On 25 June, Br Terry Orrell passed away in Perth, Australia. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Br Terry Orrell, who died in Perth on the evening of 25 June. In recent days, Terry had entered renal failure associated with the dementia he had lived with for the past two years. He was lovingly cared for by the nursing home staff and faithfully visited by the Brothers of his community. His sister, two brothers and a dear childhood friend were also with him during his final days. He was 87 years old and had been a Marist Brother for 68 years. Br Terry Orrell FMS 10.07.1938 - 25.06.2026 Nearly two years ago, there was a noticeable decline in Terry’s health, which inhibited his capacity to cope with the normal daily physical routines. As Terry’s health declined, the Brothers were privileged to care for him at home for as long as possible, supported by the assistance of a community nurse. This rapidly evolved with the onset of dementia which caused a marked deterioration of his cognitive and physical capacities. As his need for care increased, we were fortunate to secure a place for him in a residential nursing home. Terrence Orrell was born in Northam, Western Australia, on 10 July 1938, to Francis and Norah. The eldest of five children, Terry is survived by his three brothers and one sister. Like many young Catholics of his generation, Terry began his primary schooling with the Sisters of Joseph of the Apparition, completing the early years through to Grade 3 before moving, in 1948, to the Brothers new school at Fermoy House, where he was among the first students. The first stirrings of Terry’s Marist vocation emerged during his school years at Fermoy House. As an impressionable young boy, he was deeply influenced by the headmaster there. A keen student who enjoyed extra-curricular activities, especially sport, Terry found in this environment the first seeds of a vocation. When he decided to take up the call of Marist Brotherhood at only 13 years of age, his youngest brother was only one year old, and his siter was yet to be born. His family’s faithful connection with him across the years remained a cherished part of his life. Terry courageously travelled by train across the country with another Brother to Macedon, Victoria, to pursue his vocation, entering the Juniorate on 26 January 1952. For his final two years of secondary schooling, the Juniorate relocated to the newly established Champagnat College in Wangaratta, north-eastern Victoria. He began his postulancy at Macedon on 3 January 1957, entered the novitiate there on 2 July 1957, made his first vows on 2 July 1958, and professed his final vows at Kilmore, Victoria, on 31 December 1963. Following his initial formation, Terry was first appointed to the boarding school in Forbes, in rural New South Wales. This role served as a valuable introduction before he moved on to his university studies in Sydney. It was the commencement of a long and distinguished career as a teacher and school principal. After graduating with an Arts degree from Sydney University in 1962, he was appointed as a senior teacher and completed his Diploma of Education part time while based at Bendigo, graduating from Melbourne in 1965. Terry’s ministry as a Brother was varied and significant. After teaching at Forbes, Hawthorn, Bendigo, Churchlands and Kilmore, he served for 25 years as Principal at Kilmore, Somerton Park, Churchlands and Sale. He introduced co-education to Sacred Heart College, contributed to the early Southwest Scheme in Adelaide, and became known as a great builder of stadiums, including facilities at Sacred Heart College, Newman and Sale. After a period as Chaplain at Melbourne University and in young Adult Ministry, he served a further eight years as Principal of Catholic College Sale before returning to Newman College Perth as Campus Minister and member of the College Executive until declining health intervened. He also served on the Provincial Council for three years in the 1990s and played a significant communications and publications role in the former Melbourne Province from 2009 to 2012. Behind these appointments were countless relationships: students encouraged, staff supported, communities strengthened, and young people drawn into a deeper sense of belonging. Terry valued academic study and continued to update his qualifications to support his varied responsibilities. He completed a Diploma of Religious Education through the National Pastoral Institute in 1974 and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Counselling in South Australia in 1982. While principal in Western Australia, he undertook further studies, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Management in 1992. On the religious front, he completed the Biblical Lands Study Tour in 1994 and the Sangre di Cristo Course in 2004. Terry brought deep passion and commitment to our mission of education. His own passion as a lifelong learner also spilled over to others as he modelled learning as a joy rather than a chore. In every setting, he valued relationships, supported those around him, and struck a rare balance between effective leadership and genuine friendship with his colleagues. He cultivated friendships wherever he was. In his gentle way, he always offered wise guidance to many people. His thoughtfulness of others has consistently been noted and appreciated. He was committed to passing on his passion for Marist ministry to a new generation and this inspired many teachers. Terry holds a place in many hearts for the way he made people feel - about themselves and about life. His sincere interest in others, combined with his joyful temperament, helped those around him feel at ease. He leaves a rich legacy of welcome and warmth, joy and humour. For all his accomplishments, Terry will perhaps be remembered most for the quality of his presence. Many will remember Terry’s gentle manner, his attentive