22 Brothers meet in the Lomeri Novitiate

The 22 brothers from the three province/districts of Oceania province gathered at the novitiate in Lomeri, Fiji, from 4 to 8 January, to look at how the younger brothers of this region are responding to the Calls of the XXII General Chapter.  Meanwhile, tropical Cyclone Mona was ominously approaching this beautiful tropical island bringing heavy rain.

Having only a few brothers in this age group in Oceania, such gatherings are significant to share stories amongst their own peers.  However, the 5 days included more than just conversation amongst themelves…

One of the highlights of this gathering was to extend our service of simple manual labour in painting some classrooms at the local St Marcellin’s Primary school in Suva. The sense of camaraderie, joy and common hard work unified the group and impressed the Pacifican novices who had joined us for these days.  This activity began a great momentum of brotherhood for the next few days.

Another important moment was to listen to the voice of the local laity.  Sheena Penjueli, who works with young people at risk at the Champagnat Institute in Suva, shared with us her Pacifican laity story.  All were impressed and touched by her gentle Marian presence.

At the final liturgy, Br David McDonald, district leader of the Pacific, gave a moving Maori blessing to the four novices.  Two of whom will make their first profession on the 23 February and the other two proceed onto their second year of novitiate formation.

Perhaps the best way to summarise these five days is with the reflections of the novices who recognised this group of U50 Oceania brothers as joyful and confident men.

The rain stopped and the sun shone brightly on the last day.

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Br. Tony Leon – Director Secretariat of Brothers Today