The Role of the Brother Visitor and the Path to Choosing a New Leader for ANZPPNG

As the District of ANZPPNG prepares to elect a new Brother Visitor, we are reminded that this is not just an administrative process—it's a moment for all of us to reflect on our shared mission, our leadership needs, and how we can work together to move forward in faith and unity.

Recently, Brother Ricky Laguda, General Councillor, completed a five-week visit across the District, meeting with Brothers and partners from the four countries of the ANZPPNG District. The consultations held during this visit, combined with a district-wide process of discernment, have laid the groundwork for the appointment of the next Brother Visitor.

What is the Brother Visitor’s Role?

The Brother Visitor plays a crucial role in the life of the District. He ensures the unity, vitality, and effective leadership of the community, overseeing the Brothers’ spiritual, personal, and apostolic development. His leadership is key to maintaining strong connections within the District, while also aligning the community's mission with the broader goals of the Institute.

Some of the Brother Visitor’s key responsibilities include:

• Promoting unity and fraternity among the Brothers.

• Leading by example in both spiritual and personal formation.

• Overseeing apostolic works and ensuring their success.

• Engaging in regular visits to communities, staying connected with the Brothers, and providing support.

• Supporting vocations and the formation of new Brothers.

• Managing District resources, ensuring compliance with Canon Law and civil law.

Eligibility and Term Length

To be appointed as Brother Visitor, the candidate must have at least five years of perpetual profession in the Institute. This ensures that the Brother has sufficient experience and maturity to take on the responsibilities of leadership.

The Brother Visitor is appointed for a term of three or four years, depending on the decision of the District Chapter and the Superior General. However, no Brother can serve more than nine consecutive years as Brother Visitor in the same District, which helps keep leadership fresh and ensures a balanced approach to guiding the community.

The Path to Choosing a New Brother Visitor

The process for selecting the Brother Visitor is both consultative and discerning, in line with the principles outlined in Rule 144 of the Institute. An initial sondage (short-listing) will be conducted to provide a shortlist of Brothers from among those eligible for appointment. All Brothers who are members of the District have the right to nominate eligible Brothers. This process ensures that the voices of the Brothers are heard, while also preserving the freedom of the Brother Superior General to choose the candidate best suited to lead the District.

Insights from Brother Ricky’s Consultation

During his visit, Brother Ricky used the “appreciative inquiry” methodology to engage with Brothers and key partners across the District. This approach highlights the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the future. In his letter of 19 October 2024, Brother Ricky shared several key reflections, which helped set the tone for the selection process:

• Celebrating Our Legacy: There is a call to celebrate the rich history and legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle, especially the ongoing impact of our mission across the District, reflecting the diversity of our communities and students.

• A Call to Innovate and Be Synodal: The consultation process revealed a desire for innovation and a more synodal approach, where Brothers and partners work in communion to serve the needs of the people today, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Embracing Courage and Prophetic Leadership: Many voiced a call to embrace the “heroic vow”, remaining humble, courageous, and prophetic in the face of the District's challenges, while trusting in Divine Providence.

• Shared Leadership and Co-responsibility: There was a strong desire for more shared leadership and co-responsibility among the Brothers and key partners as we look to the future.

• Fraternity and Witnessing: At the heart of this mission is the call to fraternity—living as Brothers (and Sisters) to one another, acting as witnesses to God’s love and being a leaven for a more fraternal world.

The Last Ten Brother Visitors of ANZPPNG

As we move forward in the process of appointing a new Brother Visitor, it is valuable to reflect on the leadership that has shaped and guided the District over the years. Here is a list of the last ten Brothers who have served as Brother Visitor for the District of ANZPPNG:

• 2022 – Brother Tim Peter

• 2018 – Brother David Hawke

• 2014 – Brother David Hawke

• 2013 – Brother Mark McKeon

• 2009 – Brother Ambrose Payne

• 2005 – Brother Ambrose Payne

• 2000 – Brother David Hawke

• 1996 – Brother David Hawke

• 1992 – Brother Kevin Maloney

• 1988 – Brother Bill Firman

Each of these leaders has contributed to the development and direction of the District, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape our community today.

The First Sondage: Moving to the Next Stage

Following the consultation and the feedback gathered by Brother Ricky, the first sondage (or voting process) was conducted during the first week of November 2024. The results of this sondage are now in, and we are pleased to announce that, based on these results and the in-depth consultations, the process is moving forward smoothly. As the Brother Superior General stated:

“Given these results and, more importantly, the District-wide consultation and dialogues conducted by Br. Ricky prior to the first sondage, we have sufficient information and bases to proceed to the next stage. I intend to present these votes together with Br. Ricky’s report of the consultation process to the General Council for deliberation as soon as possible without the need to conduct any additional sondages.”

With this confirmation, we now have the necessary feedback to move ahead with the appointment process, bringing together the votes from the Brothers and the insights gathered from Brother Ricky’s extensive consultations.

What Happens Next?

As we proceed to the next stage, the results from the first sondage and Brother Ricky’s report will be presented to the General Council for deliberation. This process will ensure that the Brother Visitor selected is well-positioned to guide the District into the future, responding to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. There will be no further sondages required, as the Superior General now has all the information needed to make an informed decision.

Once the Brother Superior General makes his final decision, Brother Ricky will begin the process of transitioning leadership, informing the relevant ecclesiastical, civil, and academic authorities about the appointment and the date of the handover.

Conclusion: A Time of Prayerful Discernment

As we approach the final stages of this process, it’s essential that we continue to engage in prayerful discernment. The appointment of a Brother Visitor is not just about choosing a leader—it’s about ensuring that the District is well-positioned to move forward in its mission. The work that Brother Ricky has done through his consultations has laid a solid foundation for this important decision.

Let us remain united in prayer and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us in making the right choice for the future of the ANZPPNG District. As Brother Ricky encouraged in his recent letter: “Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!”