The Marist District of Melanesia became part of the Province of Australia last month, cementing the historically close ties between the two Marist entities and responding to changing circumstances.

The integration of the Melanesia District into the Australian Province was announced in January this year by Marist Superior General, Brother Ernesto Sanchez and took effect on July 20.

It was marked by an online prayer and ceremony, in line with the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Br Ernesto gave an address, former Provincials and Leaders of the District offered reflections and prayers.

Marist Australia Provincial, Br Peter Carroll said the commemoration was beautifully crafted around the theme of ‘Growing in Communion’.

“No Marist entity, whether it’s a District or Province, Association or Fraternity, School or social work, lives in a ‘silo’ or a ‘bubble’ as we so often say now,” Br Peter said.

“All have a common faith, the same founder, a shared spirituality, tradition and mission. We are all part of the Marist Family of Marcellin Champagnat.

“The joining together of the District and the Province gives greater clarity and definition to the unity that already exists.”

Fr Peter said the bonds between Australia and Melanesia had always been close, from the very beginning of Marist ministry there.

“While there were Marist Brothers in the Solomon Islands for a short, tragic period from 1847-1852, it was in 1938 that the first Australian Brothers started ministry there.

“Many Australian Brothers have worked in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands since then. Some have served as leaders of the District of Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands or, District of Melanesia, as it became more recently. Some have died there – such as Brothers John-William, Justin and Donatus who were executed by the Japanese during World War II. Brothers from Melanesia have trained and studied in Australia. Brothers have laboured together; taught together, lived and prayed together and made deep and lasting friendships. In more recent years, this has extended to Marist lay women and men.

“Since 2003, the District has included New Caledonia and Vanuatu. While the connection between Australia and these countries has not been as direct, our Marist relations are still strong. Interestingly, in early years the Marist Brothers and their works in New Caledonia came under the administration of the Provincial of Australia, until 1899. Our historical ties are close.”

Br Peter said the merger means that the Province is one of the most international and intercultural in the Institute, now including Brothers, Marists and ministries in Papua New Guinea, the autonomous District of Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, as well as Australia, East Timor and the community and school in Cambodia.

“We have been blessed and enriched throughout our history, and we are again now at this historic moment,” he said.

“Change can occur quickly and suddenly, but effective transitions take time. Marists in Australia and Melanesia are entering a new phase of our relationship. It is a journey we will travel together over years. We will learn and grow together. We will continue to walk together in Christ.”

This article is taken from ‘Christ Life’, an online report from Br Peter Carroll FMS, Marist communications.