June news 2022 - Oceania Marist Province

Communion for Mission

Refounding the community where communion with God and with each other must happen and from such a community they are called to mission.


Councilor, Fr Justin Ratsi SM visiting his home sector had time with the community of Hahela in Buka, Bougainville.	Fr Ekuasi Manu SM with the sector community of Tonga in welcoming Fr Aisake Silatolu SM to the sector.

The Late Fr Jean Rodet SM

**RIP Jean Rodet SM**

Jean Rodet was born on the 8th of October 1931 in Marboz, Ain, France. He died on the 4th of June 2022 as the oldest member of the Province. He was professed a Marist in 1957 and was ordained a priest in on 25th of February 1961. He arrived in Vanuatu in 1961 soon after his ordination. He served in the Vanuatu mission until his death 60 years later. He was well known in Vanuatu in his collection of traditional artifacts from the various islands of Vanuatu including contemporary objects from 19th and the 20th century. A special building was dedicated for his collections where they are displayed for the public. Perhaps more memorable to the people of Vanuatu was his great love of the people. The chief and the people of the parish of Unmet where he spent a third of his time in Vanuatu requested that Jean Rodet's body, when he dies, to be buried in their burial ground in Unmet. After his death, his body was taken by the people of Unmet for the funeral and burial. He has lived to 90 years of age and 65 years as a Marist. May he rest in Peace.

	Jean Rodet in front of the special building dedication to his collection

Fr Jean Rodet and Fr Epoki Okusitino, a missionary from Tonga continuing Jean Rodet's legacy.

People of Unmet requesting the body of Jean Rodet to be buried in Unmet.