Peter Carroll, former Provincial of the Star of the Sea, belongs unmistakably to the latter. Compassionate and kind, playful and joyful, accessible yet firm when needed, his leadership has never been defined by authority alone. It is rooted instead in a rare humanity - one that both reassures and encourages. Born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 2 August 1958, Br Peter’s Marist journey has taken many forms: teacher, Principal, Deputy Provincial, and, most recently, Provincial for ten years. In each role he has served with quiet steadiness and unwavering dedication - never seeking the spotlight but always guiding with calm conviction. On 30 September 2025, in the company of Brothers from across the world and under the gentle gaze of Mother Mary and Marcellin, that lifelong fidelity was recognised when he was elected Superior General - only the second Brother from Oceania, after Br Charles Howard, to be entrusted with this responsibility. Br Peter Carroll, the 15th Superior General of the Marist Institute, and only the second Brother from Oceania - after Br Charles Howard - to be entrusted with this mission Now in his 47th year as a Marist Brother, Br Peter continues to embody the five Marist characteristics: simplicity, love of work, family spirit, in the way of Mary, and presence. Of these, presence has become his defining gift. No matter how demanding the schedule or pressing the moment, his calming smile and his deeply Marian way of attentive listening make each person feel heard, valued, and, above all, seen. His gift lies not only in what he does, but in who he is - a presence that reassures, encourages, and quietly transforms. Soon he will leave behind the golden beaches of Australia for the historic streets of Rome. As he embraces this new global mission, The Star Post sat down with Br Peter to learn more about the road that has brought him here - the challenges and graces of the past, his hopes for the vibrant Star of the Sea Province and its 11 countries, and his vision for the Institute in the years ahead. Superior General, Br Peter Carroll from the Star of the Sea Province, and the new Vicar General, Br Hipólito Pérez Gómez from Maristas América Central   Congratulations on your election as Superior General, Br Peter. What emotions are you experiencing at this moment, and how does it feel to be only the second Brother from Oceania to be elected to this role? I am still in a state of shock! Never for a moment did I think that I would be elected by my confreres as Superior General. This isn’t false modesty, it is the truth. Little by little the reality is seeping through. I am naturally honoured by the confidence and trust the Brothers have placed in me and hope I can do justice to the role. I also have a sense of loss, leaving the Province and the familiar. There is much I have left unfinished, but I know Br Darren and the Council will continue to be very capable leaders. As I start to ponder this new start, my sense of anticipation and excitement is growing. I hope and pray that I can provide synodal and effective leadership for the new era in which we live. A historic moment: Three Superior Generals Br Ernesto Sánchez (2017–2025), Br Peter Carroll (2025–2033), Br Emili Turú (2009–2017) "Never for a moment did I think that I would be elected by my confreres as Superior General. This isn’t false modesty, it is the truth." What was your early life like - your home, your family, and the community you grew up in - before you felt called to Marist life? I was born in Brisbane, Queensland. I had an older sister and, when I was four, a younger sister came along - so there were two years between my older sister and me, and four years between myself and my younger sister. My parents were a little older when they married. My father had served in the Air Force during the Second World War, while my mother was a nurse - very much in demand across Australia during those years. It wasn’t until the decade after the war that they met, married, and started their family. A young Br Peter Carroll in Kindergarten Both sides of the family were quite small. My parents had lost their own parents before marriage, so I never knew grandparents, though I did have great-aunts who filled that role for a time. My father had only one sister, who became a religious sister, and my mother had a sister and two brothers. Between them, we had just three first cousins. It was a small family, but a very close-knit one. Faith was central in our home. On my father’s side there were relatives who were priests and religious, so the idea of religious life was not foreign to us - it was very much part of our family environment. I grew up seeing that firsthand. "Faith was central in our home. On my father’s side there were relatives who were priests and religious, so the idea of religious life was not foreign to us." I attended Catholic schools in Brisbane, and later in Bundaberg when our family moved north. My teachers included the Sisters of Charity, Christian Brothers, Sisters of Mercy, and Marist Brothers. Looking back, I realise the environment I grew up in was quite different to today. At that