Brothers in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
When did the first Marist Brothers arrive in your country?
The first group of Brothers arrived in Bougainville in August 1941 and in Rabaul in 07th April. Another group of Brothers came to the mainland of PNG (Kairiru- Sepik) in 1959.
Where did they come? ……… How?
They came from Australia – the group that came to Bougainville were from Sydney Province and to Kairiru were from Melbourne Province, while the group to Rabaul were from China Province. Most of them came by sea transport (ship) to PNG.
Why did they come? How was their relationship with the people in the early days?
They come to PNG (Bougainville) to help run the schools after the damage that the world war II had done. The brother came to Kaririru because there was a demand for quality education to meet the post-war government requirement. Generally, their relationship with the local people was good, but they had a minimal contact with the locals and rarely visit villages.
Name the type of apostolic activities/priorities the Brothers have been involved in over the years.
Most of the Brothers were involved in Schools ( Primary and Secondary, College) but some Brothers also opting to help in social work.
Name the current Marist Brothers projects in your country and the date of establishment.
The Brothers have established a High School (Burui High School) in the remote plain of the Sepik river , responding to the need of quality education in the District. Establishment date: 2004. Mabiri vocation School (in Bougainville) is another initiative of the Brothers to train the youth who have be deprived in their education during the crisis. Establishment date: 2004
In 2006, how many professed Brothers from your country?
How many missionary Brothers?
Professed Brothers – 29 Perpetual profession – 6 Temp… Professed- 23
Missionary – ( 3 working in Solomon & 1 working Vanuatu)
by Br. Norman Gonko, FMS – Papua New Guinea
