From celebrating student graduations in Kiribati to observing All Souls' Day across the islands, Oceania has been vibrant with gatherings that honour both tradition and new beginnings. Spiritual retreats, community outreach, and local festivities have brought together people from diverse backgrounds, united in the Marist spirit.
Graduation ceremony at St Louis, Kiribati
St Louis High School in Kiribati recently held its graduation ceremony for senior students (Form 7). The event, attended by Bishop Simon Mani and other dignitaries, celebrated these young leaders of tomorrow. The school also recognised junior students in a separate prize-giving day, highlighting the importance of education at all levels.
The leaders of tomorrow - senior students (Form 7) at the St Louis High School.
Teachers with two of the junior level students showing their certificates during the St Louis High School Junior Level prize giving day last Thursday.
Community Engagement in Papua New Guinea
In Madang, the Marist community continues to support local students. A touching ceremony saw Caleb Silas, the outgoing President of the Bougainville Students Association, presenting gifts to Br John Curry in appreciation of the community's support. The event also reunited Br John with former students, demonstrating the lasting impact of Marist education.
"Peace Pitch" in Samoa
St Joseph's College in Lotopa, Samoa, made history by becoming the first "peace pitch" in the Pacific. This initiative twins their sports field with the Flanders Peace Field in Belgium, site of the famous 1914 World War I Christmas Truce.
The event also honored the late Leituala Joe Chan Ting, who was instrumental in establishing this relationship.
Happy Birthday, Br Kees!
At the Ratu Mara Hostel, a dual celebration took place as the community honored Br Kees' birthday while also marking the transition of leadership within the Hostel liturgy committee.
The outgoing Year 13 chairman symbolically passed the cross to the incoming Year 12 chairman, embodying the continuity of spiritual leadership among the youth.
The present chairman (Year 13) of the Hostel liturgy committee handing over the cross to the next chairman from Year 12 in the presence of the hostel community.
Spiritual Retreats and Community Building
The Champagnat Marist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality hosted a retreat for Fiji Diocesan Priests, including Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. This event underscores the Centre's role in fostering spiritual growth and ecological awareness.
In Papua New Guinea, Brother Neville Solomon arrived in Madang to facilitate a community retreat, further strengthening the spiritual bonds among the Brothers.
Commemorating All Souls' Day
Marist communities across the Pacific observed All Souls' Day with reverence:
In Solomon Islands, the St Joseph's Tenaru community gathered at the Catholic cemetery.
The blue graves belong to three Marist Brothers. Br Epalle with two aspirants at the cemetery – cleaning.
In Fiji, the Carew St community visited the Suva Public Cemetery.
In Vanuatu, a mass was held at the St Michel Mission Catholic cemetery, followed by a community outing.
Marist School in Suva celebrates Diwali
The Marist Brothers High School in Suva recently hosted a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. This event not only honoured the religious significance of Diwali but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Indo-Fijians, highlighting their ancestral connections to India.
The teachers who won the best outfits for male and female attires. In the middle is the judge of the attire award!
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