LEAD Story 386

JAPAN - 2022 marks a special year for the Lasallian Family in Japan. It marks the 90th year since the arrival in Japan of the first four Brothers from Montreal, Canada. To celebrate this milestone, the design is made of lines that would resemble the traditional hanko or seal that shows the “carved history” of the Lasallian Mission in Japan.

1. sakura or cherry blossoms
   In the Japanese culture, the season for the sakura or cherry blossoms signifies a time of renewal and optimism.
    
2. Mt. Fuji or Fuji-san
   Since ancient times, Fuji-san is venerated as the most sacred place and an enduring symbol for good fortune and inspiration amidst daily struggles.
    
3. crane or tsuru
   The crane or tsuru is considered as one of Japan’s national treasures. It is a symbol of longevity and happiness.
    
4. Torii gate
   These are the traditional Japanese gates found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. These gates are believed to act as a passageway to sacred places.
    
5. sensu or folding fan
   The folding fan is a common gift to honor births and new life. The blades of the fan symbolize the possible paths leading away from its beginning.
    
6. Lasallian Partners and Brothers
   Today, the Lasallian Mission in Japan is animated greatly by the Lasallian Partners and the Brothers. The new challenges bring forth a renewed spirit of commitment to continue providing excellent human and Christian education in Japan.

The design includes different elements alluding to the past, present and future story of the Lasallian Mission in Japan. With this, the Lasallian Family in Japan honors the legacy of those who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to contribute to the Lasallian Mission and inspire those of the present to move onwards to a renewed future with an enriched Spirit of Faith, Zeal for Service and Communion in Mission. (Text: Br. Nico Mariano FSC)

*We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Earl Marquez for collaborating with us to produce the design for the 90 th anniversary logo.

The month of April 2022 witnessed 28 LEAD Young Brothers from different parts of East Asia renewing their annual vows as De La Salle Brothers. Congratulations!

PHILIPPINES - The De La Salle University Dasmarinas (DLSU-D) Community celebrated Lasallian Mission Festival and Students’ Week last April 1 8 - 2 3 , 2022 , with the theme : “Lasalyano: T.A.Y.O. NA! - Transforming Lives in Celebrating Achievements and Yielding Opportunities for the Mission”. It was meant to celebrate God’s gifts, blessings and opportunities that allowed us to survive, thrive and rise above the challenges that the global health pandemic has brought forth for the past two years. We continue to “dream our way froward” by using our gifts and abilities in becoming visible witnesses of God’s mercy, healing and compassion.

The highlight of the week-long festivities was the Visit of the Relic of St. John Baptist de La Salle. In the morning of April 18th, the Relic of the Founder was welcomed at the Senior High School Chapel, followed by the praying of the Lasallian Rosary. A solemn procession followed, leading to the Chapel of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary where his relic was solemnly enthroned. The Eucharistic Celebration was then presided over by the Bishop of Imus, His Excellency Reynaldo Evangelista, DD. The University President, Br. Augustine Boquer FSC, delivered his message. The Holy Mass and opening celebration was participated in by the Brother Chancellor, Br. Francisco Dela Rosa FSC, De La Salle Brothers from the Residencia Community, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, representatives from the parents and alumni, and selected student leaders and senior high school students.

“This year's celebration of the Lasallian Festival is truly special and symbolic. Two years ago, we were in the midst of St. John Baptist de La Salle's Relic (bone) Tour in the different Parishes of the Diocese of Imus, as part of the commemoration of the death tercentenary of our Founder. However, this was disrupted due to the global health pandemic. But by the grace of God, we are given the chance to be visited once again by the Holy Relic, which is at the heart of this year's celebration of the Lasallian Festival and Student's Week. This is symbolic of the Founder “welcoming back the members of the community onsite, especially our Young Lasallians, as we intend to have the Veneration and other activities done onsite (with all safety protocols in place)” (DLSU-D Campus Ministry FB Page).

It was truly a great blessing that we have had in our midst a visible and powerful reminder of the life of our St. John Baptist de La Salle. With the visit of the relic of our holy founder, we celebrate the gift of our Lasallian identity and mission as we are challenged to be “Lasallian” in the truest sense of the word. May our personal encounter with De La Salle impel us to be living images of his love and compassion, especially to the youth that has been entrusted to our care. May each one of us become builders of a community of faith and zeal, united in the mission of teaching minds, touching hearts and transforming lives, after the life and example of our Father Founder. (Text: Dr. Maria Gracia “Ate Grace” Olorga; Photos: Mr. Jose Ritche Bongcaron)

PHILIPPINES - Eleven members from the Philippine Sector of the Midlife Brothers Conference (MBC) gathered in Dauin, Dumaguete last April 6-10. The event was organized by Br. Kenneth Martinez who was the moderator for many years. Attendees were Brothers Felipe, Bong, Ruben, Vince, Manny, Mandy, Richie, Arian, Sockie and Aikee. The gathering was a mix of spiritual and recreation activities. Aside from attending evening masses, the Brothers enjoyed playing mahjong, singing karaoke and sightseeing. Special thanks goes to the Yanson Family of Bacolod City for their generosity. (Text & Photos: Br. Aikee Esmeli FSC)

PHILIPPINES - Eleven senior Brothers from Luzon gathered for lunch last April 23, 2022. Br. Victor Franco planned the activity at Da Gianni Cucina Italiana in West Grove, Alabang.

Brs. Andre LaBelle, Ray Suplido, Victor Franco, Gus Boquer, Bernie Oca, Armin Luistro, Jun Estrellas, Bong Servando, Mawel Pajarillo, Jimmy Dalumpines, Martin Sellner and Bobby Casingal enjoyed Italian food and sharing it for the food ordered were big portions for a senior Brother.

The gathering was filled with smiles, stories, laughter and just enjoying each others’ company. Most of us have not seen each other for quite some time due to the pandemic lockdown in the Philippines.

‘May the Lord bless the work we have begun, make good its defects and allow us to finish it in a way that would please Him’ (Liturgy of the Hours). (Text & Photos: Br. Bong Servando FSC)

SINGAPORE - Our boys carved their names in history as we emerged Champions for the first time in the National Senior Division Track & Field Championships!

It was an exciting and heart-stopping race to the finish line as the boys raced hard over five grueling days of high-octane competition! With the support of our amazing parents and Coach Ben, our boys labored to a well deserved victory! (St. Joseph’s Institution Junior Official Facebook Page)

PHILIPPINES - Tulong Lasalyano, the social action and development unit of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines, has been assisting areas badly affected by Super Typhoon Odette since December 2021.

From March 27 to April 1, 2022, through the help of Philippine Airlines and Shang Properties Inc., a team composed of the Tulong Lasalyano staff and volunteers from De La Salle University (Manila), La Salle University - Ozamiz conducted relief distribution and psychological first aid sessions in the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. They came at the request of Vice Mayor Alfred Matugas Coro II.

A total of 1,500 food packs and 180 sets of building materials were distributed in the course of the visit.

The DLSU/LSU team served 273 participants (students, teachers and parents) at the Del Carmen National High School. (De La Salle Philippines Official Facebook Page)

View the photo album here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158314431386073&type=3