THE Christian Brothers’ decision to form a new province for Oceania is an example of the sort of rationalisation affecting many religious congregations.
There are still some congregations in Australia embracing organisational structures from former colonial times.
Declining numbers and aging members mean that unless individual religious orders re-examine their role and charism they may become extinct before the end of the 21st century.
The Christian Brothers are renowned for their service to education in the Australian community.
A new educational structure embracing the spirit of Edmund Rice will ensure that this tradition will continue through the broader Edmund Rice family.