listening, and the quiet encouragement he offered so readily. Terry was fully present wherever he ministered, engaging with others and encouraging staff and students alike. He treated people with extraordinary respect and reached out with compassion, even to those who were most challenging, always seeking to see the best in others. He noticed people, listened carefully, and made them feel known and valued. As campus minister, he found a new expression of this ministry of presence through retreats for senior students and staff. Even as he grew older, his enthusiasm remained undiminished. This lasting impact was grounded in his practical spirituality, prayer and reflection. Terry was a much-loved brother, educator and friend. We give thanks for Terry’s long and generous life: for his fidelity as a Marist Brother, his gift as an educator, his steady friendship, and the gentle, thoughtful presence through which he made so many people feel seen, valued and encouraged. Terry now rests in the loving presence of Jesus and Mary, whom he served so faithfully throughout his life. May he rest in peace. -Br Darren Burge Provincial

The Marist180 Board announces the appointment of Angela Raguz as Chief Executive Officer, effective 10 August 2026. Angela joins Marist180 as a deeply values-driven leader with extensive experience across the health and human services sector, most recently as Head of Aged Care for The Salvation Army Australia leading a team of over 3000 staff caring for some of the nations most vulnerable older people including those who have experienced trauma, homelessness and chronic mental health conditions. Prior to that she developed and operated innovative national programs supporting people living with Dementia including those experiencing severe behaviours in Executive leadership roles within HammondCare. Throughout her career, she has been recognised for her commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable people and for leading organisations with care, integrity and purpose. What stood out most to the Board during the appointment process was Angela’s authenticity and her genuine connection to the mission we serve. Her leadership is grounded in a strong sense of compassion and respect for the dignity of every individual and she brings a faith-informed perspective that aligns closely with the Marist180 ethos. Angela is also known for creating strong, inclusive cultures where people feel supported, valued and connected to a shared purpose. She has led large and complex teams through periods of change and growth, always with a clear focus on the people at the heart of the organisation, both those we serve and those who deliver that service every day. The Board is grateful for the support of Br Darren Burge FMS, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, who has welcomed Angela's appointment and looks forward to her advancing the mission of Marist180. Angela has expressed how much she is looking forward to joining Marist180, meeting staff across the organisation, listening to their experiences, and working collaboratively to continue strengthening the important work carried out every day in service of young people, families and communities. The Board also thanked Gordon Fraser for his leadership as Interim CEO since February and for his willingness to continue in the role until Angela commences. -Barbara Perry, Chair, Marist180 Board Read more about Marist180

Br Michael Green of the Star of the Sea Province recently attended the annual in-person meeting of the International Marist Spiritual Patrimony Commission, held at the General House in Rome from 15 to 19 June. The Commission is an international body of the Marist Institute responsible for helping preserve, deepen and promote the spiritual heritage of the Marist Brothers. Its work includes encouraging research, publications, formation programmes and initiatives that help Marists and the wider Marist family engage more deeply with Marist spirituality, life and mission. The annual gathering in Rome complements the Commission’s two online meetings, which are usually held in February and October each year. Members of the Commission come from across the Marist world and include Br Antonio Ramalho, Chair, of France and Brazil; Br Michael Green of Australia; Br Patricio Pino of Chile; Br Omar Peña of Guatemala; Dyogenes Philipsen of Brazil; Julien Béchard of France; Br Vincent Abadom of Nigeria; and Br Pere Ferré, based in Rome. Br Michael is the longest-serving member of the Commission, having been involved since its establishment in 2004. He also serves as Chair of the Planning Committee for the second international Marist Symposium, to be hosted next year by the Marist university in Curitiba, Brazil. The Commission holds overall responsibility for the Symposium. During the week, members received and discussed reports from regions across the Institute on programmes, projects and initiatives supporting formation in Marist spirituality, life and mission. They also met with the full General Council to reflect on the work of the Commission and consider possible future directions. Other key areas of discussion included current and future options for the management of the Institute’s General Archives. As part of this work, the group visited the General Archives of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The Commission also continued planning for the 2027 Marist Symposium, considered possible additions to FMS Studia - the online collection of Marist research and scholarship - and met in its role as the Editorial Board for Marist Notebooks. This included reviewing articles submitted for the journal’s 2027 edition. The meeting also explored possibilities for future publications and research projects that will continue to enrich understanding and appreciation of the Marist spiritual patrimony throughout the Institute. View more pics:

