“Ireland is my homeland. It’s so green and beautiful that it’s called the Emerald Isle. It’s a land of fertile plains, rolling mountains, many lakes, beautiful beaches and craggy headlands. I was born into a big family of 12 members.

My job is to carry out the work of the De La Salle Brothers who were founded for the education of youth. I joined the Brothers for that purpose and the joy and the satisfaction I have received from this work is deep and rewarding.”

The area in Ireland where Brother   Alphonsus   was   born is known as the “sunny south east.” It receives more sun annually than other parts of the country. Something of that climate must have rubbed off on Brother Alphonsus, for he displayed a sunny temperament all his life. When he smiled, and that was quite often, the sun smiled.

He was born on the 9th January 1930 in Rathangan, Co. Wexford, Ireland. He was given the name Martin in baptism. There were six boys and one girl in the family and Brother Alphonsus was the youngest. One of his brothers, Patrick, became a priest. 

Brother Gregory did not speak too much about himself. We were fortunate, therefore, when he recently agreed to give an interview for the Lasallian East Asia District. The interview gives us a lovely insight into his life, into his attitudes, into what made him tick.

“I feel indebted to the Lord for his goodness and tender love all these years of my life. The secret is trying to live in peace and harmony with my fellow men and myself. Be happy and contented with your life. It is also very important to pray for good health. 

Br Paul Sun was a remarkable man by any standards. In this article we concentrate mainly on his Lasallian connections but, in truth, his whole life was interesting and inspiring.

In many ways, Brother Thomas was an extraordinary missionary. Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is that his first assignment was to St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong, and there he remained to the end of his days. Fifty-three years of unbroken service to the same school is an achievement in itself. The Brothers used to joke that he had married his first love and remained faithful to her all his life.

Patrick Blake was born to Thomas and Mark Blake and was number 10 in a mountain farming family of 12 (4 girls and 8 boys) in the townsland of Glenkeen, high up on the Slieve Bloom mountains of County Laois, Ireland. Large families were the norm in those days and there were then over 20 families in the mountain area where there are now only a few. Paddy, like the rest of the family, received his early education at Clonaslee National School, about 3 miles’ walk from his home.

The La Salle Centre, represented by Mr. Isaac Stephens (Centre Director), Br. Mico de Leon FSC (Vocations Director), and Mr. Adrian David (Programme Coordinator), went on a vocation promotion visit to Sabah.

On 7 November, the team visited La Salle Kota Kinabalu. Br. Mico engaged Catholic students in learning about Lasallian identity and the core values of faith, service, and community, while also guiding them in the Lasallian Prayers and sharing the inspiring story of St. John Baptist de La Salle and his own vocation journey.

A Journey of Reflection, Creativity, and Ecological Commitment

The 1st Lasallian East Asia District International EcoCamp 2025 brought together young Lasallians from across the region for four days of learning, community, and care for creation. From their arrival in Manila, participants were welcomed into a serene, green environment that embodied the spirit of faith and stewardship.

This year’s LEAD Joint Councils Workshop (JCW 2025) has opened at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, carrying the theme “We Are Pilgrims of Hope to the Peripheries.”

This joint initiative between the De La Salle Philippines-Lasallian Mission Services and the LEAD Life of the Brothers, and LEAD Youth and Vocations Committee gathered youth formators, ministers, and educators for a three-day program that consists of plenary sessions and workshops.