On 3 October, six Marist Brothers from Timor-Leste renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for a further year during a Mass at the Star of the Sea Chapel in Triloka, Timor-Leste. Brothers Clementino Xavier fms, Dionisio Madeira Martins fms, Filomeno Mendonça fms, Julio Brites fms, Juvencio Hanjam Nia fms and Salvador Baptista Ferreira fms were joined by around 60 people for the ceremony, celebrated by Salesian priest Fr Aderito Manuel Victor da Costa SDB, a long-time friend of the Brothers. Brothers Clementino Xavier, Filomeno Mendonça, Dionisio Maderia Martins, Julio Brites, Juvencio Hanjam Nia and Salvador Baptista Ferreira with Fr Aderito Manuel Victor da Costa Br Rod Thomson welcomed those gathered and introduced the six Brothers renewing their vows. Family members of several Brothers were present, while others were unable to attend because of the distance. They were joined by staff from ICFP, as well as Brothers, postulants and aspirants, who formed a choir that brought music and song to the liturgical celebration. Community Leader Br Tony Caddy received the vows on behalf of the Superior General, Br Peter Carroll. The Mass was celebrated primarily in Tetun, while the vows were renewed in English, with music throughout the liturgy reflecting both languages. Br Tony Caddy receiving the vows of Br Salvador on behalf of the Superior General Br Peter Carroll Following the Mass, the community gathered for a celebratory dinner in the Scholastic Community dining room. Br Clementino thanked Fr Aderito, the guests and all those involved in the formation of the Brothers. Br Dionisio served as Master of Ceremonies, helping to guide the evening's celebrations, which continued with music and singing, accompanied by Fr Aderito on saxophone. View more pics from the renewal ceremony: The evening also marked the 80th birthday of Margie Beck, a Champagnat Marist and longtime collaborator of the Brothers in Timor-Leste. A birthday card was presented in her honour, and cakes prepared by Br Peter Corr were shared among those present. In the months leading up to the ceremony, the six Brothers had taken time to discern their future as Marist Brothers and consecrated religious. Following their request to renew their vows, each received approval from the Provincial and Council, followed by the Superior General and Council. Their renewal of vows marked a further year of commitment to religious life and the Marist mission, an occasion shared and celebrated by the community gathered in Triloka. Br Clementino giving a speech during the renewal ceremony View more pics from the celebrations:

Students at St Michel Technical College in Vanuatu have had a busy few weeks, with activities ranging from practical classroom assessments to community engagement and reflection during Mission Week. The Year 10 students put their learning into practice through a practical internal assessment in General Technology, focusing on local food preparation. The activity provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and explore local food preparation as part of their technology studies. View more pics from internal assessment: The following week, boarding students from St Michel College visited different families as part of the missionary activities organised during Mission Week. These visits gave students an opportunity to connect with members of the local community, spend time with families and put Christian values into practice through their presence and engagement with others. In the afternoon, students gathered to share their experiences and reflect on what they had learnt through the week's activities. They also prepared posters featuring messages from their experiences, which they planned to share with the wider school community at the following day's assembly. Through these activities, students had opportunities to develop their practical skills, strengthen their connections with the community and reflect on how they could live out their faith in everyday life. View pics from the missionary activities:

On 20 October, St Paul’s College in Auckland welcomed New Zealand’s Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford MP. Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford MP, with St Paul’s College Headmaster Keith Simento The students performed a powerful haka pōwhiri, alongside mihi and waiata, reflecting the school’s cultural identity and the spirit of its community. Addressing staff and students, Minister Stanford commended the college’s achievements, acknowledging that the successes of its young men do not go unnoticed and play a part in shaping the future of education across New Zealand. The students performing haka to welcome the minister The visit also featured a musical performance by talented students, showcasing their creativity and dedication. This was followed by an informal conversation between the Minister, student leaders and the college’s senior leadership team, providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives and connect with the school community. Senior Students meeting the Minister The visit offered an opportunity to recognise the achievements of St Paul’s students and celebrate the contribution they are making to their school and the wider community. View more pics: Story and pics courtesy: St Paul's college, Auckland

