LEAD Story 443

Over the course of five months, members of the District Council of Vietnam collaborated closely with an ad-hoc team of educators from De La Salle University to design distinct leadership and formation programs tailored for the Brothers and Lasallian partners in Vietnam. This collaborative effort involved regular correspondence and both virtual and in-person meetings. The planning process was comprehensive. It began with gathering profiles and expectations of potential participants, followed by the selection and preparation of materials for translation into Vietnamese and Khmer. The team also aligned on overarching goals and meticulously crafted the structure and content of the programs.

The development team—comprising Ms. Fritzie Ian de Vera, Br. Hans Moran, FSC, Dr. Voltaire Mistades, and Dr. Christine Joy Ballada—worked in close consultation with Br. Joseph Le Van Phuong, Visitor of the District, and the members of the District Council of Vietnam. Together, they defined the shared objectives of the programs that include deepening the understanding and application of Lasallian leadership, pedagogy, and association for mission. Participants were also encouraged to reflect on their vocational journey and explore ways to embody their commitment to the Lasallian educational mission. Additionally, the programs aimed to empower participants to develop a personal or communal action plan that integrates leadership, pedagogical, and collaborative strategies rooted in Lasallian values and ideals and, collaborate with fellow Lasallians to create and implement contextualized formation programs for their specific ministries.

Twenty-four Brothers gathered for the four-day formation program designed especially for La Salle Brothers—an experience enriched by the full participation of the District Council. The first day set the tone with a deep and stirring reflection on Lasallian leadership through the lens of the Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission. Discussions quickly moved beyond theory, diving into the heart of real-life challenges facing Brothers in Vietnam today. One moment in particular stood out. As the group grappled with what it truly means to lead as a Lasallian, two powerful questions surfaced: “Do we ignore someone in our own community?” “Do we make excuses not to care for someone?” These questions struck a chord—and opened the door to a deeper spiritual inquiry: How do we recognize God’s fingerprints in those we struggle to like?  Thus, what began as a session on leadership quickly transformed into a collective soul-searching—a reminder that leading as a Lasallian is not just about service or strategy, but about love, humility, and seeing the sacred in everyone. The session ended with the Brothers identifying key priorities they want to look into – formation and empowerment of lay people, accompanying struggling students and environmental sustainability. 

Day two of the Brothers’ formation journey turned the spotlight on Lasallian pedagogy. Building on the momentum of the first day, participants were invited to reflect on their own understanding and experience of the core elements of Lasallian educational practice.This reflection seamlessly led into a dynamic workshop exploring current teaching approaches in Vietnam. The Brothers shared insights, highlighted challenges, and voiced their hopes for the future of Lasallian education in their contexts. The discussion took on new energy as the group engaged with contemporary learning theories—many of which reaffirmed what St. John Baptist de La Salle had championed centuries ago: that the learner must be at the heart of the educational process. While today we call this “learner-centeredness,” for Lasallians, it’s a time-honored conviction that continues to shape both vision and practice.

On the third day, the focus turned inward once more—this time to the deep roots of association. Building on the spirit of reflection from the previous days, the Brothers were invited to contemplate what it truly means to live out their vow of association in today’s world. The reflections stirred honest questions about leadership, co-responsibility, and the sacred bonds that unite those who share the Lasallian mission. The Brothers were challenged not only to assess their own leadership but also to recognize and honor the voices and contributions of others—especially Lasallian women—who, though vowed in different ways, walk the same path of mission and commitment. Then came a creative and heartfelt activity: participants were asked to identify ten meaningful ways to nurture association in their communities. With inspiration and imagination flowing, they moved from reflection to expression—crafting their vision of the District in 10 years, visual dreams of the kind of Lasallian association and shared mission they longed to see. The results were powerful: images that captured hopes, relationships, and a deep desire to build a future rooted in unity and love.

The final day of the Brothers’ program invited them to grapple with a deeply personal and transformative question: “Who is my brother?” This wasn’t merely a theological reflection—it was a challenge to look at partnership with fresh eyes, to confront the reality of empowerment, and to embrace the shared mission in all its complexity, especially in a country where the state keeps a close watch on those engaged in education. The Brothers were asked to go beyond reflection and identify concrete, actionable steps to strengthen partnership and animate the mission more boldly. Using post-it notes as vessels of intention, the group engaged in lively discussions and finally reached consensus on key priorities that would shape their path forward. In a moving final Mass, these commitments were lifted up in prayer, symbolically and spiritually sealing the work they had begun together. Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, General Councilor for PARC, and Br. Armin Luistro FSC both offered heartfelt messages of encouragement. Br. Armin especially underscored the vital role of working hand in hand with Lasallian partners in Vietnam—calling it a true expression of synodality. With deep conviction, he affirmed his belief that the District of Vietnam, with its world-renowned resilience and dedication, is more than capable of living out this shared journey of faith and mission.

