One hundred years ago about 15 ex-scholars of the Marist schools met at the brothers' residence and agreed to form an association to keep in touch with their former teachers and their successors, renew school friendships, and help the brothers and the school in time of need.

That laid the foundation for an organisation that has produced leaders who have played a crucial role in the history of this nation. Some grew to be successful businessmen, some led this nation, then some have been influential in sports and the list goes on.

This week the Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association (MBOPA) celebrates 100 years to the day they were formed. The Old Boys as they call themselves have travelled across from all corners of the world to be part of this momentous occasion.

This is just not a celebration of the 100 years of existence, but a celebration of a brotherhood that has looked after each other and engraved a pathway so the schools associated with MBOPA continue to produce great leaders in all sectors of the community.

Looking back at the history of the MBOPA, it was not until 1947 that the membership of the association was opened up to all ex-scholars. Up until then, all members had to be 30-years-old and older and hold senior positions of employment.

In 1947, it was decided that change was needed and unanimously agreed to let all ex-scholars in. This change was brought about because there was a need to establish a high school. It was time to revive the association which had seen some bad days. This decision would only fare well for the association.

Between then and 1980, there were a lot of projects and sporting activities that the association spearheaded.

However, it was not until 1980 that the association came alive with renewed vigour while Tupua Tamasese Leatofi IV was patron.

The association has been responsible not only for growing sports in the nation but has had a major part in assisting the education system which was part of their success. Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Tupua Tamasese Efi, Mataafa Mulinu'u I, Mataafa Mulinu'u II, Mataafa Mulinu'u IV, Komisi Efaraimo, Fuimaono Asuemu, include Komisi Chan Mow and Fuimaono Tuputala are just some of the names to have been associated with MBOPA.

There have been many leaders and successes who are part of the MBOPA and the greater Marist effort that has seen sports and leadership flourish in this country. This celebration is all about those achievements.

The celebrations and the continued work by the MBOPA under the leadership of the former Attorney-General and current president Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai, who with the support of his team marks a milestone in the achievements of MBOPA.

It also ushers in a whole new era for the association as an alumni body, tasked with supporting and carrying on the vision of the Marist Brothers, and in the parting words of St Marcellin himself when he said “Let there be among you just one heart and one mind.”

It is with such a single-minded purpose that the MBOPA should be recognised for the critical role it can play in ensuring a seamless transition from the rich institutional past weighed against the efforts of the present and of course, in anticipation of the future.

The diversity and the impact of MBOPA as a leading alumni body draw from the pioneering ideals of the Marist Brothers themselves, serving selflessly with humility and introducing education decades ahead of its mainstreaming into official education policy.

In much the same way the early Marist Brothers decided and committed to something they were passionate about against all odds — that great deeds don’t come easy.

This week is not only about fun and games but a reflection on how the last century has been and how the foundation for the next century will be laid. The MBOPA plays a pivotal role in the Marist education system and of many youths in this nation.

Their ability to support each other and the generations to come truly shows that as a brotherhood they are truly their brother’s keeper.

We wish all the MBOPA members and alumni of Marist the very best as they celebrate and mark the deeds that have enabled them to achieve this milestone.