On Friday, 16 October, St Louis High School in Kiribati held its annual Prize Giving Ceremony, bringing together students from all year levels and some parents for a special celebration of the students’ achievements. Reflecting on the occasion, Deputy Principal Leo Mineti Kaufusi shares highlights from the day. Read his reflection below. St Louis High School’s 2026 Prize Giving Ceremony was a special occasion to recognise the hard work, perseverance and achievements of students throughout the academic year. Teachers of St Louis High School with Principal Br Afaese Afaese during the prize-giving ceremony The ceremony celebrated the students who received awards for their accomplishments, acknowledging their commitment to learning and determination to do their best. However, the celebration extended beyond the presentation of prizes, recognising the effort and growth of all students as they continued their educational journey. One of the highlights of the day was the strong presence of parents and guardians, who gathered to support and celebrate their children. Their involvement was a reminder of the important role families play in students’ success, through their encouragement, sacrifices and ongoing support. Principal Br Afaese shares a light-hearted moment with a student during the prize-giving ceremony The school also acknowledged Principal Br Afaese Afaese, teachers, staff, parents, guardians and all those who contributed to making the ceremony a success. As the school celebrated its award recipients, students were reminded that success is not measured by prizes alone. They were encouraged to remain disciplined, embrace challenges, continue working hard and strive to become the best they can be. The ceremony was an opportunity for the Saint Louis High School community to celebrate not only academic achievements, but also the shared commitment of students, families and educators to learning and personal growth. View more pics:

Br Darren Burge, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, recently visited Vanuatu for the first time, taking the opportunity to spend time in the Brothers community, learn more about their mission and gain a deeper understanding of the local context in which they serve. Br Darren with some students of the academic section Much of the visit centred on sharing in community life and holding individual pastoral conversations with the Brothers. An important part of the visit was a meeting with Theophile Kileteir, Principal of St Michel Technical School, the Marist school in Vanuatu. Theophile shared the story of the school, its development and its important role in the local community. Their conversation explored the social challenges facing teachers in Vanuatu, as well as the school's distinctive vocational education program. Br Darren and Theophile, the Principal Alongside academic learning, the school provides vocational and technical training, with some teachers travelling to other islands throughout the year to conduct workshops and share their expertise with other communities. Br Darren also met with parish priest Fr Morris for an informal dinner and conversation, and caught up with Jimmy Estelio, a Lay Champagnat Marist, whom he had previously met at the Champagnat Family Assembly in Fiji. He also spent time with long-serving staff members who have close ties with the Brothers and the Marist mission in the country. Br Darren with two of the vocational students In keeping with local island customs, Br Darren was also welcomed to an evening of kava and good food and company. Br Darren with Br Jean Marie Batick, enjoying a bowl of kava View more pics:

From 18 to 28 September, 12 Champagnat Marists from Aotearoa New Zealand undertook their third annual pilgrimage to Rome, L’Hermitage and Lyon. It was a deeply moving journey, tracing the footsteps of St Marcellin Champagnat. Along the way, the pilgrims deepened their understanding of the Marist heart and mission and formed beautiful connections that will last a lifetime, writes Daniel Dungey, Partnership Coordinator for Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati and Aotearoa New Zealand. Our third annual pilgrimage brought together 12 Champagnat Marists from Aotearoa New Zealand for a transformative journey to Rome, Lyon and l’Hermitage from 18-28 September 2026. The pilgrimage was capably and enthusiastically led by Fr John Craddock SM (Chaplain) and Dan Dungey (Coordinator), with the presence of Br Kevin at l’Hermitage a particularly welcome addition for our pilgrims from ‘Far Distant Shores’. Pilgrims in front of the statue of Marcellin Champagnat at the Vatican, Rome Our purpose remains clear: to offer a 10-day transformative experience that connects pilgrims with the people, places and spirit that shaped Marcellin Champagnat, renewing their own sense of faith, vocation, and mission. Four Directors of Religious Studies (DRS’) from our Champagnat Marist Schools’ Network (Marcellin, St Paul’s, Sacred Heart & Campion College’s) joined staff, proprietor board and our wider Marist whānau representatives, including three married couples. The pilgrims arrive at L’Hermitage - 21 Sept The journey began in Rome with a shared meal on Saturday evening close to our central accommodation at Casa per Ferie Sancta Lucia Filippini. A visit to the Marist Brothers’ General House was a real