LEAD Story 319

by Br. John David M. Ong FSC

(text taken from the Community Letter of the Brother Visitor)

The Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) Visitor, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, had his canonical visit to the Brothers’ Community in Ozamiz on December 5 - 7.

“Bright and airy, white and homey” - these were the initial feelings evoked in Br. Armin as he was welcomed in the Brothers’ residence. He expressed his gratitude to the Lord for the architect’s modern design, the hard work of all the laborers, the thinking and haggling, dreaming and funding from among the Brothers of the sector and of the community, both past and present.  

He reminded the Brothers not to be distracted with the long punch list of items that would need to be completed, corrected or cleaned soonest from the more important task of building community and making the residence a real home where Brothers and  guests may relax, rejuvenate and recenter so that together they may seek God and have the joy of together finding Him.    

Br. Armin put high premium on the aspiration of the Brothers in Ozamiz to strengthen the fraternal bond that unites them as one community of Brothers witnessing to the good news that God desires for all to be saved. He also affirmed what the Brothers shared on fraternal bond as an essential component in vocations promotions as it is a most efficacious instrument in pursuing the Lasallian Mission. 

The LEAD Visitor commended also the Brothers’ efforts to work closely with the local Church. He noted that it is impossible to carve out the Brothers’ ministry independent of the Church’s mission of evangelization.  

He urged also the Brothers of Ozamiz to develop and invest in an effective formation program for the Lasallian Associates that would lead to sharing responsibility, accompanying leaders and authentically working together and by association for the mission. 

Br. Armin requested the Brothers of Ozamiz to join him in prayer for the special intentions of the people of Hong Kong and for an awakening among the Brothers and the Lasallian Associates the missionary calling of going beyond the borders of their comfort zones.  

Br Armin Luistro, Visitor made a canonical visit to La Salle Community Petaling Jaya, Malaysia from December 8 – 10, 2019. There are five Brothers in this community, namely, Andrew Loke (Dtr), Augustine Julian, Lucian Ng, Ambrose Loke and Michael Kum. Br Visitor had a personal talk with each one of us and ended with a dialogue with the community as a whole. In between, Br Visitor slotted in a meeting with the Revitalisation Committee, another meeting with the SJIIM group and personal talks with a few other Brothers who were around. He maximized his time during this visit. May God grant him good health to continue his work.

St. Joseph’s Institution - International, Singapore - On Tuesday 26 November, our High School community came together to celebrate our shared Lasallian values and to recognise the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle, 300 years after his passing. Students and staff wholeheartedly threw themselves into a range of activities designed to mark the occasion. 

The 301 Fun Run took place at the Singapore Polo Club. This was the last event of the year where house points were up for grabs and, in a hard-fought contest, each house smashed through their target of achieving 301 laps of the pitch – the 301 symbolising looking forward, beyond the last 300 years. It was great to see competitive spirits kick in as people sprinted or ambled around the 1km track to rack up as many points as possible for their house! 

In addition to this physical exertion, there was also the opportunity for people to express their artistic side in the production of banners, each reflecting our Lasallian and house values. Everyone contributed a handprint in the creation of the banners to symbolise the legacy we are leaving by putting our hands to good use in service to others. These banners now have pride of place around the school and are looking fabulous, creating an injection of colour and positivity as people go about their daily business. 

All in all, a wonderful afternoon to bring another busy year to a close.

Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College (CSK) opened its doors to the general public for its 50th Anniversary Open Days on 7-8 December 2019 with the theme: Roots to secure our past, Wings to fly high in future. The De La Salle Brothers in Hong Kong attended the kick-off ceremony, followed by a campus tour. 

Various school clubs put up booths and exhibitions at the quadrangle that showcased their respective club activities. Some have interactive games with tons of freebies and prizes. Others offer arts and crafts located inside classrooms. The PTA handled food stalls. There were also variety shows like musical and drama performances. 
Introduction sessions for potential S1 students and their parents were also held to give them more information about CSK. Old Boys came back with their friends and family to reminisce and have mini-reunions with their batchmates and former teachers. 

All efforts paid off for definitely it was a weekend full of fun!

As we are about to close the 300 years of the death of our founder St. John Bassist de La Salle, La Salle Chotiravi Nakhonswan School led by Brother Eugene Prapas FSC school director, together  with school administrators and school staff have organized a Mini Marathon for the alumni, students, school staff and general people. The number of the participants in this event is approximately 5,000 people. This Mini Marathon was provided two groups; 5 kilometers and 10 kilometers.  

This event allowed us to be one and join hands to realize about health concern and the most important issue is to support the Lasallian educational projects for the youth especially for the poor in the sector of Thailand. 

Many thanks to very sector for making this project occur true and end up with the impression of those who have participated in this event and very thankful to all Brothers especially Bro. Eugene Prapas FSC, school director who was the head making this Mini Marathon happening and come true. (Bro.Niran Suksankrasin FSC)