Youth & Vocations

From the De La Salle Brothers of Malaysia Facebook page

The De La Salle Brothers of Malaysia organized a series of inspiring sessions for the student leaders and Catholic students of SMK St. Francis Institution on 14-15 October 2024. Led by Brothers Carlo (SG), Collin (SG), Jeano (PH), and Mico (MY), the sessions focused on the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle and deepened the students’ understanding of Lasallian identity.

On Day 1, the Catholic students participated in a session centered around Vocation. The Brothers shared their personal vocation journeys, offering reflections on faith and service, alongside the inspiring life of St. John Baptist de La Salle. The session sparked meaningful and thought-provoking conversations, encouraging students to explore their own sense of purpose and calling.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Lee and the school administrators of SFI for warmly welcoming us and making this visit possible.

Stay tuned for more photos of the other sessions!

#FSCvocations #BecomingBrothers

by Paulo Luis Gabriel De Guzman and Kyra Cho

On the 2nd of October 2024, Lasallians from across the Lasallian East Asian District participated in the 2nd iteration of Lasallian Connect, hosted by Saint Joseph's Institution International in Singapore. This unique online gathering, held in celebration of International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP), allowed student leaders to come together to celebrate the wide range of initiatives and activities from their schools or institutions. Lasallian Connect served as a platform for these young leaders to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and foster a sense of unity across borders, where nearly 50 students, teachers and Brothers from Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan participated in this year’s call. 

The discussions this year centred around the theme of ILDP this year, One La Salle: Our Pilgrimage Towards Peace, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) providing the framework for these conversations. The call was divided into breakout rooms, with each group discussing one of the five SDG pillars: peace, prosperity, people, partnerships, and planet. In each room, students explored how their respective institutions embrace and embody Lasallian values from the lens of the pillar.

The discussions were lively and reflective of the strong Lasallian spirit. Students eagerly shared examples of how they and their schools contribute to the SDGs by integrating Lasallian values into projects focused on social justice, environmental protection, and community service. The breakout rooms provided a space for students to engage in more personal and detailed conversations, enabling them to dive deeper into the specific ways their schools work toward the SDG goals .In the "Peace" group for instance, students and brothers shared how their schools promote student wellbeing through programs designed to emphasise the importance of checking in on fellow students. 

One of the highlights of the call was where students collaborated using a shared whiteboard to design artwork that captured the essence of their discussions. Each group presented their final piece, reflecting and learning from other groups. 

As the call concluded, the energy of collaboration and shared purpose resonated among the participants, leaving them inspired to bring these discussions back to their schools and continue their work. For students in SJII, Lasallian connect is merely one of a number of opportunities held during the month of ILDP, with other initiatives including schoolwide weekly morning reflections on how Lasallians strive to achieve peace through the various pillars, and the sale of custom Lasallian T-shirts with funds being used to support school charities.  

Due to the success of the event, the hope is to make Lasallian Connect a lasting tradition, held annually on the Wednesday of the second week of ILDP, ensuring students from across the region have a regular opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate Lasallian values, and collaborate on a global level. 

Lasallian Connect 2024 was more than just a virtual meeting - it was an opportunity to forge bonds between students across Asia and inspire collaboration. Through their conversations, students shared insights into how their schools contribute to the global Lasallian mission, highlighting the tangible ways in which Lasallian values are being acknowledged in schools. This sense of unity and common purpose reinforces the message that all Lasallians, despite their diverse backgrounds, are collectively contributing to a more peaceful world.

by Danielle Anne Arellano (Grade 12 student), Managing Editor of The Hilarian from St. Jaime Hilario School - De La Salle Bataan

“Peace is not just about the absence of war, but also the presence of justice."

On 02 October 2024, the Horacio Cebrero Hall, Central House Administration became a room for resilience as various La Salle schools across the Philippines gathered either through face-to-face or via online meetings for the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP) 2024. With the title, “Kwentong Lipat: Moving Stories of Displacement and Hope,” the event celebrated the power of storytelling and fostering compassion despite adversity.

DLSP hosted the ILDP 2024 in line with the Lasallian East Asia District's LEAD for Peace campaign and the Philippines’ celebration of Human Rights and Democracy Month.

TRANSCENDING BORDERS

“It does not mean that it does not happen to you, it does not happen at all."

Stories from the refugees have captured the hearts and minds of the Lasallian community. Their narratives of war and displacement showed the harsh realities that other people face. Their testimonies as refugees reminded everyone of the struggles that they faced, one that is sometimes forgotten by others. Their struggles and hardships in transcending physical and emotional borders emphasized the need for a just government and the significance of freedom to a human being.

SPARKING CONVERSATIONS

Even if we are not the light, we can be the spark! The event attendees engaged in discussions and explored ways in which Lasallians can be agents of peace. During the small group discussions, the Lasallian community was encouraged to take steps towards peace.

“The part that really struck me was the speech of the Founder of Little Gaza kitchen, I’m touched na may mga tao pa pala na handang tumulong kahit hindi sila sigurado kung hanggang kailan nila kayang tulungan ang mga refugee[s]. Thus, as a student journalist, we must be a leader, models of values of peace, service, and empathy in our own schools,” Nathalie Malang, a Grade 12 student from St. Jaime Hilario School - De La Salle Bataan said in an interview.

Hearing and imagining these stories from other people was indeed difficult to imagine. However, that day, gratitude filled the air as ILDP became a safe space to share stories, encouraging the Lasallian family to take a stand and be the change. 

Mr. Gladstone Cuarteros, the Lasallian Justice and Peace Office, National Coordinator gave his synthesis. He concluded that we must always embrace peace and help from the heart, reflecting this belief in the phrase, “pagtulong na galing sa puso.” “If only we could change mindsets and become more open[-minded], we would have a better world,” he added.

With hearts full of empathy, the Lasallians were reminded that the change begins within. Thus, as Lasallians, let us start the change we want to see, the change that begins in us.
 

By Raphael Chua (4th year BS Industrial Engineering Student; Contact of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines)

Having entered the Brothers Live in Program (BLIP), I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a transformative experience that helped me reinforce my faith, service, and communion with the help of De La Salle Brothers. This is a program where we have discussions and learnings that can spark a passion for social justice. Most importantly, it is where the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle feel ever present. 

From the moment I first arrived, the Brothers were all welcoming, and I immediately had a sense of belonging to the community. Initially, I had misconceptions about the Brothers being strict but it was quite the opposite. They cracked all sorts of jokes, shared their journey, and were genuinely supportive of whatever challenges we were facing in our lives. Living alongside the Brothers allowed me to witness firsthand their dedication to education and service.

Our day starts with a communal prayer, and during this time, I reflect on the blessings in my life and the opportunities that lie ahead. During the evenings, there were informal gatherings in the common area just so everyone could catch up on their day. We share our triumphs and frustrations throughout the day. The sessions that we have helped me learn more about the brothers' vocation. What struck me the most in one of our sessions was Brother Kino telling us that vocation is not just a calling but also responding to the call. It talks about recognizing our purpose and taking the necessary actions to fulfill it. 

To any young man considering joining BLIP, I advise you to join the program to have an opportunity to discover your potential and have the opportunity to awaken for a higher purpose. You will live and breathe the Lasallian traditions and carry them forward to the world. 

The bonds that I have formed throughout my journey will last a lifetime. It made me into a more thoughtful individual ready to face the challenges of the world, exemplifying our core values of faith, service, and communion. 

#YesBro #FSCvocations

By Jose Miguel Villegas (2nd Year BS Legal Management Student; Aspirant of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines)

Questions answered, curiosities quenched, and new paths illuminated — these were the shared experiences of the young men who participated in the Becoming Brothers Manila event.

The National Lasallian Vocations Team of De La Salle Philippines, in partnership with the Lasallian Vocations Team of De La Salle University, hosted the Becoming Brothers last 28 September at the Jose Pardo AFSC Hall. Around 17 De La Salle Brothers and three postulants shared their vocation stories with curious students and young professionals. Unique in its own way, the journey of the invited De La Salle Brothers from schools in Luzon has inspired those present to reflect and seek their own mission — their vocation. Many questions were raised, but the frequent concern of participants was whether becoming a De La Salle Brother would force them to leave their profession. In one of the tables, Br. John David Ong FSC, Director of the Lasallian Formation Center, shared that one can still practice his profession as a De La Salle Brother. He continues to explain that one’s current work is a vocation that can be adopted and practiced in ways aligned with the ministries of a Lasalle Brother.

As the event concludes, the community of De La Salle Brothers in Manila and the entire Philippines remains hopeful. They hope that the theme of the event, 'Seeking One's Vocation,' will continue to resonate with the audience, inspiring them to consider the invitation to serve a life similar to that of the founder, St. John Baptist de la Salle.

#YesBro #FSCvocations

Members of the National Lasallian Vocations Team (NLVT) spent two days (6-7 September 2024) with the De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College community!

The team conducted a recollection for all personnel, provided leadership training for aspiring Lasallian leaders, led a session on disaster and risk reduction management, and promoted various Lasallian vocations.

The two-day engagement concluded with a plenary reflection involving both students and partners, who affirmed that the three words encapsulating their greatest takeaways were: love, meaning, and community.

The NLVT extends its gratitude to the school administrators and partners who made the visit possible!

#YesBro #LasallianVocations

“Beautiful life”—this is how Br. Vic Franco FSC has described his 60 years as a De La Salle Brother. He shared this reflection with around 40 young men who were eager to learn more about the Brothers' way of life during the "Becoming Brothers" event. Br. Vic was joined by 24 other Brothers and 3 Postulants from the Lasallian East Asia District.

This vocation promotions activity was hosted by the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines and took place via Zoom on 30 August 2024.

A special thanks to Ms. Chelsea Catli, the Lasallian Youth Coordinator of De La Salle Philippines, for moderating the insightful discussion.

#YesBro #FSCvocations