On 27 June 2025, Jenifer Miller, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Action Committee, launched Buy a Tree (BAT), a practical response to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home. In its first year, BAT has become an important Province-wide project, raising almost AUD $5,000 to support the planting of native trees across the Star of the Sea Province. Read Jenifer’s reflection on Buy a Tree’s first year and her hopes for its future. Almost exactly one year ago, on 27 June 2025, I launched the Buy a Tree (BAT) initiative at the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat’s Fourth National Assembly in Brisbane. At the time, I could not have imagined how much the project would grow in its first year. Today, I am grateful to say that BAT has raised almost AUD $5,000 towards the planting of native trees. More importantly, it has begun to bring people together - students, staff, schools and Marist communities - in a shared response to the environmental challenges facing our Province. Jeni Miller with the Marist Youth Ministry team - Joseph Khalil, Lucas Sharpley, Takoda Cheng As Chair of the Laudato Si’ Action Committee, the launch was a proud moment for me. It was also a difficult day personally. I had a bad cold, had lost my voice the previous day and was struggling with the bright auditorium lights. Yet none of that mattered once Buy a Tree was officially launched. After so much planning, conversation and encouragement, the project had finally taken its first public step. A simple response to a serious challenge Buy a Tree is a simple initiative with an important purpose. It invites people to purchase trees through the Star of the Sea Province website where the BAT webpage is hosted whenever they travel. One tree can be purchased for a domestic return flight or car journey, while two trees can be purchased for an international return flight or ocean cruise. People can also choose to make a contribution that covers several journeys throughout the year. Principals from Marist schools at the Hermitage, Mittagong, during the NSW–ACT Student Leaders’ Gathering The funds raised are used to support the planting of native trees in Marist communities. Each tree is planted and cared for locally, helping to ensure that the project is connected to the people and places it is intended to serve. The first BAT contributions have supported tree planting at The Hermitage, the Marist retreat centre in Mittagong, New South Wales. This has given the project an important beginning: a place where students and staff can see the trees, plant them and understand that care for creation must be expressed in practical action. Why this matters for our Province For me, Buy a Tree has always been about much more than planting trees. It is about responding to the reality of the beautiful Pasifika that we call home. The Star of the Sea Province is the largest Marist Province, comprising eleven countries. Ten of those countries are island nations surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Across our Province, particularly in the Pacific, climate change and environmental degradation are not distant issues. They are already affecting communities, ecosystems, livelihoods and ways of life. Kiribati is one of the clearest examples. Made up of 33 low-lying atolls, it faces the very real threat of rising sea levels. Across the Pacific, communities are experiencing coastal erosion, changing weather patterns, the loss of natural ecosystems and increasing pressure on the land and sea that sustain them. Eleven native Cambodian trees await planting around the Lavalla School campus during the upcoming immersion visit of students from Marist College Canberra This is why environmental stewardship has to be a priority for us. Our Pacific communities are deeply connected to the ocean and the natural world. When the environment suffers, people suffer too. In 2021, Br Peter Carroll, then Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province and now Superior General of the Marist Institute, encouraged the Province to take these concerns seriously. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, he called us to renew our commitment to ecological responsibility. Pope Francis reminds us that we are called to hear “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (Laudato Si’, 49). For me, that call is at the heart of Buy a Tree. Seeing the first trees take root One of the most significant moments in the first year of BAT came in November 2025 at the NSW/ACT Student Leaders Gathering at The Hermitage. During the formal dinner, principals from eighteen Marist schools were each presented with a young tree on behalf of their school. The following day, student leaders planted the first eighteen trees for the Buy a Tree Project. Students planting trees at the National Marist Youth Ministry Senior Students Mission Forum in Mittagong Watching those students plant the trees was a deeply moving experience for me. It represented the moment when months of work, planning and hope became something real and visible. I was especially grateful that the MYM Sydney team and I were also able to plant a tree that day. It was a simple act, but it carried great meaning. These trees are now a reminder that young people have an important place in caring for our common home and in shaping the future of this project. Growing through Marist formation In February 2026, BAT became part of the Footsteps 1 adult faith formation program. Footsteps 1 invites participants to deepen their understanding of Marist spirituality and mission. Through the support of the Marist Life Formation team, staff from Marist schools across Australia were invited to plant native trees at The Hermitage as part of their formation experience. Staff from Marist schools participating in Footsteps 1 at The Hermitage, Mittagong, in June 2026 For some participants, it was their first time planting a tree. Each person