highlight, where Brothers Rajkumar Soosai Manickam and Michael Sexton warmly welcomed us. After morning tea, our new Superior General, Br Peter Carroll (2026–2033), warmly embraced our pilgrims before sharing informal insights into developments during the first 12 months of his Council’s leadership. The day concluded fittingly with our Marist Brothers joining us for Mass, followed by pranzo with members of the community. Mo Cunning, Br Peter Carroll and Dan Dungey Spirits were high the following day as we entered the sacred grounds of the Vatican. At our St Marcellin statue, we reflected on the qualities of our founder and the inspiration behind the statue. A blessing from Pope Leo at the conclusion of the mid-morning Mass, followed by a second opportunity at the midday Angelus, lifted the spirits of our pilgrims after the long journey required to reach Rome. Our encounters in Rome firmly established the kaupapa (purpose) of the pilgrimage and, through group reflection, the overwhelming feeling was one of gratitude for being part of our evolving Marist Story. (L-R) Fr John Craddock SM, Br Kevin, Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux and Dan Dungey In Lyon we encountered origins of the Marist Project at Fourvière and experienced the spiritual connection of being in places significant to the life and works of St Marcellin Champagnat, particularly at l’Hermitage and throughout the surrounding region. A special ‘Te Waewae Tapu – Sacred first-time visitors’ ritual took place upon our arrival at l’Hermitage. Each pilgrim offered a taonga (gifts representing hopes and dreams) that held deep meaning to them. We also honoured and acknowledged the spirits of the early Marists who came to Aotearoa on mission and died there. Setting out in 1836 with Bishop Pompallier were: • Fathers: Servant, Bataillon, Bret & Peter Chanel • Brothers: Marie Nizier, Michel Colomban & Joseph Zavier At La Rosey There were so many blessings upon our arrival in France, and not even the occasional set back or weary body could diminish the spirit of our group. The accompaniment of Br Michel Longena Bokolu from the l’Hermitage community, whose wisdom, insights and genuine care enriched our time in ‘Champagnat Country’. Another special moment came through Fr John’s close friendship with Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux who concelebrated Mass with us in his hometown of Marlhes. Bishop Jean-Yves was previously administrator of Notre Dame de Paris, Bishop of Pontoise and then Guadeloupe. His connection with our group wasdeeply meaningful, as he was responsible for negotiating with the French authorities for the exhumation and repatriation of Bishop Pompallier. Pilgrims gather around the LaValla table Sharing mass at Le Puy with a Marist family from Venezuela was a fitting reminder that the original Marist dream continues to live on in each of us. Many thanks to Brothers Darren Burge and Peter Horide for supporting this initiative; to Br David for preparing the Te Waewae Tapu ritual and all our mass and liturgy resources; and to Br Bill Lawley (RIP) and Mo Cunning for their tireless work in fulfilling our printing request, which has become an important collection of keepsakes for the group. Pilgrims at Le Puy Support comes in many different forms, and it is with deep gratitude that we would like to thank the many prayers and encouraging messages received from our Marist Bothers and wider Champagnat Marist whanau throughout this journey. As we are all aware, our pilgrimage is only now just beginning! To journey alongside two passionate Marist men in Br Kevin and Fr John Craddock in delivering an authentic pilgrimage of the heart was a true joy. Our group acknowledged that we were all beneficiaries of their wonderful knowledge, companionship and presence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the communities of Br Kevin and Fr John for sharing these inspiring men and their gifts with us. Br Michel Longena Bokolu FMS, member of l’Hermitage community with pilgrims walking from La Valla to l’Hermitage Although Brothers Barry and Martin were not with us in person this year, their spirit was felt every step of the way. Their pastoral care and support were evident throughout every liturgy and timetabled event, and we extend our sincere thanks and gratitude for the part they played in making this pilgrimage possible. Br Peter Carroll encourages us to build a new l’Hermitage for today in our own local regions, and we have a mighty foundation to build upon, 209 years on. As we now look towards the revisioning of our Marist dream here in Aotearoa New Zealand, let us be mindful of the ongoing need for coresponsibility. Together, we can continue to dream new dreams for the benefit of God’s mission, inspired by Marcellin, Mary and Jesus, as companions on this journey. At the beginning of the pilgrimage, pilgrims were each given a basket known as He Kete Taonga. This kete (basket) contains the taonga (hopes and dreams) of pilgrims from Aotearoa New Zealand who, on entering Champagnat country for the first time, come as Waewae Tapu (sacred first-time visitors). Upon arrival, pilgrims leave their taonga at Champagnat’s reliquary before traversing the land, history and narrative of Champagnat’s dream. At the end of their stay, they shift their taonga to the Oceania section to join with those who have come before them. Once completed, they are no longer Waewae Tapu. They are now Hunga Kainga, no longer stranger, no longer visitor but part of the Champagnat Marist whānau. Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will live -Pics and words courtesy - Daniel Dungey

