Marist Laity Convention

“Marist Laity Formation: Spirituality and Charism in Synodality”

It was a great joy for some of our Marist Sisters in Suva to join religious and lay Marists from across Oceania for the first-ever Marist Laity Convention, held in Suva from 17–21 August. Almost 100 lay Marist representatives from Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Samoa, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand gathered for this historic occasion, together with around 30 Marist religious.

The theme, “Marist Laity Formation: Spirituality and Charism in Synodality”, invited participants to reflect more deeply on what it means to live the Marist charism together. Through inspiring presentations, prayer, conversation and sharing, participants explored the history and development of Marist Laity, Marist spirituality and our shared mission.

One of the beautiful fruits of the Convention was a renewed understanding that lay Marists are co-responsible for the mission, while Marist religious are called to walk alongside them as companions and supporters. Collaboration and working together were seen as essential for the future of the Marist Family.

For our Sisters in Fiji, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Marist lay people and religious from across the Pacific and to celebrate the richness of our shared Marist identity.

The Convention concluded with participants returning to their communities renewed and encouraged, carrying with them a deeper sense of being one Marist Family and a desire to continue living Mary’s way of simplicity, presence and service throughout Oceania.