LEAD Story 355

2021 is the year we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as patron of the Catholic Church. Also, ever since the beginning of our Lasallian Mission, St. John Baptist De La Salle gave us St. Joseph as our patron and protector. (La Salle Worldwide)

The worldwide Lasallian Family and Bethlehem University had a special Eucharist for the Feast of St. Joseph held on March 19 in the Church of the Divine Child at Bethlehem University, in the birthplace of St. Joseph’s family. Click on the image to view the Mass on YouTube.

Find out more on the Lasallian Year of St. Joseph here: https://sj2021.lasalle.org/?lang=en

PHILIPPINES - Br. Armin Luistro FSC, the Brother Visitor of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), graced the La Salle Bacolod Brothers Community (LSBBC) with his online presence during his virtual canonical visit held last March 1 - March 5, 2021.

Aside from his interviews with each Brother of the LSBBC, the Brother Visitor also facilitated a community dialogue where he focused mainly on the innovative and creative responses made by the Brothers and Lasallian Partners during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The live stream of the community prayers and masses, the launch of Sentrál (LSBBC’s digital newsletter), and the creation of different prayer groups led by Brothers, among others, were highlighted.

Further, recommendations were made on the varying aspects of the Brother’s vocation - from the spiritual and community life of the Brothers, ministry, and vocation promotion down to the practical concerns of the Brothers related to utilities (the necessity of high-speed internet connection), health and wellness, and further studies.

At the end of his virtual canonical visit, Br. Armin challenged the Brothers to continue reimagining the Lasallian mission and discerning new forms of its expression today.

May the Lord, especially during this Lenten season, give us the grace “to open our minds and our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, [the] One who leads us always to fuller life and deeper love.” (Text & Photo: Br. Mico de Leon FSC)

THAILAND -Prayerful Lenten greetings from La Salle Chanthaburi as we begin the journey of prayer, contemplation and conversion leading towards Easter, which is the highest summit of the liturgical life of the Church.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has brought about horrific impacts on our lives. With sickness, death, schools being closed, and the unemployment rates soaring globally, it is very easy to despair. Yet, such horrific impacts also leads us to finding new ways to address the need for interconnectedness. Needless to say, Br. Armin Luistro FSC, the Visitor, was able to make his canonical visit with us via Zoom. On Feb 8th and 9th, Br. Armin was able to hold reddition with all the Brothers in the community.

In the dialogue with the community on the 9th, Br. Armin invited the community to reflect upon the effects of COVID-19 pandemic that we have collectively and or individually experienced. He asked the community to ruminate in our minds and hearts the Pastoral Letter 2020 of the Superior General as to how, in this pandemic, we can deepen our relationship with Jesus, creatively respond to the emerging needs of education, and rejuvenate the sense of community. Br. Armin also reminded the community that our Lasallian mission is integrally connected with our life in the community. Our community life and our mission cannot be separated from the community prayer life. Together they shape us and give us our identity and authenticity as De La Salle Brothers. In other words, who we are and what we do are interconnected and interrelated.

May this Lenten season be a season of change, a season of conversion, that is “a deep and sincere change of heart”which ultimately involves turning in anew direction as we continue to carry on the work entrusted to us by the Founder and the early Brothers. (Text & Photo: Br. Benedict Chaiwat Phanomworachai FSC)

THAILAND - We would like to thank Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Visitor of LEAD, for arranging time to be with us members of La Salle Sangkhlaburi community by Zoom during our Canonical Visit on February 17-18, 2021.

We talked about Brother Superior General Robert Schieler FSC’s pastoral letter 2020 titled “We Believe in the Holy Spirit, The Lord, the Giver of life.” Even in the midst of the spread of COVID-19, which is still chaotic and critical, we still believe that the Holy Spirit lives in each of us and in those people around us. (Text & Photo: Br. Raphael Tanet Lertwaja FSC)

“The Brothers live out their ministry in communion with the Church...” - Rule 11

In communion with the Archdiocese of Ozamis as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee of elevation to a diocese, the Brothers of Ozamiz and Iligan joined the local church in the Eucharistic celebration held on February 13 at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Most Reverend Martin Jumoad, D.D., Archbishop of Ozamis, celebrated the mass with the clergy of the archdiocese as co-celebrants. Other religious communities together with the representatives from different parishes and government officials were also present.

Guided by the celebration's theme - “Paghandum, Pagpasalamat ug Pagpadayon sa Kalig-on sa Pagtoo” (“Remembering, Thanking & Continuing to Strengthen the Faith”), Archbishop Jumoad thanked the different missionaries and religious communities who planted and cultivated the Christian faith in the archdiocese.

The Brothers of the Christian Schools, more commonly known as De La Salle Brothers, became involved upon the request of the Columban Sisters in the archdiocese as early as 1990 when Br. Martin Simpson FSC served as Supervisor and later the President of the then Immaculate Conception College (ICC). The De La Salle Brothers formally took over the ownership and management of ICC on May 17, 1994.