Sunday 27 September was a very special day for the Marist Brothers and the wider Marist family in Aotearoa New Zealand, as three Brothers celebrated significant jubilees. Br Osmund celebrated his Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years, Br Graeme his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years, and Br Kevin his Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years. Held in Aotearoa New Zealand, the celebrations were attended by Provincial Br Darren Burge, who joined the Brothers, their families and friends in marking these significant milestones. Br Darren with Br Osmund who is celebrating is 70th Jubilee As part of the celebration, each jubilarian received a lamp, symbolising the many years of service they have given and the light they have brought to the Marist mission throughout their lives. The Jubilees provided a wonderful opportunity to honour the remarkable journeys of the three Brothers whose ministries took them across Aotearoa New Zealand and different parts of the Province, including Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea, as well as to other parts of the Marist world. Br Darren with Br Graeme who is celebrating is 60th Jubilee Throughout their vocations, the Brothers have served the Marist mission in many different ways. While many have dedicated themselves to teaching, others have contributed through formation, accompanying and forming young adults, serving as community leaders, and taking on countless other roles in support of Marist communities and ministries. Br Kevin who is celebrating his 50th Jubilee In his address, Br Darren thanked the Jubilarians for their service, unconditional commitment and courage, which they have demonstrated throughout their years of ministry and continue to show today. He expressed the Province’s deep gratitude for the lives they have given in service of the Marist mission and presented each of the Jubilarians with a commemoration plaque in recognition of their many years of faithful commitment. View more pics:

On 29 September, Br William Lawley passed away in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province. It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the death of our dear Brother Bill Lawley, who died from natural causes on Tuesday 29 September. His death came as a deep shock to the Brothers, his family and the staff in the Marist office, all of whom had come to know and value his quiet presence. Bill was 81 years of age and had lived 62 years as a Marist Brother, sharing generously in the life and mission of the Province. Br William Lawley FMS 18.04.1945 - 29.09.2026 William (Bill) Lawley’s life began in London, the eldest of five children of William and Evelyn Lawley. When William was two and a half years of age, his family moved from the UK to Aotearoa New Zealand. Bill grew up in a devout Catholic family whose faith nurtured the beginnings of his religious vocation. The parish priest in Riccarton, Christchurch, spoke warmly of the Lawley family whom he knew well. In 1960, Bill began the journey of formation that would shape his long and faithful life as a Marist Brother. He entered the Novitiate on 12 September 1963 and made his First Profession exactly one year later. In 1970, Bill made his Final Profession, committing himself wholeheartedly to the Marist life and mission. That initial formation prepared Bill for ministry, but his learning and development did not end with the Scholasticate. Like many Brothers of his generation, he began his ministry without additional formal qualifications; throughout his life, however, he readily embraced opportunities for further personal, spiritual and pastoral growth. He participated in a Spiritual and Pastoral Leadership course at Marcellin Hall and completed a Clinical Pastoral Education programme in Melbourne. Across these years, Bill served the Province generously in a wide variety of ministries. Beginning from 1968 he gave himself faithfully to the classroom apostolate, with appointments that took him across the Province as it was then, from Invercargill to Fiji and Samoa. In 1979, he began a new chapter of ministry in administrative and support roles, including his many years in this capacity at St Paul’s College. Bill’s key appointments also included Napier, Samoa, Timaru, Whanganui, Newtown, Christchurch, Marcellin College, Nemi (Italy), Melbourne, St Bernard’s College, Gisborne, Epsom, Grey Lynn, Hillsborough, Mangere Bridge and Villa Maria/Glendowie. In the final years of his ministry, Bill brought his faithful and welcoming presence to the Marist Centre in Auckland. In every workplace and every situation, his steady service was a generous contribution to the life of the Province and to the many people he encountered. He exemplified the ‘little virtues’ as a gracious gentleman, loved by his work colleagues. He relished being assigned a modest regular task, which he saw as an opportunity to be of generous service and a fitting way to make a contribution. In day-to-day community life and in work settings, Bill’s