The LEAD IFB gathered for the first time on 12 & 13 October in La Salle Hall, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The members of the IFB are Brs. Nicholas Seet, Joseph Klong, Rey Mejias, Joseph Aung, Antonio Cubillas (Chair) and Ms. Coreen Paul.
The first day of the meeting was dedicated to a formation session about “Lasallian Formation for Mission: The Pilgrim’s Handbook” facilitated by Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC (Br. JJ). Br. JJ invited the IFB members to be mindful of the importance of formation programs and guidelines that respond to the lived experience and cultural context of the candidates while integrating them with Christian and Lasallian Stories.
The second part of the meeting was dedicated to begin the process of elaboration of the LEAD Initial Formation Guidelines, taking into consideration The Pilgrim’s Handbook from the center of the Institute. Also, planning for the next three years was done, including workshops for current and future Formators and creating opportunities to meet formands and young Brothers on each of the sectors where the IFB is held.
On 12 October, the IFB, together with the Brother from PJ, joined the La Salle Petaling Jaya School on its 60th Diamond Jubilee Gala Dinner. The alumni understanding of being ‘Lasallians' can be seen in the following two ideas from those who participated in the gala dinner:
“Join us at this once-in-a-lifetime, grander-than-grand event as we travel back in time, celebrating a carefree Malaysiana, where Lasallians mingled happily, regardless of race or cultural differences” and “But in our time of joy , we also have to remember our less fortunate brothers. This is the true spirit of La Salle. This Gala Dinner will also support our initiatives to provide assistance to needy Lasallians.”(https:// lasallepjalumni.org/diamond-jubilee-gala-dinner/) (Text & Photo: Br. Antonio Cubillas FSC)