planted two native trees, creating a practical connection between Marist formation, ecological responsibility and action. I am grateful that students from NSW and the ACT, as well as staff from Marist schools across Australia, can now participate in tree planting at The Hermitage. It is helping BAT become more than a fundraising initiative; it is becoming an experience of formation, reflection and shared responsibility. From The Hermitage to the Pacific The Hermitage has been an important first stage for BAT, but my hope is that the project will increasingly support communities across the Province, especially in the Pacific and Asia. I am particularly encouraged by the prospect of trees being planted in Cambodia and the Solomon Islands in the near future. These next steps will help ensure that the project’s impact is felt more directly in communities where environmental degradation and climate change are already being experienced. Twenty native Solomon Islands trees will be planted by students from Marist College Canberra during their immersion visit As the project develops, I hope that BAT can support native tree planting and ecological restoration in island communities affected by rising sea levels, coastal erosion and the loss of ecosystems. Native trees matter. They support biodiversity, improve air quality, strengthen ecosystems and help reduce the effects of rising temperatures. At a time when trees continue to be cleared around the world, planting and restoring native vegetation is one practical way we can respond. Keeping the project alive One of my greatest hopes is that Buy a Tree will continue long after I am no longer involved. For that to happen, we need to keep building awareness, encouraging ongoing contributions and making BAT part of the everyday life of the Province. I hope that schools, communities, formation programmes and Marist gatherings will continue to find ways to support the project and take part in planting. Student Leaders at the NSW/ACT Student Leaders' Gathering planting trees at the Hermitage, Mittagong The first year of Buy a Tree has shown what can happen when a simple idea is supported by many people. We have raised funds, planted the first trees and created opportunities for students and staff to take action together. There is still much to do, but I am encouraged by the beginning we have made. Buy a Tree is not simply about offsetting travel. It is about choosing to care for creation, planting hope for future generations and standing with the communities of our Province who are already living with the consequences of climate change. -Jenifer Miller, Chair, Laudato Si Commission If you would like to give BAT a birthday gift, click here - Home | Star Of the Sea Province | Marists of Champagnat

Ten young Marist Brothers from across the Asia-Pacific region have commenced the QUEST formation program, an important stage of preparation for those discerning and preparing for perpetual profession in the coming years. Running from 15 June to 26 July, the six-week program begins with two weeks of online sessions before participants gather for four weeks of residential formation at the Marist Asia Pacific Centre (MAPAC) in Marikina City, Philippines. This year’s participants come from three Marist administrative units - the Marist District of Asia, the Marist Province of South Asia, and the Star of the Sea Province - representing Bangladesh, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The program is being facilitated by Br Tony Leon of the Star of the Sea Province and Br Real Sauvageau of the Marist District of Asia. Through a series of formation sessions, reflection opportunities and community experiences, the Brothers are exploring themes of Marist community life, the vows of religious life, and the opportunities and challenges they may encounter as they continue their vocational journey toward perpetual profession. Grounded in the Institute’s Constitutions, the QUEST program (formerly called Preparation for Perpetual Profession Program) seeks to provide participants with a significant period of intensive spiritual preparation, enabling them to discern more deeply their call to dedicate their lives to God in apostolic Marist community. The program also responds to the vision of the XXII General Chapter, encouraging Brothers to become “Beacons of Hope in this Turbulent World”, while supporting the XXIII General Chapter’s call to foster a stronger culture of vocation throughout the Institute. A key feature of the program is its intercultural dimension. Bringing together Brothers from diverse countries and provinces, QUEST provides a unique opportunity to share experiences of Marist religious life across cultures and to deepen their understanding of the Institute as a global charismatic family. Participants are also invited to step away from the demands of ministry and study, creating space for prayer, discernment and the integration of their life experiences. Through living, learning and reflecting together, the Brothers are experiencing Marist brotherhood in a rich intercultural setting while cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus, Mary and Marcellin Champagnat. The program aims to strengthen their commitment to Marist mission and support them in responding generously to God's call as they prepare for the possibility of perpetual profession.