presence was a great blessing. Quiet and reserved, he went about his work without fuss or demand, bringing a gentle, supportive and dependable presence to those who lived and worked alongside him. He was a careful observer and a comprehensive compiler of knowledge about the world, precise in recalling conversations, experiences and factual information. When he expanded on their meaning or implications, there was a solid dose of wisdom. His brief and apt interjections made him great company. Those who knew Br Bill will remember with affection his understated humour, his faithfulness and the unassuming way in which he shared our life as a Brother. At this time of sadness, I offer our heartfelt sympathies and the prayerful support of the Province to Brothers of his community as well as to Bill’s remaining siblings and their families. We hold each of them close in our thoughts and prayers. I also express our gratitude to our Health Care staff for the kindness and attentive care they showed Bill in recent times. May he rest in peace. -Br Darren Burge Provincial

Being part of a Province spanning 11 countries creates valuable opportunities for schools to share resources, exchange knowledge and learn from one another’s cultures and experiences. Recently, Aidan Kavanagh, Head of Religious Education, Sacred Heart College, Auckland, visited Marist Brothers School in Suva, Fiji, to share resources and ideas around Catholic education. Read his reflection on the visit below. Recently, I had the privilege of representing Sacred Heart College, Auckland, during a four-day visit to the Marist Brothers community in Suva, Fiji. The experience was both professionally enriching and personally inspiring, providing a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us through our shared Marist mission. Aidan Kavanagh During my time in Suva, I had the pleasure of meeting many of the students and learning more about their experiences within a Marist educational environment. It was encouraging to witness the enthusiasm, faith, and sense of community that are clearly evident throughout the school. I was also grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the teaching staff and share some of my experiences teaching Religious Education in a Catholic school context. Our conversations focused on ways we can continue to form young people in faith, service, and leadership while remaining faithful to the values of the Gospel and the Marist tradition. With teachers of Marist Brothers high School, Suva One of the highlights of my visit was being able to provide the school with a range of resources from Sacred Heart College and discuss how we structure our Religious Education programme. These professional exchanges were valuable opportunities to learn from one another and explore ways we can continue to support our shared mission of Catholic and Marist education. Principal Asish Dayal thanking Aidan on the last day of his visit I was especially fortunate to spend time with Mr Asish Dayal, whose leadership and commitment to the Marist charism are clearly evident throughout the school community. During our discussions, we reflected on the Marist Brothers' mission, the spirituality that underpins the life of the school, and the important role Marist education continues to play in forming young people across the Pacific. These conversations reinforced our common commitment to living out the vision of Saint Marcellin Champagnat through education, faith, and service. A particular highlight was Saturday's visit with Mr. Dayal, who generously gave his time to introduce me to several of the Marist Brothers in Suva. Meeting the Brothers and hearing their stories of ministry, service, and commitment to Marist education was a deeply humbling experience. Their dedication continues to inspire the many young people and communities they serve. I am sincerely grateful to Mr Dayal, the staff, students, and the Marist Brothers of Suva for their warm hospitality and generosity throughout my visit. The experience strengthened my appreciation for the global Marist family and reminded me of the importance of fostering connections across our schools and communities. I return to Sacred Heart College with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and share in the rich Marist tradition that connects our schools across the Pacific.

September 12, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, marked the second gathering of the newly formed Champagnat Marist Family in Timor-Leste. Held at the Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP), the gathering brought together 35 Marist lay people and Brothers to begin shaping their vision, activities and pastoral initiatives for 2027. The gathering builds on the official launch of the Champagnat Marist Family in Timor-Leste on 25 March, which marked a significant new chapter in the development of the Marist mission in the country. The September meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the Family's developing structure and purpose, with discussions focused on welcoming new members and developing pastoral activities in both Baucau and Lautém. Juvinalia Ribeiro (centre) shares with her small group about future pastoral plan The group heard from Br Melquiano Obe who spoke enthusiastically about his experience participating in the Champagnat