The three-day formation program for 21 Lasallian partners with 3 Brothers from the District leadership team began on July 8—and it opened with bold, soul-stirring questions-- “What keeps me in the mission?” “Where do I find hope?”“Where do we stand as facilitators of learning?” These questions, posed to educators and school leaders from four different Lasallian schools, immediately set a reflective and heartfelt tone. As participants shared their truths, their stories became threads in a powerful tapestry of vocation, resilience, and purpose. From this rich exchange emerged the theme of creative fidelity—a reminder that there are countless ways to serve, to teach, to lead. Fidelity to the Lasallian mission does not mean repetition; it means reimagining our response to the needs of today’s learners while staying rooted in our founding spirit. In the afternoon, energy turned into action. Participants dove into a hands-on workshop, identifying specific and meaningful ways to nurture and strengthen Lasallian culture in their schools and communities. The room buzzed with determination, passion, and a shared sense that what they do—and how they do it—can truly transform lives.

The second day of the formation brought the Lasallian partners on a profound journey, exploring two vital dimensions of their vocation: Lasallian spirituality and Lasallian pedagogy. Recognizing the secular context of Vietnamese society, the day began with a deeply personal reflection. Participants were asked to recall a moment when they felt truly connected to something—or someone—greater than themselves. The sharing was rich and moving, opening the door to a deeper question: “What does spirituality mean to you?”

This question invited the group to articulate the core beliefs and values that anchor their inner lives. Their reflections naturally flowed into a discussion on the themes of Lasallian spirituality, drawing from the Meditations of St. John Baptist de La Salle. The group then encountered the four-fold invitation to the Lasallian educator. Facilitators guided participants to reflect: “How is this invitation unfolding in your life as a Lasallian educator?” This question was meant as a turning point, drawing a powerful connection between Lasallian spirituality and educational practice. It was no longer just about what they taught, but how and why they taught.

The afternoon continued this rich reflection by asking a deceptively simple question: “What makes a good Lasallian educator?” Participants drew from their own experience, writing on note cards the qualities and practices they believed defined truly effective teachers. These insights laid the foundation for revisiting the essential elements of Lasallian pedagogy—its focus on learner-centeredness, the power of human relationships, its aim to prepare students for life, its preferential option for the poor, and the call to foster interiority. To close the day, the facilitators introduced two contemporary educational approaches—learner-centered education and outcomes-based education—linking the enduring values of the Lasallian tradition with evolving global practices.
It was a day of insight, integration, and renewed conviction: to teach as Lasallians is to form both hearts and minds, grounded in spirit and propelled by purpose.

The final day of the Partners’ formation was a powerful culmination—rich in meaning and deeply personal. The theme of association, which had been central to the Brothers’ formation, now took center stage for the Partners. Though many participants had only been part of the Lasallian mission for less than a decade, they were invited to look back and reflect: “How did I first become part of this mission?”

What followed was a beautiful outpouring of stories—honest, heartfelt, and uniquely personal. Each story was captured in a poster and displayed in a Gallery Walk, allowing everyone to see, honor, and celebrate the many paths that led them to this shared vocation. The room was filled with quiet reflection, smiles of recognition, and a renewed sense of belonging. These stories laid the perfect foundation for a deeper conversation on co-responsibility, association, and the evolving and essential role of women in the Lasallian family. Facilitators guided the discussion with sensitivity and passion, helping participants see themselves not just as employees, but as mission partners—co-builders of a legacy rooted in faith and service.

To close the day—and the entire program—each participant was asked to identify three concrete commitments to promote association in their school communities. The commitments they shared revolved around making more efforts in understanding the learner inside and outside the classroom, creating spaces for deepening spirituality and engaging both students and partners in more service activities.  These were crafted into simple action plans and shared in plenary, drawing affirming feedback and thoughtful insights from fellow participants, facilitators, and members of the District Council who had been quietly observing throughout the formation. The program ended with a meaningful closing ritual, where their personal commitments were symbolically offered—turning intention into promise, and shared hope into action.

Taken together, the formation programs for the Brothers and Partners of the District of Vietnam stand as a moving testament to the spirit of synodality that the Lasallian family strives to live each day—walking together, listening deeply, and discerning faithfully.

This journey was made possible by the unwavering support of De La Salle University, the steadfast commitment of the District of Vietnam’s leadership, the passion and dedication of the facilitators and resource persons, and the wholehearted engagement of the Brothers and partners who gave themselves fully to the experience.

More than just a series of sessions, this formation was a living expression of communion—of hearts united in mission, of voices lifted in shared purpose. It revealed something truly inspiring: that the Lasallian mission in Vietnam is not only alive—it is vibrant, growing, and filled with hope for the future.

To strengthen its global commitment to formation and professional development, the General Council has re-established the ICJM Consortium Office. This renewed office serves as a hub to design, coordinate, and support continuing formation programs for Brothers and Lasallian partners across the Institute. The ICJM Consortium helped in launching the recent formation initiative in Vietnam, and stands ready to assist any sector or District seeking short- or medium-term formation and development programs. By drawing on the expertise of academics from our network of Consortium universities, we are able to offer tailored and mission-aligned support. If your District or sector is looking to collaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at icjm@lasalle.org—we’re here to help.

Tagpuan (Encounter) 8.0 is a collaborative project of the De La Salle Brothers in Hong Kong and the De La Salle Alumni Association—One La Salle Hong Kong, which was held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Lasallian Youth Centre in Sheung Shui.

This event was specifically designed to offer support for the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong. Fr. Francis Ezinwa, the attaché for the Study Mission of the Vatican in Hong Kong, celebrated by 10:00 AM. A session on financial well-being was conducted at 11:00 AM by resource speaker Mr. Davyd Wong, a local solicitor. He specifically discussed the process of how to get free legal aid when regarding unpaid debts, especially for migrant workers in Hong Kong. The afternoon was spent on a mental well-being session with Dr. Kimberly Carder, an expat from Brazil who is a professional psychologist. Parlor games provided a recreational segment that Br. Emong and his team supervised. The Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong also came over in the afternoon to grace the event. Tagpuan is a ‘leavening project’ that exemplifies the ongoing commitment of the Lasallian community to supporting the holistic needs of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

In the photo: (at center left) Fr. Francis Ezinwa and (at center right) Consul General Romulo Victor Israel of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.



By Br. Patrick Tierney FSC

I like to read and write.

The latest written offering is called SNAPS.

When I was in Primary school, a photographer used to come to take class photos. He set up, disappeared under a big black cloth and re-emerged. The pictures were in black and white and came out rather well. Snaps was the common name for photos at the time.

The snaps in this book are short, one-page memories which must have been dozing in the mind before awaking into the light of day. Some go way back, others are of modern vintage.

The book was launched on 10th July 2025, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Brothers in Hong Kong. 

Copies can be ordered from the Hong Kong Lasallian Resource Centre, C/O Ms Amy Poon. Her email address is poon.ypa@lasalle.edu.hk

Happy reading.
 

By Brian Chan (Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College)

On July 2, 2025, the Hong Kong Lasallian family came together for a momentous celebration, the Saint Brother Mutien Marie Service Award Ceremony, honoring the remarkable dedication of ten (10) Lasallian Partners from our eight schools who have selflessly devoted 25 years—and beyond—to the Lasallian mission. This grand inaugural ceremony, hosted in collaboration with Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College, transcended a typical awards event; it was a magnificent tribute to the enduring spirit of service that has been the bedrock of our educational community.

With an atmosphere brimming with joy and reverence, the event showcased heartfelt stories of commitment and resilience, illuminating the profound impact these individuals have had on countless lives. Mr. Steve Leung, the principal of La Salle College, gave a message on behalf of all the awardees. The gathering served not only to recognize their achievements but also to inspire future generations to embrace the values of faith, service, and community that define the Lasallian ethos. As we celebrated this milestone, we reaffirmed our collective dedication to fostering a brighter future, united in purpose and passion.

Response of Mr. Steve Leung, principal of La Salle College, on behalf of the awardees:

Thank you for allowing me to share my experiences on behalf of the awardees.

For 25 years, we have been part of this institution—the Lasallian family of Hong Kong—in various roles: as principals, teachers, office staff, technicians, and janitors. Even though we serve in different schools and hold different responsibilities, there is a profound link among us because “WE ARE ONE, BUT WE ARE MANY. I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE LASALLIAN.”

It is not easy to stay in the same organization for 25 years; there must be factors that draw us here. For me, I believe they can be summed up in the 3 Rs: Relationship, Respect, and Rejoice.

The first R – Relationship

In our Lasallian communities, we often speak of brotherhood and the importance of human relationships. These relationships are central to a Lasallian school. From the very beginning of my journey 25 years ago at La Salle College as a new teacher, I was inspired by Br. Patrick, who was my principal, and Br. Thomas, who succeeded him after a year. They served as role models and reminded us that Lasallian education extends far beyond academics; it emphasizes the importance of building relationships and guiding students to become compassionate, responsible individuals. Over the years, from the classroom to the Principal’s office, this belief has become the cornerstone of my approach to fostering positive and supportive relationships among students and staff.

The second R – Respect

When interacting with students and staff, I always strive to use gentle and respectful language. Back in 2014, I was promoted to the role of Discipline Master. I believe many of you can relate; every student tends to fear the DM. While maintaining order was a challenge, it provided me with opportunities to grow in empathy and fairness. I learned that discipline in Lasallian education is not about punishment but about encouraging responsibility and nurturing character. This experience prepared me for my later responsibilities as principal, where I balanced administrative duties with the human element of leadership, always showing the utmost respect to others.

The third R – Rejoice

Respectful relationships contribute to happiness, which I consider the most important reason I’ve been here for 25 years—and I hope for many more. As the administrator of the College, I carry a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every student and every staff member feels valued and supported, rejoicing in this Lasallian institution.

I owe immense gratitude to the Lasallian family, which has guided me at every step. Their unwavering support has helped me grow as a leader and as a person. The values of teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives will always remain at the heart of my commitment to education. Together, as one Lasallian family, let us continue this extraordinary journey of service to our community.

Thank you.

by Ruiychi Rosh De Guzman

We live in a world that moves too fast, where we’re constantly expected to perform, to keep going, and to always be okay, even when we’re not. In a session with Br. Bobby Casingal FSC, we talked about journaling. Honestly, it felt like a much-needed pause that reminded me of an important truth: reflection isn’t just something nice to do—it’s something we need.

Before today, I always saw journaling as a simple task, just something teachers asked us to do or a way to write about what happened during the day. It felt more like a routine than a meaningful experience. But as Br. Bobby shared more about its purpose, I started to see it differently. It’s not just about recording events. It’s a way of checking in with myself, especially in times of confusion or when emotions feel heavy.

Journal writing helps me meet myself where I am, and that can be uncomfortable, especially when I don’t fully understand what I’m feeling. But it’s also where honesty begins. One thing I remember the most was the idea that emotions themselves aren’t bad. They only become overwhelming when we ignore them or push them aside. That made me reflect because I’ve done that more than once, thinking that staying quiet and appearing strong meant I was doing the right thing. But the more I bottle things up, the heavier they become. Journaling can be a space where I don’t have to perform or explain. I can simply be real, even about the things I can’t say out loud.

Another insight I appreciated was the encouragement to just write without analysis. I tend to overthink what I’m writing or try to make it sound a certain way. But in this session, I learned that writing doesn’t always have to make sense. Sometimes, the most healing thing is just to show up on the page, unfiltered. That’s when reflection becomes honest. That’s when growth begins—not by fixing everything, but by giving myself permission to feel.

What I valued most about the session was how it embraced the reality that life is messy. It’s not always organized or logical, and we shouldn’t expect ourselves to be either. Journaling doesn’t demand answers. It just asks us to be present, to listen, and to be honest with ourselves. 

Yes, we may live in a world that moves too fast. But every now and then, it’s okay to slow down and listen—not to the noise around us, but to what’s been waiting inside, quietly asking to be heard.

Moving forward, I want to carry this session with me, not just as something personal, but as something I can share with others. As a student leader and a De La Salle Brother’s contact, I see the value of creating more moments like this, where reflection is encouraged and where honesty is welcomed. Journaling has shown me the power of slowing down, and I hope to make space for others to do the same. Because sometimes, the most meaningful kind of leadership starts not with answers, but with the courage to pause, reflect, and simply be real.

A Reflection on the Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 of Aspirant Alex Nethercott

The Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 (BVC 2025) was a significant event for me, not just as a participant but as someone on a journey of self-discovery. Initially, I approached the camp with no particular expectations, thinking it might be similar to previous experiences like ILAW. However, as the days unfolded, I realized that BVC 2025 was much more than just another recollection; it was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of my vocation and the Lasallian mission.

One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of adaptation and sensitivity. The camp placed me in situations where I had to be aware of my surroundings and the needs of others. For instance, during our community service activities, I found myself working with children from the peripheries. Their backgrounds and experiences were different from mine. This taught me the value of empathy and the need to be flexible in my interactions. I began to see how being sensitive to others’ realities is a cornerstone of serving the local community, one of the key focuses of BVC 2025.

The concept of brotherhood also took on a new meaning for me during the camp. I experienced firsthand the support and guidance that comes from being part of a community. There was a moment when I was feeling particularly anxious about leading a session. A brother
noticed my unease and took the time to reassure me. That simple act of kindness reminded me that I am not alone in my journey and that there is always someone ready to help. It made me feel truly connected to the Lasallian mission, where brothers lift each other in times of need.

Reflecting on the idea that everyone is equally created and called by God was another profound takeaway. The sentence "Each of us bears the fingerprint of God, equally created, equally called" resonated deeply with me. It made me realize that my vocation is not just about joining a congregation but about discovering and living out my unique purpose. This perspective shift has given me a greater sense of clarity and purpose in my aspirations. I started to see my participation in BVC 2025 as a step toward understanding my mission, whether it leads me to the brothers or to another path where I can excel and serve.

The camp also introduced me to the concept of "WAIT" - Why Am I Talking? This simple yet powerful acronym has become a mantra for me. It reminds me to pause and reflect before speaking or acting. This practice has since become a part of my daily life, helping me to be more mindful and intentional in my interactions. It’s a lesson that I carry with me, a quiet reminder that sometimes a step backward is just a chance to rethink and realign with my purpose.

Perhaps the most significant impact of BVC 2025 was on my journey of self-discernment. I believe that my participation in the camp was not coincidental but a part of God’s plan for me. The experiences and lessons I gained have touched my heart and transformed my daily life. Through the modules, the prayer, and the community building, I feel more connected to my passion and purpose. The camp didn’t just teach me new things; it stirred something deep within me, making me more committed than ever to living a life of service and brotherhood.

In conclusion, BVC 2025 was more than just a camp; it was a pivotal moment in my journey.  Through serving the local community and connecting with aspirants, contacts, and brothers, I have gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live the Lasallian mission. I am grateful for the experience and the ways it has touched my heart and transformed my daily life. As I continue on my path, I carry with me the lessons of adaptation, brotherhood, equality, and the importance of pausing to reflect. These will guide me as I strive to live out my passion and purpose, wherever that may lead.
 

A Reflection on the Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 by Aspirant Cheval Biwang

I find that saying yes is often the easier answer to most situations. People would not usually question it. A “no” on the other hand raises a lot of questions like “why not?” However, it wasn’t until this recent Vocation Camp that I realized that for the past two years I did not know what I was really saying “yes” to. Was it to join the BLIP? To become a contact? To join the gatherings? To become an aspirant? I never knew that it was also important to ask questions whenever we respond in the affirmative to a call.

I remember seeing the “Yes Bro!” shirt for the first time. It was white with green letters. “Cool design” I thought. I never really looked deeper. Then I got my own shirt when I joined the live-in program, and I would regularly wear it. People would ask what it meant, and looking back, I didn’t really have a personal explanation as to what “Yes Bro” meant. I just thought it was me saying yes to a brother – nothing deeper. After joining VMAC (Visayas Mindanao Aspirants Conference) and the BVC (Brothers’ Vocations Camp), I saw more of the “Yes Bro” and I thought it was a nationwide branding of the vocation.

This year however, after being able to glimpse at the life of service, and as recently being able to facilitate a retreat in Cebu and a recollection in Boystown, I realized that this is more than just a brand. “Yes Bro” is more than just a slogan on a shirt. The smiles that I got to see, the laughter that I got to hear, the emotions that I got to feel, the connections I was able to make – from the classroom of SBMA, to the cells of Bilibid, to the solemn rooms of Schoenstatt, and now in the halls of Boystown – it was all because I said yes to something that I truly did not even attempt to understand.

After much reflection as to what keeps me going in this program, I still could not put it into words. Luckily, I received a new shirt. This time, the design was different. What was written on the shirt struck me because finally, after two years, I was able to formulate the “why” of my yes into words. 

“Imagine if your Yes leads you to teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives.”

Looking back, I realize that my “yes” didn’t start with full understanding—but meaning caught up with me through the journey. What began as a simple response, even a passive one, has grown into a commitment shaped by experience, service, and reflection. From classrooms to retreat halls, the faces and stories I encountered gave weight to a word I once said so casually. And now, with this new shirt in hand and its words etched in my heart—“Imagine if your Yes leads you to teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives”—I finally understand what I was saying yes to all along. It’s no longer just a slogan or a brand. It’s a mission. And next time, when I say “Yes Bro,” I’ll know exactly why.

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 29 (March 2011)

Exuberant, full of zest and energy, busy as a bee, a flair for fund-raising, a hearty laugh, quaint idioms and generous to a fault - such are the images of Brother Martin that flash through the mind.

Born near Macroom, Co Cork, Ireland, Jeremiah Kelleher entered the Novitiate of the De La Salle Brothers in Castletown in June 1927 and in August took the holy habit, receiving the religious name of Brother Martin. He was a strong, sturdy youngster. 

The novitiate completed and his first vows taken, he was assigned to some tasks in the Castletown community. These he tackled with the zest and energy that was to characterise him all his life.

From Castletown he was transferred to the Scholasticate at Kilmacow, not far from Waterford city. Here he assumed the role of 'chef' for the Brothers. He had not the slightest preparation for such a role but that did not baulk Brother Martin. He bustled about the kitchen among the pots and pans as if to the kitchen born and served up wholesome, if somewhat basic, fare. The young scholastics had few complaints.

Around this time, a new Brothers Formation Community was opening up in Inglewood, Berkshire, England, and Brother Martin was called upon to continue with his culinary efforts there as well as take some study courses. It was here, too, he seemed to hear the call to go on the missions to the Far East and so it was that in the summer of 1933 he set sail with a group of ten missionary Brothers. They were led by Brother Anselm Foley as far as Lembecq, Belgium, and there handed over to the care of an ‘old hand’, Brother Marcian Cullen, who was returning to Penang, Malaysia. 

They sat sail in a French ship named the "Chenanceux". For most, it was the first taste of sea travel and the nausea of sea-sickness. After a long and evidently exhausting voyage, they at last arrived at their destination, Penang, an island off the north-west coast of Malaya.     
Recalling these events almost fifty years later, one of Brother Martin's companions writes: "We arrived in Penang harbour on 24th June 1933. There we were met by Brother Paul Gallagher who was Director of St Xavier's Institution. With him was a senior teacher of that same school, Mr Ng Seng Loong. After that a line of rickshaws dragged us along to Pulau Tikus where Brother Marcian marshalled us into a verandah near the kitchen. We had been so long together that we never even thought that now we were to be parted, some of us forever." 

But parted they were. Some were sent to the different communities in Malaya, others to Burma and to the Philippine Islands. Brother Martin was kept in St Xavier’s. Here he was given his first mission assignment, without any initiation or introduction, teaching a class in the Primary school. To the young boys of Primary 3 and 4 Brother Martin may have appeared like a huge apparition but he himself knew this would be the acid test for his career. That evening after school, he confided to a confrere that it was the 'most terrible day’ in his life. "I thought I'd faint," he confessed. But from that first day he never looked back. 

Despite a slight stammer he succeeded in establishing a kind of avuncular relationship with his little tots. He had a special charisma for handling primary kids. His methods might not be found in any pedagogical text-nooks but were invariably successful. Referring to those methods a confrere who knew him well, writes: ”Brother Martin taught in the primary school, usually with outstanding results. This was all the more noteworthy since he did not have any professional training or any paper qualifications. He always managed, somehow, to have good and bright boys in his class and parents had to be very much involved in the progress of their sons too." He showed a special interest in the Christian education of his pupils.  Commenting on this, another confrere has this to say:" He realised that the prime object of his vocation was to teach the Christian Doctrine to his charges and thereby to give his little flock a good knowledge of God." 

Whatever the methods, by hook or by crook, within a month he had the best class in his level and in all the inter-class competitions for the whole school his class was consistently in the lead. This was no flash in the pan as he maintained this high standard throughout his teaching career in many different schools. 

Popular in class, he was equally popular with his confreres wherever he went or stayed. His hearty laugh, his humour, his generosity, his quickness to forget affronts and his occasional eccentric ways, all combined to make him a colourful character. To quote from an obituary note, "There was no mean streak in Brother Martin. He was ever ready to go out of his way to render a service. He knew how to forgive and forget." Enlarging upon this trait, another Brother writes, "I met Brother Martin a little over twenty years since our last parting in Penang, after our voyage out East in 1933. He was the same jolly, chatty and warm-hearted Brother that I got to be friendly with on our voyage out to Penang." 

In 1935 a new assignment awaited him in St Joseph’s Institution Primary School, Singapore where he continued to exercise his special skills mainly in primary 5 and 6. It was at this time that an old stomach ailment recurred and he under¬went a surgical operation which was not entirely successful. Consequently, in 1937, it was decided to send him to Hong Kong where the cooler winter weather might prove more beneficial to him. 

He was to spend the next fifteen years in Hong Kong, his First Spring as it were. St Joseph’s College was the scene of most of his labours. Besides the running of his Primary classes he was also engaged in organising the school's junior scouts or cubs as they were called. This was much appreciated in a school which had established the first Scout troop in Hong Kong. As had now come to be expected, he showed the same charisma for dealing with Primary boys in Hong Kong as he had in Malaya. 

Then came the war years and the Brothers in Hong Kong and in Kowloon found them¬selves in dire straits. As one Brother put it, "For the Brothers in Hong Kong it was a time of extreme uncertainty and anxiety. There was no income of any kind; food was in short supply, the College was occupied by the Japanese Army, and there was no guarantee that an Irish Passport would continue to give any protection. Brother John Lynam, Director of St Joseph's, knew that hard work and endless ingenuity would be needed. He also knew his man and when most of the other Brothers were leaving for Indochina he asked Brother Martin to stay in Hong Kong."  After the war, Brother John was heard to say that only for Brother Martin they would probably have starved. Shortly after the Japanese capitulation Brother Martin was offered a place aboard an aircraft carrier for his services and welfare activities and he was borne south¬wards to Australia where he spent a few months recuperating amongst the Brothers 'down under'. Here in a pleasant climate, amongst a happy people and with good wholesome Australian food he quickly regained energy before sailing home to Ireland, He was given a year's furlough like all those returning after the war. 

He returned once more in 1948 to his El Dorado of the East, Hong Kong. Here, he carried on in St Joseph's for some time and then, in 1950, was shifted to La Salle College, Kowloon. A Brother who lived with him at the time takes up the thread: 
“At that time La Salle College was being used by the British Army as a mili-tary hospital. The Brothers resided in a private house while the Boarders were accommodated in some temporary wooden structures nearby. As we had a small community of six, the vacant rooms in the building were used as a boarding department. Here Brother Martin was appointed as Prefect of Boarders. He paid great attention to two important items in the life of his boarders - food and recreation. He got a piece of ground close by levelled out as a football pitch by the servants. He then raised sufficient cash to purchase a projector and even set up a 'cinema hall' in one of the vacant rooms." 

He likewise turned his energies to help out in other local charitable activities like aiding in fun fairs to raise funds for St Teresa's Church and collecting clothes and Christmas toys for parochial charities. Such activities engaged his attention until in 1953 he was due for home leave. After that holiday another surprise was in store for this man of many surprises. He was asked to return to Penang in Malaya. This change would not have been his personal choice but he obeyed and found himself back in St Xavier’s Institution where he had first started his missionary life. 

He was to find a new St Xavier's, arisen out of the dust and debris of the old school that had been flattened to the ground by American bombers who suspected it of housing Japanese personnel. Once more he took up the chalk which he had first taken up in 1933. This time he was given one of the weaker classes in which to perform some miracles of improvement. To the astonishment of Headmaster and Staff alike the miracles swiftly materialised. Unorthodox methods were proving effective once more. Outside of all this he found time and energy to scrape and repaint the roof of the Brothers' bungalow on Penang Hill - an infernal job under the tropical sun. 

From St Xavier's Penang, he was now transferred to a newly opened school and community in Klang, Selangor. His principal task was once more fund-raising. He was seen as having the Midas touch! His methods were down-to-earth and direct. No tilting at wind-mills but just in the front door with a knock and a smile and a plea for a good cause. And so the funds were raised. His former Director of Klang community has this to say of him, "When I was posted to take charge in Klang, Brother Visitor warned me just before I left, that it was a very poor locality and that I would not be able to raise funds for any building projects. And so it was until the arrival of Brother Martin. He started working wonders that astonished even our staff”. 

Even during school holidays Brother Martin was on the go. One of his confreres notes the following: "During the holidays up on the Cameron Highlands, Brother Martin would devote a lot of his time to assiduous preparation of lessons down to the smallest detail. He would frequently enlist the aid of any Brothers who could type and request them to type out pages of material relative to the primary topics in hand. He was never a man to talk or worry about his health, never of the hypochondriac bent of mind, notwithstanding his advancing years”. 

Although he threw himself with gusto into the school and church life of Malaya, he pined for Hong Kong. He left no stone unturned, or boulder either, in his striving to get back there. Despite his idyllic surroundings of flower and fragrant bloom and fanning palms he yearned for the 'Barren Rock'. He must have made many private novenas on this account for in December 1966 Brother Visitor yielded and gave him his obedience for Hong Kong. 

On reaching there he first ran the school book-shop in La Salle College for a brief while. A far more important assignment, however, awaited him across the harbour in St Joseph's. He was requested to take over the duties of Head-master of the Primary Section of the College. It was to function temporarily as an afternoon school while awaiting the opening of a new Primary School at Wood Road in the Wanchai area. In this capacity the new H.M. (as he liked to term it) swung into action once more, relishing the challenge and drawing on all his years of experience for organising and getting things done. These things included seeing to the furnishing, staffing and enrolment. The new St Joseph’s Primary School opened its doors in 1968 and became Brother Martin’s pride and joy.

A Brother who knew him well at the time declares: "The new Primary School was a major project. It was indeed to cater for over 1,600 pupils and it was big enough to draw out the best in Brother Martin. Hence it was that his new school incorporated the finest available in design, internal arrangement, materials used as well as up-to-date equipment." And in reference to the high hygienic standards the "H.M." maintained, the same Brother concludes. “In fact, the Heads of other schools including the Head of one European College came to find out how it was possible to uphold such high standards so consistently."

Within a short time the new primary had established itself as one of the leading Primary schools in Hong Kong, much sought after by the parents. If a parent heard one of Brother Martin’s quaint idioms such as, ‘He’s a nice little ladeen,” the way to school admission opened up. One of his gifts was a good eye for staff. He had the knack of attracting good teachers. He also liked to meet the pupils during recess or lunch in the school playground. The pupils liked to shake hands with ‘Uncle’ and he would sometimes distribute sweets. One Headmistress of the school recalls how Brother Martin’s special treatment of naughty students who had been punished to stand outside the Principal’s office. In passing, Brother Martin would enquire the cause, give the boy sweets and send him back to class. Some of these boys would then follow Brother Martin at recess time looking for more sweets!

But the years were stealthily gliding by. He was now in his late 60’s. In characteristic fashion he began to register his age in official documents with an enigmatic 60+. It was a noble gesture of defiance against old age and senile decay.  

When a new Head-Master was appointed, Brother Martin took over the job of "Maintainance Manager”. This included supervision of all the premises and janitorial staff as well as the running of the book-store and ordering the book supplies. A former Principal of the school recalls: “Minding the school stationery was no easy job. There was the daily selling of exercise books throughout the school year and twice a year he had to cope with the bulk order of each class teacher. He was sometimes seen shifting piles of books from one place to another. Yet we never heard a word of complaint from him”.

Time was marching on and ill health began to take its toll despite the best efforts of the doctors. Although hospitalised a number of times he still strove to carry on. When in Queen Mary Hospital, he would frequently be surrounded by other patients, all chattering away amicably. As his health deteriorated the Brothers decided to trans¬fer him to a nursing home in his native land. On the flight to London, an elderly British gentleman seemed to recognise a kindred spirit, remarking: “poor old chap, tough as old leather”. All seemed to be going well at the nursing home and it came somewhat as a shock when the news was received of his death on 8th March 1983.

Here is the testimony of a close friend: “We have had many erudite men in our ranks, men who got more opportunities to develop their skills and talents, but not so many who can match Brother Martin’s dedication or even his achievements. He was a man of simple, trusting faith, untroubled by the doubts of the more sophisticated. Here too let us add in conclusion the great devotion he had to our Blessed Lady. Her rosary was continuously in his hands, slipping slowly through his fingers as “he told his beads”. May he rest in peace.

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 28 (January 2011)

The benevolent side of Brother Patrick was shown in different ways. One such had to do with academic awards. For some years the school had no Speech or Prize-giving Days. At the end of the year, just before the final examination, he would go around to all classes from Form 1 to 4 and personally give away his “prizes”, exempting the top 5 students in each class from the final examination! This unique system of awards was never forgotten, especially by the recipients.

One of the students who happened to be in the junior forms at the time, and who was later to become a world-renowned iconic figure, was Bruce Lee. Bruce was hyper active, a veritable dynamo, a little dragon. The Head of the junior classes, Brother Henry Pang, did a pretty good job of reining in his exuberant spirits but occasionally Bruce became too much even for Brother Henry who would then send Bruce up to Brother Patrick’s office for cooling down. Brother Patrick, a man of few words, would point to a chair and Bruce would sit there quietly until Brother Patrick considered he had cooled down sufficiently. He would then be sent back to class.

All through these years Brother Patrick was directly caught up in the efforts to wrest back the grand old school on Boundary Street from the British army. As late as 1956 we find him writing to the relevant Government department: “We feel we have a right to expect from Government something more substantial, commodious and convenient than the flimsy structures we have had to work in during the past seven years.” He would, however, already be retired before his efforts bore fruit and would not witness the celebratory return to the old school.

Brother Patrick was a quiet, reserved, philosophical type of person but when he spoke he did so with authority. He commanded absolute obedience of the students who held him in awe. He liked animals, including cats, and some people said he moved like a cat! This kind of atmosphere was not conducive to indiscipline and so, by and large, the school ran like a well-oiled engine. A teacher recalls: “We used to call Brother Patrick ‘Gum See Mao’ because of his blond hair. Whenever we saw his golden head rising from his chair in the Principal’s Office or through the windows, everybody got down to work and behaved.”

As one of his students put it: “In the years he was with us as Principal, we never heard any speeches from him; he educated us simply by walking the corridors.”

After forty six years on the missions in the East, Brother Patrick returned to his native country in August 1957 to spend his remaining years. He was appointed to St. Patrick’s Community in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he remained until his death in September, 1968. We are indebted to a Brother who lived with him during his retirement years for much of what follows.

Brother Patrick was not the man to sit back and enjoy a well-earned rest after devoted and arduous service in the Institute. Immediately at the start of the new year he took over part of the Office work dealing with the school accounts. His quiet and unobtrusive efficiency much endeared him to everyone on the staff. Nothing was too much trouble; his only desire was to oblige and render service to everyone. If some invoice didn’t seem to be in order or if there was some other such irregularity, he soon got it straightened out and with a charming smile explained the discrepancy to the particular individual concerned.

He was full of fun and thoroughly enjoyed a witty joke or literary pun. A serene gaity was one of his outstanding traits. The writer lived with Brother Patrick for about ten years and never in all that time had he seen him in a bad mood or heard from him the slightest criticism of any person or detail of community life.

He was a deeply religious man. For him there was no formalism or externality of religion. Living religious life was something to be truly happy about. His regularity at all the spiritual exercises was something, I am sure, every young scholastic passing through the Community must have admired and benefited from. Right up to the last few months before his death Brother Patrick was to be seen making his way feebly along the corridor to the Oratory or community room for one or other of the Community exercises. I think it was with no little difficulty that the Director was able to persuade him, towards the end, to make his exercises and prayers where and whenever he was able.

Reading was Brother Patrick’s pastime; and when he suffered from a stroke in 1963 its cruelest effect was its depriving him of this facility during his leisure hours. He was an extremely well-read man, but if some wag in the Community tried to draw him into argument, Brother Patrick always countered with a few gentle words and a pleasant smile.
Another of his amiable characteristics was his great fondness for animals. When he took his stroll around the grounds of an evening, as was his wont, the school dog watched for him and scampered off before him leaping and bouncing with delight. Even the farmyard cats, almost a dozen of them, rather wild and completely undomesticated outdoor creatures, rushed along the path to meet him at the very sound of his footsteps. Of course Brother Patrick always had some little tit-bit for them.

Brother Patrick made a wonderful recovery after a serious stroke in the summer of 1963. But a year or two later he began to get somewhat feeble. Nevertheless he tried to keep up an outward appearance of fitness and cheerfulness and never complained or sought the slightest extra attention. When some members of the Community offered him some little service or other, the usual reply was, “Oh! That will be alright, don’t trouble, you are too busy. I’ll manage alright”.

During the Summer of 1968 his health deteriorated a good deal and he was obliged to keep to his bed. The Bon Secours Sisters and the Brothers gave him constant attention, but all the while there was never a complaint or request for anything special. He accepted his infirmities with the serenity and gentleness that characterized his active years.

The end came at 11:45 pm on Friday 27th September, 1968. Brother Patrick just slipped away peacefully. The Community had been in and out of the sick room most of the evening, and all were around the bedside when he departed this life to the Heavenly reward awaiting him.

The 1968/69 La Salle College, Kowloon, school magazine paid Brother Patrick this tribute:
“He was a man of great affability of character, with a quick and ready wit, a keen mind and a fine sense of humour; a man of great intelligence, a first class teacher and a strict but fair disciplinarian. He made himself a scholar of no mean order. Reserved and calm, he was held in the highest respect by both pupils and parents.”

Life’s work well done
Life’s race well run
Life’s crown well won
Then cometh rest.