25 January 2009

Dear Brothers

New Year Greetings: Best wishes as 2009 unfolds and greetings to people in the Region who are celebrating Chinese New Year.Today in this Jubilee Year of the Apostle Paul, we celebrate his Conversion, mindful that he is an exemplar of faith and zeal.

Br Mark Murphy: Mark took up residence in Singapore yesterday (24th January). He was welcomed over lunch by the St Patrick's School community. The PARC office staff now increases to two with a Personal Assistant to be engaged shortly. The assistant will be virtual and domiciled in Manila. More details will be available at PARC 32

Visit to Vietnam: Prior to Christmas Br Jorge, General Councillor accompanied me on a Pastoral Visit to Vietnam, including Cambodia. One of the highlights of the visit, and there were many, was the time spent at an elementary school opened by the District. In its staffing it models that characteristic of a Lasallian school inclusive of Brothers, religious Sisters and lay people working together. To witness the community life of the Brothers in the retirement community at Mai Thon was indeed an inspiration. The CAP of that community captures the essence of what it means to be Brother in the latter stage of life. I am happy to share copy upon request. The meeting with young Brothers, at various stages of formation, was a tonic for us. Many challenging questions were asked. The District in its various works is very much focused on the poor with many Brothers involved in some form of catechetical ministry. A gathering with over 40 La Salle Sisters informed us about their work, and they too presented us with a variety of prepared questions on religious life! In Cambodia the three Brothers, while studying the local language and English are engaged in working with displaced Vietnamese families and youth. The dream of the District is to open a school in Cambodia. Planning is underway. Meetings with the Formation Commission, the District Council and an Assembly provided occasions for mutual sharing on a range of local and Institute issues. Many times we were requested to find Brothers to teach English to candidates in the District. During this year Br Patrick Bradley from the District of New York will go to Vietnam for this purpose but others are very welcome also.

APLEC and Youth Coordinators' Workshop. Reports on APLEC Hong Kong, and the Youth Coordinators' Workshop, Ipoh are very favourable with detailed commentary available at PARC 32. Thanks to the Penang District for hosting both events.

Delegation of Japan Chapter: What must be the smallest (numerically) Chapter in the Institute took place in Tokyo just after Christmas. Six Brothers of the Delegation were delegates, Br Thomas Lavin (Alliance Council) was an observer and I attended as General Councillor for the Region (Delegate). The level of fraternal sharing on the themes of the 44th General Chapter and their application in the Delegation was impressive.

Delegation of India Assembly and Chapter: Br Jorge, General Councillor gave a presentation on the Sudan at an Assembly in December. He spent time individually with Brothers discerning whether to volunteer for the project. The Assembly served also as the final nomination vote for Br President. In mid January the Delegation Chapter involved all the Brothers attending with delegates having voting rights. The Chapter followed the themes of the 44th General Chapter with a focus also on local issues. It was professionally and efficiently facilitated by Br Ambrose Payne, Visitor of AUSNZPNG.

Sudan Project: Following a specific request from Br Superior, the District of AUSNZPNG and the Delegation of India are sending personnel to the Sudan. Brothers William Firman and Denis Loft will go from Australia and Br Heldon Fernando from India. I am sure that other volunteers from elsewhere in PARC would be welcome. English language teaching to training teachers is the priority. If you would like further information contact Br Jorge on: jgallardo@lasalle.org

ChinaMission: Brothers Thomas Lavin, Peter Phat, Pat Tierney and David Hawke met with Bishop Tong, Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong to seek information on how to further the China Mission Project. I have sent a report of that meeting to Br Superior. It will be available at PARC 32. Brothers Thomas and Patrick will visit Shanghai prior to PARC 32. They will meet with the local Ordinary and give an update to us in March. I am unavailable to attend the Shanghai meeting.

PARC Representative on ICYL: Vanessa Abella, the PARC representative on the ICYL has been in contact with sector heads requesting information related to Youth Coordinators etc. Thanks to those who have responded. Could all respond as soon as possible?

PARC Think Tank on Mission: The Think Tank completed its work in the past few days after a two days' meeting at Bangna. Their report will be finalized by 6th February and sent to delegates to PARC 32 soon after. Once again the welcome and hospitality extended by the Bangna community is very much appreciated.

PARC 32: Logistical information will be sent out in the name of Br Francis Chaochaiyapat (President) in the next few days. The detailed agenda and schedule will be sent electronically soon after 6th February.

Lasallian Services Committee: The LSC met in Petaling Jaya in early January with Mark Murphy chairing his first meeting. Among its other business it received a report of the meeting of the Board of the PARC Lasallian Institute which met in December. The meeting served as an occasion to thank Eric Bryan Amaladas for his many year of service, not only on the LSC but also in PARC and the wider Institute.

EXCO: EXCO met during the Delegation Chapter in Japan. You will receive the minutes with the PARC 32 agenda.

Br Stephen Tuohy: Please keep Stephen in your prayers as he continues his treatment. He will be unable to attend the PARC meeting.

Br David's Schedule: I am at the Casa Generalizia at Plenary Meetings of the General Council until 21 February. However I will be in the Delegation of Pakistan, 6-9 February.

May the Spirit of God accompany you in your ministry of service.

David Hawke FSC
General Councillor for PARC Region