time, the Church was a vibrant and central part of community life. Religious vocations were not unusual - in fact, even in my own neighbourhood there were people who had joined or were considering religious life. That was the culture that shaped my early years. When did you first feel inspired to join the Marist Brothers? What sparked that interest? The inspiration came quite young. I was at a school run by the Christian Brothers when I first started thinking seriously about religious life. Part of that was because I had a cousin who was a Christian Brother - we were close, and I admired him greatly. I was also impressed by the Brothers who taught me. Br Peter Carroll, circa early 1960s Later, when our family moved back to Brisbane, I went to Marist College Ashgrove, where I had a similar experience. The Marist Brothers there inspired me, especially in my senior years. It was at that point that the idea of becoming a Brother began to take deeper root. Can you take us through your journey of formation? When did you decide to commit, and what was the process like? It began in my teenage years. I had been considering different careers and studies, but I kept coming back to the thought that being a Brother was both attractive and meaningful. I think I always had a strong sense of faith and spirituality, and this way of life seemed to bring those values together. Eventually, I decided to give it a go. I told myself that if it didn’t work out, I could always pursue the other paths I’d been considering. So, I applied, and one of the Brothers visited my family to begin the process. "I kept coming back to the thought that being a Brother was both attractive and meaningful." What struck me immediately was that I wasn’t starting out alone. In fact, there were 22 of us who joined that year - this was 1977. Looking back, it’s extraordinary to think of such numbers. At the time, it was simply exciting. We had a great sense of camaraderie and joy. Community life was one of the unexpected blessings - it wasn’t something I had thought much about beforehand, but I found it deeply rewarding. The journey itself unfolded in stages. I began with postulancy, then moved into the novitiate - a key period of formation. Our novitiate was on a farm at Mittagong, which was another completely new experience for me. Our time there was a mix of study, work, prayer, and community life. It was challenging but also deeply enriching. Br Peter Carroll (left, second row) as a Postulant, 1977 We were guided by a man of remarkable wisdom and spirituality. His teaching was exceptional, and he helped open up new ways of understanding theology and prayer. At the same time, novitiate life was quite solitary - we were cut off from family and friends. That experience taught me the importance of being comfortable with myself, of learning to live without constant comparison, and of grounding my life in prayer. Religious life, after all, makes no sense without a spiritual foundation. "Religious life, after all, makes no sense without a spiritual foundation." After the novitiate came what was then called the “apprenticeship year.” I was placed in a school community with only one year of teacher training under my belt - something you couldn’t imagine happening today! I taught a Grade 4 class of 42 students, under the close supervision of an excellent mentor. Despite the challenges, it turned out to be an extraordinarily positive year. The community I lived with was alive, youthful, and supportive. Leaving them after twelve months was difficult. From there, the journey continued. Each stage was different, each one unexpected, but together they shaped me as I began to find my footing in adult and religious life. What did you study at university, and how old were you at the time? I completed my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English, History, and Education. I was 22 when I began, and I really enjoyed it. The degree took four years altogether - two years in full-time study, and then another two years while living in community. For that second stage I wasn’t placed in a school, but in a boys’ home - St Vincent’s Boys Home - while continuing part-time study. That experience opened my eyes to a whole new world. The boys there came from fractured homes, many had experienced violence, and some had been placed at the Home by the courts because of criminal offences. It was a stark contrast to the stable, peaceful upbringing I’d had in Queensland. Br Peter Carroll, circa 1970s Those years taught me a lot about family life, struggle, and resilience. I have never forgotten those young men, and even later in life, when I have encountered one or two of them again, it has been a joy to see how they have turned out - many for the better. Those early ’80s years were good, formative years for me. By this point had you already become a Brother? Yes. The process is that you take vows at the end of novitiate - initially temporary vows that are renewed annually. Each year you are asked: “Do you want to continue?” If the answer is yes, you renew your vows; if no, you leave. Many chose the latter. For me, it took about seven renewals