BROTHER PAULO GUIBRETEAU

Paulo was born 1952 in Solevu, Bua, to the Guibreteau family, with its roots in Brittany, France. An ancestor was for a short time a Marist Brother in the Society of Mary. He later married a Fijian lady named Evans, who had been born in Tonga.

Paulo's father had been a nurse at St Giles Hospital. He was recruited by Brother Theophane and after a year as a postulant at Lomeri, in 1973, he became a novice and was professed in 1974.

A natural artist, he trained at the Nasinu Teachers College and qualified in Physical Education, Art and Music (PEMAC). While there he passed on some of his skills in screen printing. His Christmas cards were at one time in great demand. He gained his licence to teach in 1977 and became one of the early members of the new-style community at Desvoeux Rd in Suva (1976-77), while teaching at Marist Brothers High School. It was there that he became infected with tetanus bacillus and spent several weeks in a coma. Brother Bertrand was making plans for his burial, not knowing that Paulo's hearing was still acute, even though he could not bat an eyelid. He made a remarkable recovery, but there seems to have been some after effects in the form of a wide range of allergies. This has been a burden for him ever since.

Paulo's talents were well utilized in the striking art work in the Novitiate chapel at Lomeri. He also spent a brief time in Samoa working on an art project for the cathedral in Apia. Some of his works can be found adorning the walls of the Brothers' houses. He has at various times specialized in screen printing, oil painting, wood carving, and pottery, and is always ready to try a new medium to express his talent. His design submitted for the General Chapter logo won great appreciation, without emerging as winner.
Besides serving at Marist Brothers High school, he was at Napuka Junior Secondary School for several years (1982-84) and also at St Bede's College, Savarekareka 1988, and again in its closing year, 2005.

He attended renewal courses at Marcellin Hall in 1981 and again in 1987. During his term of renewal in Europe (1998) he was able to trace his Celtic relatives in Brittany, France.
Paulo's way of relating to his own people, including the Bishop and clergy, has been a great asset to the Brothers' community. His unique appearance, bearded and gowned, is immediately striking – he is readily recognized as a man of God. His interest in genealogies and local history has led to an accumulation of notes and records that will some day be collated as a valuable part of the Church's heritage. His wide reading and deep experience of his own culture enable him to be an effective catechist in the classroom.