For the first time since the establishment of the Star of the Sea Province in 2022, lay Marists and Brothers gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for the Champagnat Family Assembly, held from 17–20 May. The Assembly marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration, connection, and shared mission across the Province, bringing together 35 Marists from every country within the Province, including representatives from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
The gathering was attended by Provincial, Br Darren Burge; General Councillor and Link Councillor for Oceania, Br Rajakumar Soosai Manickam; and Provincial Councillors Br Ken McDonald, Br Peter Horide, Br Greg McDonald, Br Bryan Davis, and Br Sefo Une.
Cultural Ceremony
The Assembly officially opened on the evening of 17 May with a deeply moving traditional Fijian sevusevu ceremony led by lay Marists in Fiji. The sevusevu, a traditional expression of welcome and hospitality, set a reflective and culturally grounded tone for the days ahead. Receiving the ceremony as chief guest, Br Darren expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Marist family and acknowledged the years of preparation that had led to the gathering.
“This gathering has been a long time in the making,” he said. “The Champagnat Family Commission and the Province have spent considerable time building relationships and conversations across the Province so that when we gathered, we could engage with greater depth, trust, and purpose.”
Chair of the Champagnat Family Commission, Br Michael Callinan, acknowledged the extensive work of the Commission in preparing for the Assembly and individually recognised its members: Daniel Dungey from Aotearoa New Zealand; Nathan Ahearne, Jess Bryan, Mark O’Farrell and Mark Pauschmann from Australia; Br Siaosi Ioane from Samoa; Br Anitelea Fidow and Mereoni Matanitobua from Fiji; Ruth Hiriru from Solomon Islands; and Br Melquiano Obe from Timor-Leste.
Three Key Priorities
Br Michael explained that the Commission’s work has centred on three key priorities: strengthening identity, connection, and belonging among Champagnat Marists; encouraging local grassroots initiatives and cross-cultural learning; and fostering communication and collaboration across countries and regions through formation opportunities and assemblies such as this one.
Spiritual Conversations
Throughout the Assembly, participants engaged in a synodal process of Spiritual Conversation that shaped the rhythm and direction of the gathering. Introducing the process, Br Michael explained that communal discernment and conversation are deeply rooted within the Christian tradition and invite participants to listen authentically and respectfully to one another, allowing the Spirit of God to speak through shared reflection and experience.
Participants reflected on questions such as: “What surprised me?”, “What might the Holy Spirit be saying to us?”, “Where do I sense joy, resonance, or tension?”, and “Where do we see convergence or divergence emerging?”
The Assembly also explored deeper questions connected to personal vocation and shared mission, including: “What do I celebrate about who I am as a Marist and what I do in my place of ministry?” and “What do we celebrate about who we are and what we do in our places of Marist ministry?”
These conversations invited participants to reflect both personally and collectively on their identity, vocation, and ministry. Discussions highlighted the importance of formation, accompaniment, hospitality, intercultural understanding, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and heard.
As the Assembly progressed, conversations moved towards a more practical and future-focused reflection centred on the question: “As we consider our future together as the Star of the Sea Province in communion and mission, what might be our opportunities and challenges?”
Areas for Growth
Participants identified several important areas of growth and opportunity for the Province moving forward. A strong focus was placed on strengthening formation and leadership development, particularly in supporting emerging local leaders, young teachers, and those taking on new responsibilities within the Marist mission.
Over the course of four days, the Assembly encouraged a deep sense of unity and hope among everyone. Through prayer, dialogue, and cultural exchange, the gathering truly strengthened relationships across the Province and affirmed a shared commitment to the Marist mission in the Pacific and beyond.
For an extensive coverage of the Champagnat Family Assembly, visit the News page of the Star of the Sea Province website.
Gayatri Nair
Communications Officer
Star of the Sea Province