before I professed my final vows in 1986. That decision came after a lot of prayer, discussion, and discernment. Making a lifelong commitment means letting go of other options, and I had to face those questions honestly. I knew I could still have had a different life – marriage, family, career. Br Peter Carroll (far right) with (L-R) Br Ray Mulvogue, Br Ernan Morgan, Br Urban Bates, and Br Michael Flanagan, Auburn, 1986 And that was important: I was free to make the decision I felt was right. I wasn’t pressured by parents or anyone else, unlike some I knew who entered because of family expectation. In the end, it has to be a personal, free choice, or it won’t last. "Making a lifelong commitment means letting go of other options, and I had to face those questions honestly. I knew I could still have had a different life – marriage, family, career." Did you ever doubt your path - wondered if perhaps this life wasn’t for you? Yes, I did. Those questions were constant, especially in the early years. I was working in schools where most of the staff were lay teachers, men and women, many of them getting married and starting families. Naturally, I asked myself, Should I be doing that? Am I giving something up that I might regret? Br Peter Carroll as the Provincial of the Province of Australia, 2016 "Yes, I did have my doubts. Those questions were constant, especially in the early years." But I also realised that being a Brother isn’t just about the work you do. Work is important, of course, but religious life has to be rooted in something deeper - faith, spirituality, a sense of living for something beyond yourself. That’s what kept me grounded. And yes, even now, from time to time, I still quietly ask myself if I’ve made the right choice. But the fact that I’ve stayed the course is my answer. After your final vows in 1986, how did your ministry unfold? My work remained in Australia. I taught in schools in Sydney and later in Brisbane. At one point, I moved into boarding school life, where I was responsible for senior boarders. That was a huge commitment - seven days a week - on top of teaching classes and coordinating religious education and liturgies. It was demanding, but it was also another rich experience. One of the real blessings was visiting the families of boarders across Queensland. Many lived on the land, in very simple homes, often in drought-stricken areas. Their resilience was remarkable. I remember one family who lived in a cement-floor home with four children. Another told me how they expected drought six out of seven years, but had gone even longer without rain. "But I also realised that being a Brother isn’t just about the work you do. It has to be rooted in something deeper - faith, spirituality, a sense of living for something beyond yourself." These encounters reinforced something very Marist for me: the value of simplicity. Living humbly, modestly, with joy and hope. Those families embodied it. They reminded me of the importance of living simply ourselves, but always with positivity and faith in the future. At some point you moved into school leadership. How did that come about? After seven years in Brisbane, I was invited to take on the role of principal. That began 15 years of school leadership. My first appointment was at St Peter Claver College in Ipswich, a co-educational school in a working-class community. I spent four years there before moving to Sydney, where I led Marist College North Shore, an all-boys’ school, for six years. Finally, I spent five years as principal of a large co-educational college in Lismore, a country town. Br Peter Carroll, Principal of Trinity Catholic College, Lismore, 2010 Each school was different, but all were rewarding. Lismore in particular was a joy - the students were down-to-earth, the families supportive, and the staff deeply committed. The sense of community in a country town is very strong. Becoming principal was a whole new learning curve. Until then, my leadership had been mostly in religious education. Suddenly, I had to learn management, communication, human resources, conflict resolution, and long-term strategic planning. It was demanding, sometimes complex, but ultimately very rewarding. I enjoyed those years immensely - and I hope I didn’t do too much damage along the way! Read Part 2 here .

Excerpts from Interview with Br Peter Carroll, Superior General, Marist Institute, Part 2. Read Part 1 here . When did you retire from being a school principal, and what led to that transition? I finished as principal at Lismore at the end of 2012. That was a significant moment for me, and the timing was dictated by the fact that we were about to begin a new province for the Marist Brothers in Australia. Maybe I should explain; in our congregation, a “province” is a formal geographic and administrative area. Until the end of 2012, Australia had two - Sydney and Melbourne Provinces, each covering different regions. At the start of 2013, those merged into one, simply called the Australian Province. Br Jeff Crowe was elected the first Provincial, and at the chapter, I was appointed his deputy. That meant a real shift for me - moving into what we call “internal ministry,” this time working directly with the Brothers themselves, rather than in schools. Becoming Vice Provincial opened my eyes to so many new aspects of our life. Suddenly, I was living in Melbourne, leading a community, involved in council decisions, and, despite being a Provincial Councillor since 2004, this felt more complex because we were creating something new together. "Becoming Vice Provincial opened my eyes to so many new aspects of our life." Br Peter Carroll at the entrance of Colégio Marista Lautém, Timor-Leste, admiring the Champagnat artwork, 2025 But unfortunately, that time in Melbourne was cut short. By late 2013, I was called back to Sydney. I was still Vice Provincial, but now the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse was underway - an incredibly intense and painful chapter for everyone involved: institutions, survivors, the broader church, and the Marist Brothers. My work became all-consuming, and I was deeply engaged with the Royal Commission’s processes and our Professional Standards work. After Br Jeff’s term as Provincial ended, I took over and continued to be involved in the Royal Commission. I was called as a Witness on two separate occasions. It was extremely demanding, challenging in the deepest sense. When you say the work was all-consuming during the Royal Commission, what did that mean for your daily life and emotional state? It’s hard to describe, but we became the focus of intense attention - three separate case studies investigated our brothers: first in Canberra, then Newcastle, and finally the broader Catholic Church. Between those case studies, the Commission routinely called for more information and reports. I was blessed with outstanding people alongside me - Norm, Kathleen, Sr Margaret, Rosanna - who took on the lion’s share of the work. Still, the emotional toll was high. We were wrestling daily with tragic, disturbing, sometimes horrifying realities - confronting the darkest side of our story as Marists. There’s no hiding from it: brothers did terrible wrong, and that’s the direct opposite of everything this vocation stands for. "Still, the emotional toll was high. We were wrestling daily with tragic, disturbing, sometimes horrifying realities." Br Peter Carroll visiting Kiribati as Provincial, 2024 The hardest thing, though, was grasping the full enormity of the harm done to children and others - harm I believe none of us understood in its depth at the time. Meeting with survivors, hearing their pain and sorrow, left a mark on me that’s impossible to forget.  You were the Vice Provincial when the Commission began. How did this affect you - personally, as a man of faith who may have known some of the Brothers involved, and professionally, in your role as a leader of the organisation? I would say there were multiple, often conflicting responses within me. First, there was anger - anger at the offenders, some of whom I knew personally. I kept asking myself, How could you have done this? What were you thinking? Alongside that was a heavy sense of shame - collective shame shared by many brothers. In fact, a couple still won’t wear the Marist insignia because they’re embarrassed at the association. That shame weighs heavily on all of us. There was also a deep feeling of powerlessness. How do you undo such evil? How do you make amends to the victims, the survivors? There are no easy answers, and often it felt like we had none. "There was also a deep feeling of powerlessness. How do you undo such evil?" And then, there was the sorrow. During that time, I met regularly with victims and survivors who bravely shared their stories. It was heartbreaking - no one can hear those stories without being deeply affected. Br Peter Carroll with the Star of the Sea Provincial Council, Timor-Leste, 2024 At the same time, I was aware that the wider group of Brothers was suffering. They shared these same feelings with me. So many had lived extraordinarily good lives, yet they too were affected by what Brothers and some employees had done.  So, the impact was complex: anger, shame, powerlessness, and deep sadness. It coloured everything we did for years and remains with me still. "This time also reinforced how essential a solid spiritual foundation is. The life of a brother has to be rooted in faith, integrity, and honesty." This time also reinforced how essential a solid spiritual foundation is. The life of a brother has to be rooted in faith, integrity, and honesty. Faced with so much pain and darkness, the temptation is to lose heart, but for me, it underscored the non-negotiables – self knowledge, faith, prayer, a life of service lived with real purpose. If these aren’t there, then the other things can go awry. These years have only deepened my conviction that being Marist means constantly striving for authenticity in faith and community. As Provincial, you served for just over ten years, guided the merging of three provinces, and led the largest Province in the Marist Institute. From your perspective, what challenges stood out compared to those you experienced in earlier provinces? It’s very interesting to