The Brothers of the Holy Infancy Community (Iligan) stayed in the Ozamiz Brothers Community for a few more days for rest, relaxation, and recreation.

The Brothers of Ozamiz Community will join the Brothers of Holy Infancy Community for this year’s Holy Week Retreat. (Text: Br. John David Ong FSC; Photos: Rev. Fr. Fernando Aguilar, Jr.)

PHILIPPINES - The Signum Fidei Association (SFA) La Salle Academy chapter and De La Salle - John Bosco College (DLS-JBC) chapter had a significant event last February 25 and 26, 2021. The first event was the Signum Fidei recollection facilitated by Br. Angelo Paolo S. Mata FSC with the theme “See Where Faith Can Go.” This recollection focuses on the faith commitment of the members as they continue to follow the values and example shown by our founder St. John Baptist de La Salle.

This recollection is in preparation for the renewal of consecration held on Saturday at the Holy Infancy Chapel, La Salle Academy, Iligan City. It was a solemn celebration as the community witnessed Mr. Floro Lachica commit himself as a new aspirant, while Mr. Jay Velez, Mr. Larry Estalane, Ms. Cherry Balanay and Ms. Florave Rico had their first consecration. It was also a joyous event as 12 members renewed their consecration physically while 29 did it virtually.

Afterwards, each chapter had their small celebration as they shared meals, laughter, and encounters with God in their life journey as members of the Signum Fidei. (Text: Br. Henry FSC & Br. Chuck Magno FSC; Photos: Mr. Larry Estalane)

LASALLE has just been ranked third in Singapore (after NUS and NTU), top 50 in Asia and 151-200 globally for Art and Design. We just received our ranking from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, one of the most influential and authoritative rankings in the world.

Within ASEAN, LASALLE ranks among the top 10 institutions, and among specialist arts institutions, LASALLE is ranked in the top 10 in Asia as well as 2nd in ASEAN, an impressive outcome for the College’s rankings debut.

We are thrilled with our inaugural ranking as it puts us in the company of some of the world’s most renowned arts institutions. It is a testament to LASALLE’s high ambitions and the tremendous achievements of all our staff, students and alumni. It affirms that we are well poised for the next exciting phase of our growth. (Text: Br. Paul Ho FSC)

Following Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement in Parliament yesterday that LASALLE will become part of Singapore’s first university of the arts, in alliance with NAFA, the news was immediately and widely reported across the media.The Straits Times highlighted Minister Lawrence Wong's statement that MOE has decided to grant the alliance university status, and degree-awarding powers, because of the high quality and standards of both institutions. The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao both also quoted Steve, who shared his views that the alliance would drive synergies and enhance capabilities such as student support and industry partnerships

Please find a compilation of the coverage below and attached. (Text: Br. Paul Ho FSC; Photo: LASALLE College of the Arts Facebook Page)

SJII Malaysia has always been thankful for the immense support it receives from parents. Last month, our Head of School received a beautiful painting depicting the very essence of the school: "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve" and "We are one, but we are many... , we are Lasallian", from Mrs Natalie Motha, one of four founding families. This precious gift was created by Danette Gomes, an artist from Mumbai, India. Their generosity is very much appreciated. May our heavenly Father bless their family and loved ones! (Text & Photo: Mr. Tony Lai)

Here’s a sharing from the Motha family.

Our journey with SJIIM began around 4 years ago when we were on the lookout for a value-based education system; something that we believe is much needed in today’s world. We chose SJIIM and haven’t been disappointed!

The holistic approach of the school towards each child’s development, be it academic or pastoral, is what has thoroughly impressed us.

The learning environment in elementary school is one that encourages curiosity. Each day has something exciting that awaits the students. As a result, our sons eagerly looked forward to attending school.

While in high school, the students are encouraged to be independent learners, to reflect, set goals, and be focused. This has led our daughter to opt for the IB Diploma Programme next year and we are only too happy to support her decision as we believe that SJIIM will not only do their best for her but also keep up to their motto: Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the SJIIM parent community through the PSG and the Christian Community. This implies that the school welcomes the attitude ‘We are one but we are many’, which is the opening line of the Lasallian anthem, ‘We are Lasallian’.

We are all on a learning journey in life, the students, parents, and the school; we choose to trust the school with their policies and decisions, understanding that they have the best interest of the students in mind and the outcome, in nearly all situations, has been rewarding.

Our children have studied in 4 countries: India, Norway, Singapore, Malaysia, and hands down they choose SJIIM as their best school. As parents of 3 Lasallians, we believe that the education they are now receiving is keeping them well-grounded and will make them ‘well adjusted’ individuals, ready to take on the world in their stride.

We are ever so grateful for that. Thank you SJIIM for making this possible.

God Bless,
Capt. Glen & Mrs Natalie Motha
Founding SJIIM family and parents of:
Meagan (Year 11), David (Year 8) & Nathan (Year 8)

Painting from Mrs Motha
Painting from Mrs Motha.jpg

 

The Motha Children
The Motha Children

 

View the RESOURCE page for the complete LEAD Stories issues in PDF format.