Marist Family Assembly in Fiji in May, the energy among the Champagnat Marists present and the priority to continue building connectivity throughout the 11 countries of the Star of the Sea Province that were represented. Lay Marist Joaquina Belo also shared about recent online meetings with Ruth Hirihu from the Solomon Islands and Joeli Koroiravudi from Fiji-Samoa. As leaders of their respective Champagnat Family groups, Ruth and Joeli shared insights into the structure, aims and vision of their groups with Joaquina, which she shared with the group. Looking ahead to 2027, lay Marist Salvador Ximenes Magno invited participants to discuss possible activities for the group and begin developing a calendar of events. Ideas included organising pastoral outreach to children experiencing poverty in local communities, as well as identifying annual dates and occasions that could be celebrated together as a Marist family. Br Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste and Cambodia, provided an overview of Champagnat Family groups across the Province and spoke about the growing vitality of the lay Marist vocation across the 11 countries. He also shared his hope that the steady growth of Champagnat Marists in Timor-Leste, among both lay people and Brothers, would provide the energy and commitment needed to build on what has been established over the past 26 years and continue making a significant contribution to the Church and the lives of young people in Timor-Leste. Josefina, Br Melquiano Obe, Jenito, Br Joel Da Costa, Manecas, Salvador The Timor-Leste Champagnat Family Commission currently comprises Salvador Ximenes Belo, Henriqiueta Pereira da Costa, Joaquina Freitas Belo, Br Melquiano Obe and Br Greg McDonald. During the gathering, Julio Pires and Cláudia Iong were elected to join the Commission for the coming year. The establishment of the Champagnat Marist Family aims to strengthen the lay Marist network in Timor-Leste and build on the work carried out by the Marist Brothers and their collaborators over the past 25 years. While the Brothers have long been supported by dedicated lay collaborators, the new group provides a more structured way for people to belong to and participate in the wider Champagnat Marist Family, in keeping with similar groups across the Province. Br Melquiano Obe spoke about his experience of participating in the Champagnat Marist Family Assembly in Fiji in May The newly formed family is seeking to nurture a vibrant spiritual community in Timor-Leste and its developing pastoral plan will provide a framework for this work as the group looks towards 2027. View more pics:

During a two-week visit to Honiara, Solomon Islands, Br Tony Leon spent time with five young men undertaking the Marist Aspirancy program, supporting Br Simon Serero in their formation and vocational journey. Brothers Tony Leon, Simon Serero, Hudson Horoto and Epalle Taega with the Aspirants The six-month residential Aspirancy program provides young men with an opportunity to explore their vocation as Marist Brothers. The program currently hosts five aspirants from Papua New Guinea, from the Sepik region and Bougainville: Kongun Dismas Warming, Louisdemonforth Suvabru, Moui Bonoventure, Semei Leonard Tuppune and Isma Daniel. During his visit, Br Tony facilitated a series of workshops introducing the young men to different aspects of Marist life. An important starting point was building relationships and establishing trust within the group through a range of icebreaker activities. With the aspirants aged between 23 and 29, there was plenty of laughter and joy as the young men participated fully in the activities. In Melanesian culture, relationships are strengthened through sharing stories, and this was reflected in the workshops. The opening sessions invited the aspirants to share their own stories, drawing on Joseph Campbell’s model of The Hero’s Journey - a narrative pattern in which a person leaves the familiar, encounters challenges, undergoes transformation and returns with new wisdom - as a way of exploring their personal experiences and vocational journey. The central theme of the workshops was an introduction to the life of a Marist Brother, explored through three key areas: Community – A living ecosystem of biodiversity Mission – One Mission, Multiple Ministries Spirituality – Marian, Strong and Gentle Creative activities were also incorporated into the formation sessions, using visual arts to encourage deeper reflection and sharing. While some of the aspirants initially expressed doubts about their artistic abilities, these soon gave way to a collection of creative works. The experience highlighted how trust, courage and good formation can open the way for new forms of beauty to emerge from both personal and communal imagination. The community also came together to celebrate Papua New Guinea Independence Day on 16 September. With the five aspirants all from Papua New Guinea, the celebration was a particularly meaningful occasion, allowing them to mark their national day while sharing their culture and traditions with their new companions in the Aspirancy community. For the aspirants, the months ahead will continue to be a time of learning, discernment and growth as they explore what it means to live the Marist vocation and consider the next steps in their journey.

