Last 04 September 2024, Br. Ricky Laguda FSC and Br. Chris Patiño FSC , members of the General Council, left Hong Kong feeling satisfied and grateful. And it’s not just because of the Chinese food served to them during their stay. No, but it’s something equally satisfying. Read on.
The 3-day visit kicked off with a meeting with the Brothers assigned in Hong Kong. Brs. Ricky and Chris found out about the multifaceted nature of the Brothers’ apostolate in the Sector, a fact that is often overlooked by many — governance of schools, classroom teaching, supervision of work in the peripheries, recalibrating Lasallian formation and vocation efforts among others. The general councilors also remarked that the experience of Lasallian mission in Hong Kong, where Brothers from other sectors come to serve, could be shared to other sectors and Districts if only to allow “cross-pollination” and to encourage innovation.
Other meetings lined up for them in the succeeding days included both formal and informal sessions with administrators, staff, and volunteers.
In their early morning chat with Ms. Nikki Chan, they talked about creating opportunities for the Youth Movement in Hong Kong to share their best practices with the rest of the youth groups in LEAD and PARC. In the afternoon, Brs. Ricky and Chris learned about the regular outreach program run predominantly by retired Lasallian Partners in partnership with some Lasallian schools. Br. Ricky encouraged them to continue reaching out to the peripheries and addressing the needs of the people there. Over 10 volunteers (mostly retired administrators) joined the conversation. Br. JJ Jimenez FSC, LEAD Visitor, and Br. Iñigo Riola FSC, Auxiliary Visitor for Formation, were also present in the meeting.
In a rather formal setup, the Principals of the eight schools in HK, as well as the Lasallian Education Council gathered to talk about some major concerns of the schools. Br. Ricky and Br. Chris showed eagerness to understand the state of the Lasallian schools in HK and how Lasallian spirit is maintained in each of them. It inspired them to know that the Lasallian administrators are committed to fostering positive change in the Lasallian educational offering in the Sector. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Institute, Br. Ricky commended the administrators’ accountability and transparency in carrying out the Lasallian mission. Though meeting the De La Salle Brothers for the first time, newly-appointed Principal Charles Tse noticed how the Brothers “embody a spirit of collaboration and support.” He added that this synergy can foster innovation and strengthen the collective mission between and among eight schools.
The timely visit of Brs. Chris and Ricky further animated the preparation of the entire Hong Kong Lasallian Family for its celebration of the 150 years of presence of the Lasallian mission in HK. Their visit and their kind words have given the Lasallian family in HK encouragement and inspiration, such that will last 150 years more.
