Melanesian Brothers meet for the Annual Retreat

Twenty Marist Brothers from the Province Star of the Sea, from Melanesia – comprising the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Bougainville – held their annual retreat, from 10 to 16 December, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to strengthen their communal bonds and plan for the future.

This year’s retreat, themed “We Make the Path by Walking,” built on the foundation established during their inaugural meeting in 2023, which marked their first gathering since the dissolution of the Melanesian district in 2020.

The retreat, led by Br Bill Sullivan, addressed multiple crucial goals, particularly focusing on the unique challenges faced by Brothers in the Melanesian region, where communities are often small and geographically isolated.

“Coming together is foremost about creating a bond, that sense of Melanesian Brotherhood,” says Br John Hazelman, the Provincial Delegate for Pasifika and the coordinator for the event. “This is crucial because here the communities and the islands are scattered, distant and small in numbers.”

The retreat represented a vital step in empowering the Melanesian Brothers to preserve their unique identity while fully engaging with the larger province.

This year’s program had been thoughtfully designed to incorporate several key elements:

• Enhancing Spiritual Development: At the core of the retreat was contemplative prayer and reflection, guided by Br Bill Sullivan who flew in from Australia (Star of the Sea) to conduct the sessions
• Practical Skills Enhancement: The retreat expanded its scope to address specific challenges identified during the previous gathering. Special attention was given to:
  • Bettering communication skills and staying safe online.
  • Community life and its essential role in Brothers’ vocation.
  • Personal well-being and health management, with a focus on addressing concerns about early mortality and illness among the Brothers.
  • Leadership development, emphasising the principle that “everyone is a leader.”

Speaking about the retreat and “a United Future”, Br John said:”I believe that after this gathering, the Melanesian Brothers will return home with a renewed sense of pride and confidence, knowing they are part of a much larger province – not just their local communities.” On the other hand, Br Jean Marie Batick from Vanuatu said: “It provided us Brothers with a unique opportunity to come together, connect, and build stronger bonds, not just socially but also through meaningful discussions on important issues we face in our communities. It was a chance to share, listen, and grow in unity as a Brotherhood”.

Reflections of the meeting will later be shared with the wider province, making this process especially significant as the Province prepares for the upcoming Provincial Chapter at the end of next year.

Celebrations and profession

During the retreat two Brothers – Br Jean Marie Batick from Vanuatu and Br Finan from Solomon Islands (Bougainville) – marked their 25th anniversary of dedicated service as Brothers. Adding to the joyous occasion, Br Epalle renewed his vows in a deeply moving ceremony, reaffirming his dedication to the Brotherhood. This sacred moment took place in the presence of Br Peter Carroll, Provincial of Star of the Sea, and other Brothers, making it truly special for all involved.