From September 8 to October 8, 2025, the 23rd General Chapter of the Marist Institute is taking place at the CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Centre in the Philippines. Held every eight years, the Chapter is the highest governing body for the Marist Brothers and the global Champagnat Marist mission. It brings together elected representatives chosen through a democratic process called the sondage, along with guests selected by each province.

Image from Star of the Sea Province Facebook page

This year’s Chapter gathers 81 participants and 16 invitees, including representatives from the Star of the Sea Province, which spans eleven countries in Asia-Pacific. Key attendees include Br Peter Carroll (Provincial), Br Darren Burge (Vice Provincial), Br John Hazelman (Provincial Delegate for Pasifika), Br Peter Horide (Provincial Delegate for Aotearoa New Zealand), and Br Ralph Fakia. Also present are Br Michael Callinan, Associate Director of the Mission and Life Formation Team; Elizabeth Gallagher, Head of Governance, Risk, and Legal for Marist Schools Australia; and Br Jacinto Fuli Falo from Timor-Leste. Their participation ensures that voices from diverse and remote communities throughout Oceania are represented.

The primary purpose of the General Chapter is to elect a new Superior General and General Council while setting the vision, priorities, and direction for the Institute’s global mission over the coming years. This process involved months of preparatory dialogue and consultation, engaging Brothers and the wider Marist family.

Through renewed commitment and creativity, the Chapter seeks to deepen its mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved, especially among children and youth living on the margins of society.

See all the information, stories and photos from the General Chapter on the Marist Institute website.

Gayatri Nair
Communications Officer, Star of the Sea Province
Br Darren Burge
Leader, Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnet