?Champagnat in the Pacific? (CITP) course

Sixteen members of the Marist Schools of Fiji as well as teachers from Lomary Primary School and St Peter Chanel Primary School gathered in Fiji for a three-day course to reflect on Marist values.

The Champagnat in the Pacific (CITP) course provides opportunities for those involved in Marist ministries to recognise and deepen an appreciation of their own personal call in life, spirituality and their own journey of faith. This understanding is enriched through gaining a greater awareness of Marist history and the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. 

This year’s programme, held at the Marist Brothers Novitiate in Lomeri from June 29 – July 1, was coordinated by Sheena Penjueli and Brother Luke Fong.

Speakers included Brother Jone Seduadua, who spoke about Saint Marcellin Champagnat, Brother Fergus Garrett, who covered the saint’s letters, Dan Dungey, the course facilitator who discussed Marist pillars, and Percy Wong, who reflected on realities, challenges and calls.

After this retreat, Marists in the Pacific now plan to establish Champagnat Marist groups in schools for greater mutual support.

This was the first CITP course held in Lomeri, Fiji. A previous one was held last August in Auckland, New Zealand, with the participation of representatives from Samoa, Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand, who then wrote out their own local formation programme.

The next CITP course in Lomeri is currently being planned and is expected to take place from June 27 – 30 next year.