Vila Marista Boa Mãe at Triloka has welcomed ten young men who are beginning their postulancy journey with the Marist Brothers. Three young men from the Solomon Islands – Augustine Aba, Augustine Parasaia and Gideon Baura – arrived on 19 June accompanied by Br Simon Serero. From left to right: Augustine Parasaia, Gideon Baura, João Crisostomo Madeira, Francisco Xavier Araujo, Emiliano da Costa Freitas, Francisco Taco Coa, Leonito Correia Soares, Augustine Aba, Jonisto da Costa Pereira Barros, Ramalho De Jesus Correia They were joined on 21 June by seven young men from Timor-Leste: Emiliano da Costa Freitas, Francisco Xavier Araujo, Francisco Taco Coa, João Crisostomo Madeira, Jonisto da Costa Pereira Barros, Leonito Correia Soares and Ramalho De Jesus Correia. Their arrival marks the beginning of an important period of community living, prayer, study and vocational discernment at the formation house. Over the coming weeks, the young men will gradually settle into the rhythms of postulant life as they prepare for their formal acceptance into the program on 4 July. Br Raphael Fakaia, Augustine Parasaia, Gideon Baura, Augustine Aba, Br Simon Serero and Br Matthew Green We warmly welcome each of them and entrust their journey to Mary, our Good Mother, asking her to guide and accompany them as they continue to discern God’s call in their lives. -Brothers Raphael Fakaia and Matthew Green, Formators

Br Tony Leon of the Star of the Sea Province has recently concluded a three-day leadership program with the young Brothers of the Marist District of Asia (MDA) in Vietnam. The initiative grew from a conversation between Br Tony and Superior General Br Peter Carroll during last year’s General Chapter, where the possibility of offering a leadership workshop for Vietnamese Marists was explored. Drawing on the Marist Middle Leaders Program, which has been delivered in many Marist schools across Australia over the past five years, Br Tony adapted the content to reflect the local realities and needs of the Marist mission in Vietnam. The program was held at the St Vincent de Paul Retreat Centre in Vung Tau from 12–15 June and brought together 21 participants, including Br Paco Garcia, members of the District Leadership Team, and Formator Br Real Sauvageau. Designed to be highly interactive, the workshop engaged participants through activities that transcended language barriers and encouraged reflection on leadership in the Marist context. During the gathering, the Brothers also celebrated the renewal of vows of Br Tran Long and Br Ly, adding a special dimension to the formation experience. Reflecting on the program, Br Tony noted the privilege of working with so many young Brothers whose passion, energy, and commitment continue to inspire hope as they seek new ways of building the "new Hermitage" in Vietnam today. View more images:

When Australian educator Wayne McAuliffe from Marist College Canberra travelled to Puerto Rico, he carried with him more than just his bags. He brought a strong sense of professional curiosity and a desire to explore how the Marist ethos is lived and expressed in different cultural contexts. Last month, Wayne visited Colegio Marista de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to gain a deeper understanding of the global reach of the Marist mission and the bonds that unite Marist educators across cultures and continents. Wayne with Janhir, Presidential (Principal) Assistant, Marketing and Communications Officer A member of the Health and Physical Education faculty at Marist College Canberra, Wayne visited the Puerto Rican school to strengthen professional collaboration, exchange educational practices, and experience firsthand the distinctive ways Marist education is lived within the local community. The visit was supported by Principal Matthew Hutchison, who described Wayne as an educator deeply committed to student wellbeing, holistic development, and the Marist ethos. During his time at Colegio Marista de Guaynabo, Wayne immersed himself in the life of the school, engaging with staff and students, and observing classroom practice. While separated by geography, language, and culture, he discovered many familiar elements that reflected the shared vision of Marcellin Champagnat. With Br Carlos R Velez, the Principal of Colegio Marista de Guaynabo. Wayne presented Br Carlos with a gift from Marist College Canberra “The experience reinforced just how connected the global Marist family is,” Wayne said. “Although our schools operate in different contexts, we share the same commitment to accompanying young people and helping them grow into compassionate, capable, and faith-filled individuals.” While the visit highlighted the many similarities that unite Marist schools around the world, it also provided valuable insights into the distinctive ways the Marist charism is expressed in different cultural contexts. Wayne observed that both Marist College Canberra and Colegio Marista de Guaynabo share a strong commitment to student-centred education, prioritising the holistic development of young people academically, socially, spiritually, and physically. In both schools, teachers place great importance on being present among students, building relationships founded on trust, respect, and genuine care. Faith formation and Marist values also remain at the heart of each community, shaping both learning and daily life. At the same time, Wayne noted several distinctive characteristics. In Guaynabo, the Marist spirit is expressed through a strong sense of extended family, visible cultural warmth, and the close integration of family and community life into the school experience. By contrast, Marist College Canberra reflects a contemporary Australian educational environment that balances community engagement with structured academic and co-curricular programs. With a group of senior drama students, one of the classes Wayne attended The visit also created opportunities to exchange ideas around teaching practice, particularly in the areas of physical education, student wellbeing, and strategies for engaging young people in diverse settings. For the Marist communities in both Australia and Puerto Rico, the visit highlighted the value of international collaboration and the importance of building relationships across the global Marist network. Such encounters strengthen not only professional practice but also the sense of belonging to a worldwide family inspired by the vision of Marcellin.

