LEAD Story 326

By: Br. Edgar Esparagoza FSC

Lasallian Partners and Brothers from different regions of the Philippines gathered on February 9, 2020, feast day of Saint Brother Miguel Febres Cordero FSC, to witness and celebrate the profession of Final Vows of Br. Dan Sanding FSC. The celebration began with a mass at 10:00 am and was held at the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary Chapel, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines.

The mass was presided by Fr. Ramon Bautista SJ and was co-celebrated by Fr. Daniel Polzer. Family and friends of Br. Dan were also there to witness this significant milestone in his life as a De La Salle Brother. Present also during the event were Br. Armin Luistro FSC, LEAD Visitor, Br. Antonio Cubillas FSC and Br. Felipe Belleza FSC, Auxiliary Visitors.

Br. Dan decided to join the congregation as a Postulant way back in 2010 and received his Holy Habit in 2012. After his initial formation years, He was then assigned to La Salle Academy in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines where he started the Sunday Apostolate of Volunteers called "Saint Brother Miguel Academy". Through this program, many students internalized the value of service as they taught and served the kids from public schools. He also taught Christian Living Classes in the High School Department.

The mission continues and after his assignment at La Salle Academy - Iligan, he was invited to serve at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI), Dasmarinas City, Cavite up until today. As a young Brother assigned at DLSMHSI, he is teaching Health Care and Foundation to Anatomy and Physiology in the Senior High School Department. He also helped out in establishing the partnership between Centro Universitario La Salle in Madrid, Spain and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute for the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy programs. Br. Dan is the first graduate of DLSMHSI to become a De La Salle Brother. 

After seven years in temporary vows, Br. Dan, who is known to all as a caring Brother, decided to say "yes" to God who first loved him and called him in this shared mission of educating the young, especially the poor. In his response during the ceremony, he thanked all the people who accompanied and journeyed with him.

Br. Dominic Chong FSC visited by Br. Armin Luistro FSC at the Residencia Community during his Canonical Visit on 8 February 2020. (Photo: Br. Armin Luistro FSC)

The Maymyo Brothers’ Community takes off the ‘Come and See’ programme each year that lasts eight months, from January to August. It is part of the initial vocation promotion programme where the Brothers invite young men who have passed the High School Grade in the Local Educational System. This live-in programme takes in 10-15 boys every year to live with the Brothers and study the life and work of the Brothers. The Brothers help them in the betterment of their lives by forming them to become mature Christians.

They have lessons in English, Religion, Human Development and the use of Computer. The students have the chance to continue their further studies and take the UDE Exams. While living with the Brothers and taking part in the parish activities, they will come to know more about the Christian way of life. That will make them think about the Brothers’ vocation and join the Aspirancy in the Formation House of the Brothers. They live in the house of the Brothers with food and lodging free of charge.

The Brothers responsible for the ‘Come and See” programme 2020 are Brothers Lucas Thein, Lucas AhDo, Philip Thein, and Hilary Htun Kyi. The number of candidates is 13. At the end of the programme, the willing or suggested students will apply for the Aspirancy Programme.

During the course of the programme the community in Pyin Oo Lwin had some distinguished guests such as the major superiors from Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), the Brother Visitor, Formators, Sector Head or Coordinator, and volunteer teachers from the Philippines.

The community is grateful for the interest and support of the District regarding the promotion of the Lasallian Vocations.

Live Jesus In Our Hearts. Forever! 

Photo - Br. Philip, Text-Br. Hilary

On February 09, 2020, the Ethiopian Catholic University La Salle held a nine-day visit to De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute headed by the President Br. August Nicoletti FSC, Vice President and Provost Br. Getachew Alemayehu Nadew FSC and the Director for Medical Laboratory Technology Program Mr. Taye Lazzo in order to strengthen the linkages and fortify the Memorandum of Agreement between the two institutions. 

The delegation was able to visit the different facilities in the academe, as well the De La Salle University Medical Center. The office of Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission, Linkages and Advancement led by Ms. Maria Cecilia Tiongson-Tirona presented the distinctive programs that they offer to the institution. Furthermore, the collaboration was fortified by the effort of Br. Gus Boquer FSC and the vision of the Superior General Br. Robert Schieler FSC of sharing resources and going beyond the borders. 

The Ethiopian Catholic University La Salle founded in 1998 and has 500 in population that offers programs such as Medicine, Medical Laboratory Technology, Civil and Electrical Engineering, Social Work, Information Technology and Philosophy. The University is looking forward for possibilities in expanding the courses offer in Agriculture, Neo Natal Nursing and Business and Management. 

The Residencia Community hosted the delegation for their nine-day visit as some medical profession aspirants also welcomed them. The community had socials before proceeding to a Filipino cuisine dinner.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, artists and designers from LASALLE will work together with real estate developers to produce unique pieces of urban living art for condominium The M. Engaged in discussion since the developmental phase, the paintings, sculptures and interactive displays conceived by alumni of LASALLE will be well integrated into the complex once it completes in early 2024. The 522-unit property at Middle Road is near the arts and cultural precinct and is marketed to millennial families and entrepreneurs who are based at home.

“We believe this new approach will enhance life and community within the development. By involving the artists at the very start, it helps them to capture the spirit of the place better so that their artistic expressions can enliven the space in an authentic, organic manner," said Edmund Cheng, Deputy Chairman and Deputy Managing Director of Wing Tai Asia.

Read the full article

With faith in the resurrection, we wish to inform readers of the passing of Br. Joseph Lapp FSC from the District of Eastern North America (DENA) on 2020 February 15. He worked in the Philippines specifically in Lipa (1967-1968) and Bacolod (1968-1970).

Eternal rest grant unto Joseph, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.

Born Joseph Charles Lapp in Maizeville PA on 16 March 1933

Entered the Ammendale MD Novitiate on 15 February 1953

Received the Religious Habit and the Name Brother Gordian Ronan on 7 September 1953

Pronounced Perpetual Vows at Ocean Rest, Ocean City NJ on 24 June 1959

Died at De La Salle Hall on 15 February 2020

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Monday, 2 March 2020

Mass of Christian Burial – 11.00am
at
La Salle Hall
6001 Ammendale Road · Beltsville MD 20705

Burial following
at
La Salle Hall – Saint Joseph’s Cemetery
6001 Ammendale Road · Beltsville MD 20705

Luncheon & Hospitality

Brother Joseph died peacefully early Saturday morning after short respite in hospice care.

The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother Joseph with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother Joseph to God’s loving care.

May he rest in peace.

ASSIGNMENTS

1954–1958
Elkins Park PA
Scholasticate

1958–1961
Pittsburgh PA
Central Catholic High School

1961–1962
Philadelphia PA
West Catholic High School

1962–1967
Miami FL
Immaculata-La Salle High School

1967–1968
Lipa Philippines
De La Salle Lipa

1968–1970
Bacolod Philippines
La Salle College

1970–1971
Radnor PA
Archbishop John Carroll High School

1971–1974
Audubon PA
Saint Gabriel’s Hall

1974–1975
Pittsburgh PA
Central Catholic High School

1975–1979
Baltimore MD
Calvert Hall College High School

1979–1988
Washington DC
Saint John’s College High School

1988–1990
New Iberia LA
Catholic High School

1990–1991
Cumberland MD
Bishop Walsh School

1991–1993
Pittsburgh PA
Seton-La Salle High School (staff)

1993–1996
Radnor PA
Archbishop John Carroll High School

1996–1998
Adamstown MD
Christian Brothers Spiritual Center (staff)

1998–2020
Beltsville MD
La Salle Hall (retired)

2020
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall (retired)