On 10th October the Marist Novitiate community in Davao, The Philippines, celebrated Fiji Independance Day. In September celebrations were held for Papua New Guinea Independence Day.

These celebrations included a time of prayer, sharing on the cultural significance of these Independence Days and how they are celebrated in the home country, a celebratory meal and entertainment in the form of traditional dances.

With members of the Novitiate Community coming from a number of different cultures community sharing such as this is very important as it helps to develop appreciation of cultural diversity and leads to greater unity in community.