Marists across the Star of the Sea Province came together to celebrate the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat, honouring the life and legacy of the founder of the Marist Brothers through prayer, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Vanuatu At St Michel Technical College in Santo, Vanuatu, the celebration began with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration led by the boarding students. The Mass was presided over by Fr Louis SM and provided an opportunity for the school community to reflect on the life and mission of Marcellin Champagnat. Following the liturgy, students participated in a range of sporting activities that brought energy and excitement to the day. The celebrations concluded with the cutting of the Champagnat Day cake and a wonderful lunch shared by students, staff, and guests. View more pics: Solomon Islands Students and staff at St Joseph’s School, Tenaru, marked the feast with a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship. The celebrations began with a Eucharistic Mass, followed by indoor games and recreational activities. After lunch, students gathered to learn more about the life, vision, and spirituality of St Marcellin Champagnat, deepening their understanding of the Marist charism and its relevance in their own lives today. View more pics: Fiji In Fiji, the Marist family gathered across several ministries, including Marist Brothers High School, Suva, the Marcellin Champagnat Institute, and the Champagnat Marist Centre of Ecology and Spirituality. A special Feast Day Mass was celebrated at Lomeri, followed by a tree-planting initiative that reflected this year's focus on care for creation. Participants planted eight seedlings around Lomeri Primary School, leaving behind a living symbol of environmental stewardship. The Marist family felt that while the participants would return to their respective schools, homes, and ministries carrying memories of the celebration, the plants would remain as a lasting gift to the school community. View more pics: Timor-Leste In Timor-Leste, the feast was celebrated with great enthusiasm across several ministries. At Colégio Marista Lautem, children marked the occasion with dancing, food, music, and festive activities. Meanwhile, at the Instituto Católico para a Formação de Professores (ICFP), Brothers joined students and staff in the celebrations, which included a Champagnat Art Exhibition. Among the highlights were creative floral displays made from recycled plastic, a special nod to environmental sustainability. View more pics: Papua New Guinea and Autonomous Region of Bougainville The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat was celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm at the Brothers' community in Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, the Marist community in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville came together for a day of prayer, fellowship, and shared meals, celebrating the spirit of family and camaraderie that lies at the heart of the Marist charism. View more pics: Some more pics from around Province: Br Jean Paul Delesalle in New Caledonia Samoa: Brothers praying on Feast Day

The two LaValla campuses in Takhmao, Cambodia, came together to celebrate the feast day of the Marist Founder, Marcellin Champagnat. The day began in the newly expanded oratory at the Brothers’ Community House, which was filled with residents and guests. Joining Brothers Brian Kinsella and Allen Sherry and Maryknoll volunteer Kylene Fremling were two novices from Sri Lanka - Felipe Seno from Timor-Leste and Teweia Orea from Kiribati - as well as Zakeu Sarmento, a recently professed Brother from Timor-Leste, two undergraduate interns from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and Fr Kevin Corrigan from Maitland. The expanded community house can now accommodate up to nine people. Students building the Marcellin walll Following the morning prayer, the primary school students warmly welcomed the Brothers and visitors with traditional gestures and greetings. Students from both campuses then gathered for a special liturgy. Teacher Samart captivated the youngest students, aged seven to ten, with an interactive presentation on the life of Marcellin. Accompanied by visual slides, the storytelling brought the Founder’s journey to life. A highlight of the celebration saw three Grade 5 students, dressed as young Brothers in soutanes, construct the first wall of L’Hermitage using 48 building blocks. An unexpected gust of wind toppled the structure, mirroring the challenges faced by Marcellin during the construction of L’Hermitage. The wall was then rebuilt with the help of many hands, and the three students held it together for the remainder of the liturgy. The Brothers and Staff at LaValla The celebration continued with the solemn procession of a newly commissioned icon of Asian Marcellin, carried beneath the Bodhi tree. Taizé chants in Khmer, a Gospel reading, prayers of intercession, and further chants created a reflective atmosphere. As part of the celebration, red roses were presented to the Brothers, followed by the exchange of red cotton blessing wristbands in the local Buddhist tradition. The liturgy concluded with a spirited rendition of “Side by Side Marcellin” sung in English. The arrival of 200 freshly baked buns was greeted with enthusiasm by the students. Students enjoying their cold treat! A special lunch of noodles, soup, and refreshments followed. After the customary Friday flag ceremony and national anthem, the day concluded with an early finish at 3:00 pm and another round of applause as ice creams were distributed to all. Students at the procession for Champagnat Day The community extends its sincere gratitude to Dr Peter John from Sydney, whose generosity provided all the food and refreshments for the celebration. Principal Sreynan with Br Brian The Feast of St Marcellin was a joyful and memorable occasion, highlighting the spirit of family, faith, and community that continues to animate this Star of the Sea Province Marist school serving young Cambodians with physical disabilities. View more pics: -Br Brian Kinsella, Chair, Marist Solidarity Cambodia

Today we observe Champagnat Day, marking the anniversary of the day that Marcellin Champagnat entered eternal life. More than two centuries later, Marcellin’s dream of forming “good Christians and good citizens” has taken on a renewed urgency. This call resonates strongly in light of Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, which challenges us to safeguard what is deeply human in an era of unprecedented technological advancement. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Father’s reflection, Br Darren Burge, Provincial of Star of the Sea Province, explores how Marcellin’s vision continues to speak powerfully to our contemporary world. He reflects on what it means to form “good citizens” in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological change, and growing social complexity. Marcellin was born amidst the upheaval of the French Revolution, when political, social and economic change transformed every aspect of life and profoundly reshaped the relationship between the Church and society. In our own time, we are living through a similar period of disruption shaped by the technological revolution, especially the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Such change creates uncertainty and prompts deep questions about our lives, our world and where it is all leading. Australian Iconographer and artist, Dr Ursula Betka, was commissioned to design and write an original icon in celebration of the bicentenary of the motherhouse: Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, near Saint-Chamond, France; founded and built by St Marcellin Champagnat in 1824-25 Pope Leo XIV released his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas at this moment of profound technological change. This encyclical focuses on safeguarding the human person in this era of AI. It is probably no surprise that Marcellin also had similar questions that Pope Leo today tries to ask through his encyclical: Where are we going? What kind of society are we building? What kind of people are we becoming? The Holy Father makes it clear that technology is not inherently evil. At the same time, he reminds us that neither is it neutral. Technology and AI are tools, but their impact depends entirely on those who create, control and use them. He explains that when left unchecked, AI can reduce people to data points, weaken relationships, distort truth and concentrate power in the hands of a few. The real challenge is not technological but human. The question is not what AI can do, but what kind of society we choose to build with it. It is probably no surprise that Marcellin also had similar questions that Pope Leo today tries to ask through his encyclical: Where are we going? What kind of society are we building? What kind of people are we becoming? In his own time, faced with uncertainty and profound social change, Marcellin’s response was not to fear the future or resist progress. Instead, he dedicated himself to forming young people who could navigate it with faith, wisdom, and courage. His answer to a changing world was an education grounded in the Gospel and centred on the dignity of every person. For this reason, Marcellin’s vision of forming “good Christians and good citizens” remains especially relevant today. Like him, we as Marist educators and members of the wider Marist family, cannot be content simply to fill young minds with knowledge. We are called to form whole persons - young people with strong minds, compassionate hearts, and the courage to use their gifts in service of others. It is important to acknowledge that technology and our own Star of the Sea Province are intimately connected. Through emails, messaging platforms and social media, we can share stories, celebrate achievements and support one another across vast distances. Today, we hear stories from remote communities in Bougainville, Kiribati, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands almost instantly. Technology has become one of the great unifiers of our Province, strengthening relationships and helping us live more fully as one Marist family. This is technology at its best - building human connection and serving human relationships. For this reason, Marcellin’s vision of forming “good Christians and good citizens” remains especially relevant today. Like him, we as Marist educators and members of the wider Marist family, cannot be content simply to fill young minds with knowledge Yet while technology has the power to unite, it also has the power to exclude, and the digital divide remains a significant concern. Many communities across the Province still face challenges with connectivity, electricity and access to devices. AI risks creating a new form of digital colonialism in which people of the Province become passive consumers of technologies designed elsewhere rather than active participants in shaping their future. Technology must not reduce humans to how useful they are! Perhaps one of the most powerful sections of the encyclical is Pope Leo’s warning against measuring human worth solely through efficiency, productivity and usefulness. AI can unintentionally reinforce this mentality. It forces us to ask questions such as: What can this person produce? How efficient are they? What value do they add? AI risks creating a worldview in which people are valued primarily for what they can do rather than for who they are. Technology must not reduce humans to how useful they are! Marcellin's vision points us in a very different direction. Instead of asking what a young person can produce, Marcellin encourages us to ask: Who is this child? How can we help them flourish? How can we nurture their spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual growth and wellbeing? His famous saying that "to educate children well, we must love them and love them all equally" reminds us that every child possesses dignity long before they achieve, perform or succeed. Recognising the inherent dignity of every person also shapes how we build communities, fostering collaboration, participation and shared responsibility rather than uniformity or control. But this recognition can only happen when we form individuals who are emotionally and spiritually strong. We Marists know that formation is an ongoing journey. It is only when we are formed that we can then form young people in Marcellin’s way. It is this kind of formation - rooted in love and dignity - that prepares us to build the kind of community Pope Leo points to through the scriptural images he draws upon. Marcellin encourages us to ask: Who is this child? How can we help them flourish? How can we nurture their spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual growth and wellbeing? Pope Leo contrasts the Tower of Babel and the story of Nehemiah as two different visions of community. Babel was about pride, uniformity and power being held by only a few while Nehemiah tells the story of a people coming together to rebuild what had been broken. It is a story of collaboration and collective responsibility. It is akin to a synodal approach. This image resonates deeply with who we are called to be as a Province - we are seeking communion not uniformity. We are seeking to support, respect and develop what happens at the local level while maintaining and developing a Province identity as Marists. This spirit was clearly evident at the recent Champagnat Family Assembly. We Marists know that formation is an ongoing journey. It is only when we are formed that we can then form young people in Marcellin’s way. Many of the cultures within our Province provide a reminder of the significance of genuine human connection: relationships and belonging are central. This was so evident at Br Steve Vaea’s Perpetual Profession in Samoa. It was a community event that valued human connection above all else. These wonderful cultures of our Province can lead the way in this tech-driven world that can encourage isolation and individualism. The challenge in the years ahead will be ensuring that technology continues to strengthen that communion rather than erode it. Our task is to ensure that technology serves our relationships and enriches our diversity rather than diminishing it. Pope Leo’s words, “Let us not be afraid to get our hands dirty on the construction site of our time,” echo Marcellin’s call to “roll up your sleeves.” While Marcellin’s construction sites were classrooms and villages, ours also include digital spaces, social media and emerging technologies. But the core message and mission remain the same, whether it is post-French Revolution France or a world grappling with AI - to build a world where every person is known, valued and loved. On this Champagnat Day, let us roll up our sleeves and step into the construction sites of our time to help build the New Hermitage.

