With faith in the resurrection, the Lasallian Family of the Philippines and the Lasallian East Asia District announce the passing of Sr. Marie Antoine Villanueva, SPC, AFSC on 2020 June 25 at St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo, Iloilo City. She was 90 years old, on her 61st year as an SPC Sister and 20th year as an Affiliated Member of the Institute.

As we keep in our prayers those who are suffering from the consequences of the global pandemic, I would like to inform you that, with Br. Paul Mata’s renewal of vows on the Feast of the Holy Trinity,all 36 LEAD Brothers in temporary vows have now renewed their commitment to God and to the Institute. Thank you to the communities for accompanying the young Brothers in their renewal ceremonies.

Br. Paul renewed his vows at the St. Joseph’s Community Chapel in Singapore.

Archbishop Dosado, Archbishop Emeritus of Ozamiz, died on 2020 June 24. He was 80.

There was a surreal feeling in the digital sphere as St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia (SJIIM) embraced what could potentially be another ‘new normal’ this year by recently holding its 3rd IBDP graduation ceremony virtually. The historic ceremony was hosted using a web conferencing platform for the first time and was attended by scores of graduates, parents, sponsors, teachers and VIP guests. The Guest of Honour for the ceremony was Dato’ Br. Paul Ho FSC, who is the Chairman of the Board of Governors of SJIIM as well as the Br. President of SJI Singapore.

Is the touted ‘new normal’ world of post-coronavirus one to be excited about? According toProfessor Steve Dixon, President of LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, we should not be too quick to embrace full digitisation. While the pandemic has certainly opened up new opportunities in global collaboration, thanks to the democratisation of the digital sphere, it is an inadequate substitute for actual face-to-face, human interaction.

De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) has made it to the finals of this year’s International Green Gown Awards and is the only higher educational institution named Finalist in all three categories: Sustainability Institution of the Year, Student Engagement, and Benefitting Society.

The International Green Gown Awards (IGGA) is open to colleges and universities across the globe that commemorate landmark sustainability programs and initiatives.

It was probably a first, setting a record. On Wednesday 17th June 2020, three teachers and one student of La Salle College, Kowloon, took part in the Rite of Acceptance for Baptism in the College Chapel of La Salle. The three teachers were Charlotte Chung, Martin Ma, and Timothy Szeto while the Form 1 boy was Alvin Kwok.

Normally, the Rite would be held in the parish church but the COVID-19 virus has changed things. The approval to hold the ceremony in the school chapel was given by Fr Gabriel Ortega, who was also the celebrant for the occasion.

Three (3) LEAD aspirants applied and were accepted to our Postulancy Program this year:

1. Antony Pisut Siripondchaikun from Thailand
2. Aris Jay Guteza from the Philippines
3. Julian Wilmer Morabe from the Philippines

Six (6) LEAD candidates applied and were accepted to the Novitiate Program this year:

Left to Right: Lim Lay Guan, Sitoe, Lim Choon San, Murugan, Victor Tan, Br Jason

The Malaysian government has decided that examination classes [Form 5 and 6] may resume schooling on June 24. The school community has been busy preparing for the first day back since our version of the ‘lockdown’ commenced in mid-March.

The school grounds have been cleaned and recleaned, and are now marked with social / physical distancing markers and reminders.

The LEAD Mission Council Members (left to right): Mr. Jay Gervasio, ChairMs. Coreen Paul (MY), Br. Fermin Martinez FSC (JP), Ms. Christine Soe Hlaing (MM), Br. Larry Humphrey FSC (SG), Mr. Paul Tam (HK), Mr. Ed Chua (PH), Mr. John Chakrin Poopirom (TH)

One of the Key Priority Programs of the 3rd LEAD District Chapter is the creation of the LEAD Mission Council (LMC). The LMC is evenly composed of Brothers and lay associates or partners which will serve as an advisory body to the Brother Visitor and Council.