The Marist vocation is a call from God to belong to Mary's family.

How do I become a Marist? It takes some time for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you.

What are we looking for in a candidate? : A sensible mature man, there is a cutoff at 35, who has successfully completed high school and qualified for university. You need to be in good physical health and free from chemical and alcohol dependency. You need to be a person who prays regularly and attends mass with some participation in church life. As well you need to be in regular contact with a Marist in your own country. After that initial period of discernment a formal application is made. The application includes an English test and a psychological assessment. As well you need to supply a copy of your baptism and confirmation certificates, education records and some personal references.

Applications need to be submitted by the 1st May each year. That application is then considered by the Provincial and his Council. If your application is successful you will enter our house of formation at Marist College Suva Fiji in August.

What happens in formation? Formation for Marist priesthood and religious life is undertaken according to the requirements of the Catholic Church and covers a number of different elements which includes Academic Formation Community Formation, Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Formation, Human Formation, Cultural Formation etc.

How long does it take? Formation for Marist priests normally takes at least eight years. Each year there are activities and experiences designed to help the seminarian to continue his discernment. There are six years of academic study at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva. One year for the novitiate which takes place in the Philippines.(This is a time to learn more about prayer and spirituality and Marist life.) Marist Mission Experience: Pastoral experience for one or two years in a Marist community. Normally, a young man interested in Marist life would be in contact with one of the Marists in the country from which he came.

Contact 28 Nararo Street, PO Box 1198, Suva, Fiji . ( 679) 7730377 Fr Lote Raiwalui sm email: lote.raiwalui@maristoceania.org mob (679) 2378817