Marist Champagnat Institute students were yesterday reminded to embrace the five pillars of Marist education.

They are family spirit, simplicity, in the way of Mary, presence and love of work.

School principal Francis Varea was speaking yesterday during the Marist Champagnat Feast Day celebrations at their school in Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Mr Varea said the feast day was to remember St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, a religious congregation of brothers in the Roman Catholic Church devoted to Mary and dedicated to education.

Marist Champagnat Institute students and teachers attended a mass conducted by Father Marisi and Father Iowane Sigarara which was also attended by Marist Brothers’ Brother Fergus Garrett and Brother Kees Van Der Weert.

Brother Garrett, who is the founding brother of Marist Champagnat Institute said: “We’re just thanking God for the gift of St Marcellin Champagnat to the world. Because the Marist Brothers, whom he started, are now in nearly 80 countries around the world.”

Marist Brothers High School principal Ben Salacakau said they celebrated the week with debates, oratory, all kinds of competition to commemorate St Marcellin Champagnat.

The first teaching Marist Brothers came to Fiji in 1888 with the task to teach the children of European settlers. Since then, the Brothers have taught in Suva, Cawaci, Naililili, Wairiki, Napuka and Savarekareka.

The Marist Brothers have five educational institutions in Suva: Marist Brothers High School, Marist Brothers Primary School, St. Marcellin Primary School, Marist Champagnat Institute and Marcellin’s Angels – a kindergarten.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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