For this year’s Season of Creation, the Laudato Si’ Action Committee of the Star of the Sea Province has prepared a short liturgy and accompanying video exploring the theme ‘Living Water’. As a Province made up largely of island nations, water holds a special significance for our communities. It is not only essential for life, but is deeply woven into the culture, traditions and daily lives of our people. In the video, Marists - both Brothers and Lay Marists - from across the Province reflect on what water means to them and to their communities, and why this precious gift of creation is so important. The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October. We invite you to use this liturgy during this season as an opportunity to pause, pray and reflect on the gift of water and our responsibility to care for our Common Home. If possible, you might like to pray the liturgy together as a community or individually, ideally near a body of water. The video has been created to accompany the liturgy, but it can also be viewed as a standalone reflection. Jenifer Miller Chair, Laudato Si’ Action Committee The prayer is also available as a PDF for use by individuals or communities. INTRODUCTION Welcome to everyone gathered. Call to mind the presence of God. + Sign of the Cross The theme for the Season of Creation this year is ‘Living Water’, which is taken from Ezekiel 47:9 and 12. SACRED TEXT Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live… Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing. Leader: May the Word, as living water, All: Make everything live. Reader 1: Holy God, whose Spirit hovered over the waters at the beginning, we gather as part of your community of all creation, thirsty for your grace. We give thanks for the gift of water, the veins of our common home, that sustains the cedar and the whale, the pasture and the city. We are grateful for the local waters that nourish our homelands and our fellow creatures. We give thanks that in your well-watered garden, every drop is a sacred testament to your love. Reader 2: Yet, we confess that we have treated this gift as a mere commodity. We have choked the seas with our waste and watched the warming tides rise in judgment. We lament the cracked earth of the drought-stricken and the salty tears of the climate refugee. Melt our frozen hearts, O God, and let the waters of repentance flow. Reader 3: Lord of all Life, you promised that wherever the river flows, everything shall live. Stir in us a calling to care for the waters — to protect the watershed, defend the rights of water and honour the dignity of the thirsty. May your Word be a spring within us, gushing forth for the healing of the nations. Reader 4: May God our Father who brought water from the rock sustain us in the desert. May Christ our Lord who is Living Water refresh us for the work of restoration. And may the Holy Spirit carry us on currents of grace until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. All: We have a shared calling to care for the gift of water. Leader: This bowl of water is a sign of renewal and a reminder of their commitment to protect and cherish water as a sacred gift of God. We thank you God for your love in all creation, and especially the gift of water to sustain and cleanse all life. Christ is the living water, cleansing, refreshing, and making all things new. So now we offer our thanks for the waters that bring beauty to all that we enjoy, the wild places, the bush, the mountains, coast and the sea. We give thanks and praise for all good lands, for the trees and pastures, for our plentiful crops, and for the living water that quenches them. We praise you for giving us life through water, and for all waters everywhere. We especially praise you for the waters that sustain us in the Star of the Sea province, our common home. PLAY VIDEO Leader: We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning you created us in your image and placed us in a well-watered garden. In the desert, you promised pools of water for the parched, and you gave your people water from the rock. When we did not know the way, you sent the Good Shepherd to lead us to still waters. At the cross, you washed us from Jesus’ wounded side, and on this day, you shower us again with the water of life. You bathe us in your forgiveness, grace, and love. You satisfy all who thirst and give us the life only you can give. May the Word, as living water. All: Make everything live. Reader 5: God of living waters, today we pray for a wounded world where waters are exploited, polluted, and withheld. We pray for places where plastics, toxins, and oil spills blacken creeks and wetlands, for communities whose fishing waters are contaminated and whose children drink from polluted streams. Heal what has been poisoned. Bring justice where profit has silenced truth. Reader 6: Convert our hearts, O God. Where we have treated water as a commodity, teach us to receive it as a sacred gift. Where we have consumed without thought, teach us simplicity. Where we have used water without reverence, teach us to protect it as a gift entrusted to every generation and honour water as a source of life for all. Where we have been silent and tolerant of injustice make us courageous protectors of rivers, defenders of seas, and companions to those who suffer water injustice until justice and mercy flows like the river of life. All: Where water flows, Lord, let everything live, trees for food and leaves for healing. FINAL BLESSING AND SENDING Leader: May the God who sprung water from a rock, quenching the thirst of those who wandered in fear, spare us from the drought of a senseless life. May the God who flows from the wells of salvation, and who is Living Water to the foreigner, the stranger, and the unknown, keep us in peace. May the God who rolls on like a river, changing the course of the world with streams of righteousness that guide the Church's vessel in this world, empower us to work for transformation. And may the blessing of our merciful God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, keep us and preserve us in eternal life. All: Amen. CALL TO ACTION Trees absorb carbon pollution, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, provide food and medicine, and cool urban environments. Trees bring healing to the nations and therefore growing trees is an integral part of our spiritual lives. You are invited to contribute to the Star of the Sea ‘Buy A Tree’ project. For more information on this project or to make a contribution to plant a tree either in Mittagong or the other projects around our Province, please click here Download the Liturgy PDF