By Raphael Chua (4th year BS Industrial Engineering Student; Contact of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines)
Having entered the Brothers Live in Program (BLIP), I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a transformative experience that helped me reinforce my faith, service, and communion with the help of De La Salle Brothers. This is a program where we have discussions and learnings that can spark a passion for social justice. Most importantly, it is where the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle feel ever present.
From the moment I first arrived, the Brothers were all welcoming, and I immediately had a sense of belonging to the community. Initially, I had misconceptions about the Brothers being strict but it was quite the opposite. They cracked all sorts of jokes, shared their journey, and were genuinely supportive of whatever challenges we were facing in our lives. Living alongside the Brothers allowed me to witness firsthand their dedication to education and service.
Our day starts with a communal prayer, and during this time, I reflect on the blessings in my life and the opportunities that lie ahead. During the evenings, there were informal gatherings in the common area just so everyone could catch up on their day. We share our triumphs and frustrations throughout the day. The sessions that we have helped me learn more about the brothers' vocation. What struck me the most in one of our sessions was Brother Kino telling us that vocation is not just a calling but also responding to the call. It talks about recognizing our purpose and taking the necessary actions to fulfill it.
To any young man considering joining BLIP, I advise you to join the program to have an opportunity to discover your potential and have the opportunity to awaken for a higher purpose. You will live and breathe the Lasallian traditions and carry them forward to the world.
The bonds that I have formed throughout my journey will last a lifetime. It made me into a more thoughtful individual ready to face the challenges of the world, exemplifying our core values of faith, service, and communion.
#YesBro #FSCvocations
