American Samoa has joined the world wide celebration of a religious group well known for their success in education, the Marist Brothers.
Yesterday at the Cathedral of the Holy Family at Fatuoaiga, Bishop Peter Brown dedicated the 9:30 am International Community Mass in honor of the 200th anniversary of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat.
The name of the Marist Brothers is synonymous with quality education, strict discipline and sports prowess in Samoa and American Samoa and throughout the Pacific .
Here in the territory, the Marist Brothers operated schools in Atuu, Leala and Malaeloa. 
Only one American Samoan, the late Edward Danielson, became a Marist Brother.
The group withdrew from the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago nearly thirty years ago but at the request of Bishop Peter Brown, they returned a few years ago.
Brother Chris serves as superintendent of Catholic schools and Br. Donald teaches at Faasao Marist High School.
The Marist Support Group, which aims to promote Marist values and attract young men and women to religious vocations, held a special lunch yesterday to celebrate the anniversary at the Fatuoaiga Pastoral Center.
