The Champagnat Marist Centre that combines ecology and spirituality
The Star of the Sea Province comprises 11 countries, and some of them are facing imminent dangers from rising sea levels, ecological degradation, and extreme weather events. Fiji es uno de los paises más afectados por el impacto del cambio climático en sus comunidades y medios de vida.
In response to this urgent crisis, the Champagnat Marist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality was established in 2023 at Lomeri, Fiji. The establishment of this Centre is a direct outcome of the 2017 General Chapter’s emphasis – further reinforced by the 2019 District Chapter recommendations – on eco-friendly activities across provinces.
Br Chris Poppelwell – who is leading the project in the country – emphasizes that “the centre’s primary goal is to educate people about the threat of ecological damage looming over us all and the ways to counter it”. And add that Marist of Fiji want people to come here for hands-on courses and retreats that combine ecology and spirituality.”
The Centre’s core activities will encompass a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Conducting research and disseminating information promoting ecological awareness and spiritual growth, gathered from similar local and international sources through various channels.
- Actively collaborating with local indigenous experts, relevant groups, and the archdiocese to leverage existing knowledge and foster cooperation.
- Developing a comprehensive resource hub offering diverse materials in print, video, and documentary formats.
In collaboration with the Archbishop, the Centre has also begun cultivating a ginger plantation. Brother Chris explains they ve strategically placed it at the back of the hill to preserve their forest and pathway areas where they want native trees to thrive.
As the Centre continues to evolve, its vision extends far beyond traditional ecological practices. Perhaps the most exciting development is the recently inaugurated solar project. The goal is to power the entire facility using solar energy, with 20 large panels installed on various roof sections.
Br. Chris, who is committed to the project, fervently believes that ecology and spirituality are inextricably linked. “Those two fits together beautifully. Therefore, it’s essential that ecological studies incorporate a spiritual component as that would ensure that the acquired knowledge translates into practical actions,” he says.
When the General Chapter of 2017 decided to highlight the connection between ecology and spirituality, Br Chris – seized the opportunity to join a team dedicated to enhancing this relationship, resulting in the creation of the Champagnat Marist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality.
The Champagnat Marist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality hopes to embody the Star of the Sea family members’ conviction that the path to environmental sustainability involves not just education and technological solutions, but also fostering a deeper, more spiritual connection with our planet.
Nowadays, the Champagnat Marist Centre has 3 Brothers and a worker. And all together in Fiji there are 8 Brothers.