compare the creation of different provinces in my time. When the Sydney and Melbourne provinces came together at the end of 2012, it was, relatively speaking, straightforward. We were all in Australia; the school systems were alike, the communities similar, there weren’t major cultural or language differences. The process was well prepared, roles sorted, and priorities clear. Transitioning into the “Australian Province” in early 2013, things moved smoothly, and gradually, a new shared identity took root. Br Peter Carroll with Brothers Rod Thomson (far left), Bomes Tukana (centre) and Luke Fong (right) at the Marist International Novitiate, Tudella, 2025 But the new province begun at the end of 2022 is a whole different reality: it’s international, multilingual, multicultural. The challenges here are bigger and the changes cannot and should not be rushed. Growing a sense of unity and identity takes patience; while some things remain local, we strive for unity and real community across differences. "Evolution, not revolution, is the key." Our communications have improved, and gradually a sense of belonging is growing, but integrating internal structures between such diverse countries has to be gentle, careful. Evolution, not revolution, is the key. How did you ensure that the Marist Brothers and the wider Marist family across so many countries lived up to the same values and standards? For me, everything starts with leadership. The leaders in each country or sector must embody and set the standard, not by demanding but by truly living our ideals - welcoming, nurturing, inclusive. That is at the heart of the Marian tradition. The challenge is to centralise what needs to be centralised, while leave the rest at the local level - so each context has the freedom to serve as it knows best. Br Peter Carroll visiting Marist aspirants in Timor-Leste, 2024 "Welcoming, nurturing, and inclusive. That is at the heart of the Marian tradition." The new structure divides the province into sectors, each led by a delegate - the point person for Aotearoa - New Zealand and its long Marist history, for Australia, for the Pacific and Melanesia, and for Timor-Leste and Cambodia, which are still young and developing. The delegates oversee the local matters in these places. This sector approach allows us to keep the best of local creativity and closeness, while building a wider shared mission together. That’s the balance - central vision, local freedom, and always remembering our deepest values. Some suggest that religious life in Australia and Aotearoa–New Zealand is nearing its end. Do you share that view? Some congregations in Australia, especially smaller home-grown ones, speak of "completion"; that their mission is done, and now they are closing. I don’t quite see it like that for the Marist Brothers. We are an international congregation. While in places like Australia and New Zealand there have been no new vocations for many years and our age profile is growing older, there are other parts of the world within our province where the vocation to brotherhood is still growing or at least holding steady. "In Australia and New Zealand, you could say we did what we were asked: we established and developed Catholic education for the local Church." So, in our province, we have both realities: areas where numbers are declining and where we’ve fulfilled our mission, and areas where we continue to grow. In Australia and New Zealand, you could say we did what we were asked: we established and developed Catholic education for the local Church, and I believe we did it very effectively, over generations.   But there is still an active role for religious as witnesses - not just in what they do on a day-to-day basis, but as living testimonies to faith, communion and mission. The mission of a brother is about giving your life to something you truly believe in, Jesus Christ and his Good News. That witness continues throughout a Brother’s life, even when he is no longer teaching or in active ministry. A Brother’s life is one of community, prayer, and being present to others near and far. That mission of being a Brother, I believe, is more important today than ever in a fragmented and violent world. Br Peter Carroll with the Star of the Sea representatives at the 23rd General Chapter, Philippines, 2025 In other parts of our province, where numbers are growing, the Brothers respond to local needs - it’s about decentralisation and being where we are needed. We do not try to do what we cannot do or what is no longer required. Instead, we act where the call is strongest, which is why there is positive growth in some countries. But above all, the essence remains: being a Brother is the heart of the mission. We have seen growth in places like Timor-Leste, which now has 25 Brothers, and Cambodia, which welcomed its first last year. What do you think attracts young men to the Brotherhood there? Timor-Leste, is a deeply Catholic country. Faith and the Church are very much alive and evident there. So religious life is something familiar, not foreign. Besides that, there are very real needs in the country that the Brothers can help meet - especially in education and accompaniment of young people. That mission to educate, nurture, and journey with young people resonates deeply. The Brothers there also exude energy and joy, and I think young people are naturally attracted to that. Br Peter Carroll visiting the Marist school in Fiji, 2023 "The Brothers offer a way of life and mission that addresses deep human needs." Cambodia is more complex because it’s a majority Buddhist country. But the Catholic community, though small, offers ways to encounter the Brother - often through parishes or dioceses - which draws young men interested in a meaningful future. I think the same applies in other developing regions in our province. There, the search for meaning, connection, and purpose - the human desire for love and relationship - underpins so much of what we do. The Brothers offer a way of life and mission that addresses these deep human needs. For me, that’s why I’m still a brother - it gives my life meaning and direction. Last year, as Provincial, you visited Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati for the first time. What challenges do you see the Brothers and the wider Marist family responding to there? Compared to Australia and Aotearoa - New Zealand, many Pacific countries live with very limited resources. Education is a huge challenge. They want the best for their young people, but there’s simply not enough money to lavish on schools or facilities. Basic needs are often unmet - at Mabiri, for example, running water is scarce; at Tenaru in the Solomon Islands, 800 students are taught by only 22 teachers, creating massive student-teacher ratios; and in Fiji, there are other challenges. Br Peter Carroll with the Jubilarian Brothers in Sydney, 2025 In Timor-Leste, we have just opened our first Marist school this year, which is exciting. Across the province, education remains a core focus, yet we are also aware that schooling alone isn’t enough. What happens after graduation? Employment prospects are limited, and that’s a key issue in the Pacific. Moreover, in places like Timor-Leste, poverty, domestic violence, and care for the disabled also present ongoing challenges. These are all areas where the Marists could offer support and focus, but realistically, we must choose carefully where to invest our efforts - not to raise false hopes, but to work effectively where we can really make a difference. Reflecting on your personal journey, what stands out as your favourite memory or the most rewarding aspect of your service? That’s a tough question because there have been so many eye-opening experiences. But one thing that touched me more deeply later in life was discovering the international character of the Marist Brothers. I did all my early training and ministry in Australia, and it wasn’t until 2001 that I really experienced the global reach of the Marists. Meeting brothers from all around the world, visiting diverse communities, and feeling that we are all part of one family with the same mission - that was deeply encouraging. Br Peter Carroll being congratulated by Br Ken McDonald at the 23rd General Chapter, Philippines, 2025 "Meeting Brothers from all around the world, visiting diverse communities, and feeling that we are all part of one family with the same mission - that was deeply encouraging." In recent years, attending international gatherings has affirmed this even more. Despite challenges like COVID and high travel costs, connecting with Brothers globally has brought me enormous joy and a richer sense of belonging to the worldwide Marist family, something we value greatly now more than ever. As you leave Australia to join the Marist Institute in Rome, what do you hope the next eight years will look like, and what challenges do you anticipate? Most of our Superior Generals have previously been on the General Council prior to their election. I haven’t. There is so much for me to learn and to experience for the first time. I am limited in languages. Although I have been learning Spanish, I really only speak one language fluently, English. I will be moving to Italy and living in Rome. This will be my first experience of living in a non-English speaking country. I expect that it will take time for me to adapt to all that is new. Then there is the travel that goes with such a role. I will need to visit each of the Marist Regions, involving all the continents. Br Peter Carroll, Superior General of the Marist Brothers (Term duration 2025 - 2033) Despite all these changes, I expect I will receive marvellous support and encouragement from the Marist family, Brothers and Lay women and men. I have already felt that just in the past few days. I’m confident it will continue. "Despite all these changes, I expect I will receive marvellous support and encouragement from the Marist family, Brothers and Lay women and men." Once the elections are finished, I will meet with the new Vicar General, the six Councillors and the General administration. Together we will take the Calls of the Chapter and build our plan. I am confident we can help animate and encourage our global family. View more pics from the election day: