24 March 2012

160 Years Lasallian Presence in Asia: On 29 March 1852 the ship “La Julie” sailed into Singapore and Brothers Liefroy Bajon (42), Venere Chapius (30), Lothaire Marie Combes (24),Gregory Connolly (31), Switbert Doyle (56) and Jerome King (23) stepped ashore to plant the Lasallian seed for the first time in Asia. Those destined for Penang continued their journey and opened the first school, St Xavier’s Institution. On 31 March at the conclusion of the first District Chapter of LEAD, Brothers, distinguished guests, well wishers and alumni of St Xavier’s will celebrate this momentous occasion with Mass followed by a dinner. Congratulations to all in LEAD but especially the Brothers and all Lasallians in Singapore and Malaysia. Celebrations are planned for April and May in Singapore.

Staff Formation Days Singapore: “Nurturing the Lasallian Charism” was the theme on Friday and Saturday, 23/24 March as staffs of seven Lasallian schools and Hope House gathered at St Patrick’s School for a programme presented by Mr Wayne Bull, Principal of La Salle College, Middle Swan, Perth. On Friday morning 700 teachers were present while in the afternoon 100 teachers new to Lasallian schools followed an Induction Programme. A teacher from St Stephen’s shared during the induction programme on what it means to be a teacher in Lasallian school. He concluded by saying that “Lasallian spirituality has made him a better Muslim.” Administrators met with Wayne on Saturday morning. Teachers from Singapore who had attended APLEC in Manila gave a very informative and challenging presentation on Friday morning out of their learnings at the conference.

Centennial Publications Philippines (LEAD): Br Ricky Laguda, President of De La Salle Philippines has distributed two impressive books to mark the centennial of the Lasallian presence in the country. The first; “With Hearts Aflame: The Christian Brothers in the Philippines,1911-2011” by Dr Jose Dalisay Jr tells the story of the Brothers while the second, “The Grace to Touch Hearts” chronicles the life stories of the first Filipino Brothers; Benildo , Andrew, Gregory and Rafael.

Visit Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand: Recently I returned from visiting three of the countries of the District with Pakistan to follow in mid April. In PNG, to be with the Indian Brothers as their Delegate was a priority but to spend time in the Lasallian Family Office which animates over 300 teachers across the country, meet the postulants, visit Sacred Heart Teachers’ College, Mainohana and Hohola Youth Development centre was indeed inspirational. In Australia I facilitated seminars on the priorities of the General Council with the Brothers in three State capitals and visited St Michael’s College in South Australia where I engaged in various meetings with staff and students including a staff twilight seminar on the “Catholic Lasallian School and the New Evangelisation” and also the themes of the Internatonal Assembly. In New Zealand I facilitated the same seminars for staff and Signum Fidei members from three schools but had also a very interactive session on vocations to the Brothers’ life.

Priorities of the General Council: These priorities were first presented at the Inter-Capitular meeting to all Visitors. Auxiliary Visitors and Presidents present. Have they filtered down to all in your Sector? Later in the year it is anticipated that the General Council will provide a further resource on the priorities. They are a work in progress at present.

“Live Jesus in Our Hearts” is the title of a handbook of prayers and reflections edited by Bro Thomas Walsh to mark the 50 years of Lasallian presence in India. In addition to the prayers etc is information on “50 Websites for Spiritual Growth”.Contact bencentral@usa.net (Office) for further information.

100 Years in Melbourne: During 2012 De La Salle College Malvern celebrates its centennial which marks also 100 years since the Brothers arrived in Melbourne, Australia.

Hearts on Fire: The first edition for 2012 prepared by Bro John Pill is about to hit cyberspace….a reminder that vocations ministry is a top priority in the Institute.

International Assembly Invitations: Bro John Pill has sent invitations to all nominated at PARC 35 but is awaiting responses from some. Once received, the names are sent to Rome and John will work with the delegates on the three themes.

Schedules: David; 28-31 March LEAD Chapter and 160 years’ celebrations Penang; 2-4 April, Signum Fidei workshop Manado; 11 April, NMC, Manila; 13-22 April Visits, Young Brothers’ Assembly, Sector Assembly Pakistan. John; 31 March 160 years’ celebrations, Penang; 2-4 April, Signum Fidei workshop Manado; 9-16 April, Review of Schools, India.

Best wishes as Lent moves towards the Sacred Triduum.

Bro David Hawke FSC
General Councillor PARC