For 150 years, the Marist Brothers have been shaping young lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. What began in 1876 with the arrival of a small group of Brothers has grown into a lasting educational legacy that has touched generations of young people, families, and communities across the country. Through times of change, challenge, and transformation, the Marist commitment has remained constant - providing quality education to all, especially those most in need. The commemorative logo for the 150th anniversary of Marist Brothers Education in Aotearoa New Zealand The story of the Marist Brothers in Aotearoa stretches back even further. In 1838, Br Michel Colombon became the first Marist Brother to set foot in Aotearoa, arriving alongside Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier. The establishment of Marist schools lay several decades in the future, but the arrival of Br Michel signalled the beginning of a lasting Marist presence in Aotearoa, one that would eventually transform the educational landscape of the nation. Over a century and a half later, the Marist educational mission stands as a testament to the vision of Marcellin Champagnat - a vision grounded in faith, compassion, and the belief that every young person deserves to be known, loved, and supported. The Marist schools have become places where young people are encouraged not only to achieve academically, but also to grow in character, leadership, service, and faith. The 150th Anniversary Logo Created especially for this milestone year, the 150th Anniversary logo reflects both the rich story of Marist education in Aotearoa and the unique cultural heritage of the nation where the Marist Brothers first arrived in the nineteenth century. The Koru One of Aotearoa’s most recognised symbols, the koru is inspired by the unfurling frond of the native silver fern. It represents new life, growth, renewal, and the enduring connection between generations. These values lie at the heart of Marist education. For 150 years, Marist schools have nurtured young people, helping them grow into compassionate leaders while remaining connected to those who came before them. The Fern Rendered in gold, Aotearoa’s iconic silver fern anchors the anniversary firmly within the nation’s identity. It also reinforces the relational and cultural connection the Brothers have with the land and its peoples. With more than 200 fern species found across the country, many unique to Aotearoa, the fern symbolises both the richness and uniqueness of the country. In the same way, Marist education has continually adapted to the unique needs, cultures, and aspirations of local communities while remaining faithful to its founding mission. The Community Figures At the heart of the logo are three figures inspired by the famous statue of Marcellin holding two children at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Together, they form the shape of a heart, symbolising the Marist conviction that education begins with love. The figures represent students, educators, and whānau, while reflecting Champagnat's enduring belief that to reach young people, we must first love them - and love them all equally. The Golden Wave Sweeping across the design is a golden wave connecting every element. Inspired by the oceans that surround and shape Aotearoa, the wave represents continuity, movement, and connection. It symbolises whakapapa, shared stories, shared laughter, and the unbroken journey of Marist education across 150 years. A Journey Across Three Centuries 1838 - The First Marist Brother Arrives Br Michael Colombon arrives in Aotearoa alongside Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier as part of the early Catholic missionary effort in the Pacific. While the Brothers would not establish a permanent educational presence until 1876, that first arrival planted the seeds of a mission that would flourish for generations. 1876 - The Beginning of the Education Mission The Marist Brothers formally establish their first educational ministry in Wellington, Aotearoa, responding to the growing needs of Catholic communities. Rooted in the vision of Marcellin, their work focuses especially on the education of young people, particularly those on the margins, laying strong foundations for faith-based learning across the country. Early 1900s - Expanding the Mission With increasing demand for Catholic education, Marist schools begin to open in urban and regional centres throughout the country. The Brothers’ commitment to accessible, values-driven education helps shape emerging communities, while fostering a strong sense of identity, discipline, and care among generations of students. Mid-20th Century - Building Strong Communities Marist schools become well-established centres of learning, known for their emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and service. During this period, they play a significant role in shaping not only individual lives but also the social and cultural fabric of local communities across Aotearoa. The 21st Century - Walking Together In recent decades, Marist education in Aotearoa has deepened its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural partnership. Schools increasingly embrace te ao Māori through language, tikanga, and worldview, fostering environments of respect, inclusion, and shared identity. This reflects an evolving understanding of mission grounded in both tradition and contemporary context. 2026 - Celebrating 150 Years This milestone year invites the Marist community to come together to celebrate the unique legacy of Marist education and honour the faith, dedication, and vision of those who have gone before us. It is also a time of renewal - celebrating the vitality of the Marist mission today while looking ahead with hope, courage, and a steadfast commitment to young people and their futures. Join the Celebration This anniversary belongs to everyone who has been part of the Marist story. This logo is available for our schools and other Marist Ministries. If you would like the logo for any Marist -related use, please email us at communications@mariststar.org Whether you are a former student, current learner, staff member, whānau member, or friend of the Marist community, we invite you to join us in celebrating 150 years of faith, education, service, and aroha. Together, we honour a remarkable legacy and look forward to the next chapter of Marist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. More updates to follow