The New Brother Visitor for ANZPPNG District

We are pleased to announce that Brother Peter Bray, FSC, has been appointed as the new Brother Visitor for the District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan & Papua New Guinea (ANZPPNG) for a full four-year term. This appointment will take effect on 15 January 2025 and will continue until 14 January 2029.

Br. Armin Luistro, Superior General, in his letter of appointment, acknowledged Br. Peter’s exceptional qualifications and leadership, writing:
“You have held various positions in the ministry and communities of the Institute, including outside your District. You bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the challenges and opportunities facing the District today. I have always known you to be passionate and committed to whatever role you have been given.”

Br. Peter’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the ANZPPNG District. A number of challenges have emerged in recent discussions, and Br. Peter has already shown his commitment to tackling these issues with a collaborative spirit. As he writes in his letter to Br. Armin:
“I recognise the urgent need to address the critical challenges highlighted in the discussions... Confronting and resolving these issues will require collaboration and effort from everyone across the District, and I am committed to engaging Brothers and partners in this process.”

Br. Peter continues reflecting on the importance of spiritual grounding in addressing these challenges:
“For years, I’ve drawn strength from [John Baptist de La Salle's] cry, 'Lord, the work is yours!'—a mantra that guided me throughout my time at Bethlehem University and will continue to be my touchstone in the years ahead. I believe the challenges before us must be anchored in the Spirit of Faith, and we must seek to continue to develop practices that will nurture our spiritual lives to enable us to truly engage in God’s work.”

Getting to Know Br. Peter

Br. Peter, has devoted his life to education, peace-building, and the values of the Lasallian Mission. His journey has taken him across the world, from his early days in New Zealand to leading one of the most significant educational institutions in the Middle East. Throughout his career, Br. Peter has focused on the transformative power of education to change lives and bring communities together—particularly in the most challenging environments.

From New Plymouth to the World

Br. Peter grew up in Waitara, a short distance north of New Plymouth, New Zealand, and was a first-day student at Francis Douglas Memorial College when it opened in 1959. There he became familiar with the Brothers who taught him and whom he came to admire. It was through the invitation from one of these that he came to consider becoming a Brother. During his formation, Br. Peter was drawn to the Lasallian commitment to service and education—values that would guide his entire life.

He pursued his studies alongside his religious formation, gaining qualifications that would equip him for the leadership roles he would later take on. Br. Peter’s academic journey took him from a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education as a first-day student at Macquarie University in Sydney to a Masters of Educational Administration from Massey University in New Zealand, to a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Diego. These studies helped shape his vision of education—not just as a means of imparting knowledge, but as a tool for empowerment, social change, and peace.

A Career Built on Leadership and Service

Br. Peter’s career has been marked by a variety of teaching and leadership roles in both New Zealand and Australia. Initially, he worked as a teacher at schools like De La Salle College, Ashfield, and Francis Douglas Memorial College, in New Plymouth. But it was during his time as principal at De La Salle College, Mangere East and later at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth that Br. Peter began to make a name for himself as an educational leader. His approach was embedded in the Lasallian spirit of service, creating school communities where both students and staff could grow spiritually and academically.

Shaping Education in New Zealand and Australia

As Br. Peter’s career progressed, he took on more responsibilities. He joined the Lasallian Centre in Narooma, working with a team of educators to strengthen the Lasallian educational mission across the region. On his return to the District after his doctoral studies, he became principal of Benilde High School in Bankstown, Australia, before returning to New Zealand to serve as the Director of the Wellington Catholic Education Centre.

In these roles, Br. Peter was focused not just on academic excellence but on building communities of faith, where young people could be shaped by values of compassion, social justice, and service. He has always believed that education should be a means of empowerment—especially for those who are most marginalised in society.

A Transformative Role at Bethlehem University

In 2008, Br. Peter’s journey took him to Bethlehem University in Palestine, where he became Vice Chancellor. Bethlehem University is unique—it’s the only Catholic university in the Holy Land and serves a student body of whom 80% are Muslim and 20% Christian. Leading the university in such a politically-charged and conflict-ridden region was a massive challenge, but Br. Peter rose to the occasion, using his position to promote peace, coexistence, and social justice.

In the fifteen years he was there, he sought to make Bethlehem University a little Oasis of Peace in the midst of the conflict and violence, and for it to become a beacon of hope. It’s not just a place of academic learning but a centre where young people from diverse backgrounds come together, despite the tensions around them, to study, reflect, and learn to live in harmony. For Br. Peter, education is more than a means of gaining knowledge—it’s a way of shaping individuals who can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world. In the footsteps of Jesus, he worked with others to create an atmosphere, develop an environment, and provide an opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge, gain the skills, and develop those attitudes and values that would enable them to do what Jesus wanted – that is, to live life as fully as they can, despite the occupation and restrictions. He worked from the definition of hope of Václav Havel, the Czech leader, that “hope is not so much the conviction that something is going to turn out well, but the certainty that something is worth doing, no matter how it turns out!” He believes deeply that what Bethlehem University is doing in creating the atmosphere, developing the environment, and providing opportunities for students, is worth doing, no matter what Israel does, no matter what the final outcome is.

Recognition for His Work

Br. Peter’s contributions to education and peace have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was awarded the Papal Cross of Honour (Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice), one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a religious or layperson by the Pope. This award recognised his lifelong commitment to the Church and his tireless work to make education a force for good in the world.

He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Lewis University in Chicago, Saint Mary’s University in California, and the Australian Catholic University in Sydney. These accolades are a testament to his influence as an educator and leader.

A Lasting Legacy

Br. Peter’s life is a story of service, faith, and dedication. Whether in the classroom, as a principal, or leading Bethlehem University, he has always prioritised community, education, and social justice. His work has inspired countless individuals and communities, showing how education can help break down barriers, build understanding, and bring about meaningful change.

Br. Peter’s story reminds us all that education is not just about academics—it’s about transforming lives, building communities of faith, and creating a more compassionate world. Through his work, Br. Peter has shown us the power of education to be a force for peace and social change, one student at a time.

Br. Peter’s appointment as Brother Visitor for the ANZPPNG District marks an exciting new chapter for the District. His extensive experience, proven leadership, and deep commitment to the Lasallian values of faith, service, and education make him an ideal leader for this critical role. As he takes on the responsibilities of Brother Visitor, we are confident that his vision and collaborative approach will guide the District through the challenges ahead. With a firm grounding in spirituality and a passion for educational excellence, Brother Peter will undoubtedly continue to inspire and lead with humility and dedication, shaping the future of the District and strengthening the Lasallian mission for generations to come. Please pray for him that he may have the wisdom and courage he will need as he seeks to respond to this call from God to be Brother Visitor.

Source: Kate Mason, District Communications Manager