LEAD Story 358

The month of April witnessed 33 Young Brothers from LEAD renewing their temporary vows.

On 15th April, the LEAD District Council met online once again to discuss matters related to the District.

The first part was the business meeting. Mr. Ferdie Fernandez, the LEAD Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report and next year’s budget proposal. Mr. Jay Gervasio, the LEAD Mission Council (LMC) Chair, gave a report on the LMC programs. The DC members commended Mr. Jay and reconfirmed that the LMC is the most active in all LEAD offices, especially during the time of lockdowns and with limited budget. Appointments and assignments were also discussed, as well as a new project for the poor which will be part of LEAD’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

The second part of the meeting was given over to the Chapter of novices taking First Vows. Br. Rey Mejias FSC, the novice master, was invited to the meeting and gave his input to the Council.

PHILIPPINES - This reliquary statue, holding a bone fragment (ex ossibus relic) of St. John Baptist de La Salle, was carved by Jayson Taguyungon from Hungduan, Ifugao. It measures 3 feet in height and executed in acacia wood. The work features De La Salle with two Kalinga children in traditional clothing. A gift of the Philippine Lasallian Family to the people of Magsilay in Pasil, Kalinga, it will be enshrined in their chapel dedicated under the patronage of De La Salle. Evoking a distinct Cordilleran carving aesthetic, it is an apt reminder too of the continuous dialogue and appropriation of Christianity in our various cultures as we remember 500 years of its arrival in our shores. (De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines Facebook Page)

MALAYSIA - On 15th April 2021, representatives from the Board of Governors of St Xavier’s Institution, Penang presented about RM13,000.00 worth of grocery vouchers to about 130 of our most underprivileged children from our three St Xavier’s schools in Penang.

A simple presentation ceremony, following the necessarily strict SOPs of the new normal, was organized by all three schools on the same day.Representing many grateful donors and the Board, Brother Jason handed out the vouchers to the students personally in the presence o f representative from the Board and teachers. It is hoped that this simple gesture will provide some relief to the financial burdens faced by hard-hit families during these difficult economic times caused by the pandemic. (Text & Photos: Mr. Tony Wong)

THAILAND - Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, La Salle Sampran Community in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand celebrates the Songkran this year. Songkran is a famous annual Thai water festival that marks the beginning of the Thai traditional New Year. The candidates prepared activities that formally started with Thai prayer and chants. Then, the adult members of the community, Br. Joseph Klong FSC, Br. Eugene de Luna FSC, and the house gardener gave their new year messages to all. The main message of each adult revolves around prosperity, good health and year-filled courage for vocation.Then, the young candidates show respect to the adults by doing the traditional pouring of flowers and water perfume onto the elders' hands. The whole community alsoblessthe statue of the St. John Baptist de La Salle with flowers and water perfume to pay respects to the Founder. Besides, the true spirit of Songkranis not the extravagant festivities but the importance of family and respect.Finally, amusing games, dances, and a sumptuous meal concludes the event. (Text & Photos: Br. Eugene de Luna FSC)