LEAD Story 407

THAILAND - On March 25, two young Brothers in Thailand, Br. Benedict Chaiwat Phanomworachai FSC and Br. John Pongpat Khasochan FSC professed their perpetual vows at St. John Baptist de La Salle Chapel, La Salle School, Bangkok.

Fr. John Baptist Chanchai Thewphaingam and priests from different dioceses and congregations presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

Br. Felipe Belleza Jr. FSC, Lasallian East Asia District Auxiliary Visitor, attended the ceremony to accept the vows of the two Brothers. Br. Joseph Klong FSC and Br. Stephen Kan FSC served as the religious sponsors of Br. Benedict and Br. Pongpat respectively.

Religious brothers and sisters, priests, family members, friends, teachers, and their classmates also witnessed this special event. (Text: Br. Eugene de Luna FSC; Photos: Mr. Mario De Antonio)

Click here to view the Perpetual Vows ceremony on Facebook.

LASALLIAN ENCOUNTER 2023
26 February - 1 March 2023
La Salle Centre, Ipoh, Malaysia

MALAYSIA - The Lasallian Encounter was held from 26 February to 1 March. The theme this year was 'Embracing Jesus’.

We had 9 boys from 3 schools who participated in this program. They appreciated the focus and attention of having a small group environment provided for them.

The Encounter started with a Mass on 26 February with Rev. Father Robin, a Redemptorist, as the presider. Brothers Collin (from Singapore) & Arian (from the Philippines) facilitated the programme and they shared many insights into the life of the Founder and what it means to live out our Catholic faith. Their stories and input inspired the boys.

There will be a virtual follow-up with the boys on the 19th of May 2023. Thank you Brother Collin and Brother Arian for your time and your presence, and your willingness to accompany these boys. (Text & Photos: Isaac Stephen Anthonysamy)

Experience of the boys:

My experience of the La Salle Encounter was very fun. Not only did I deepen my faith in God but also learned more about my school's Founder who is St. John Baptist De La Salle who didn't give up for the sake of one's future education.

During the camp, I made lots of best friends. Although some might be from Klang and Melaka, we got along quite well. We played football, walked around Ipoh, sang praise and worship, and stayed up late getting to know each other. It was worth it staying up late.

Besides making friends, we got to know two brothers - Brother Arian from the Philippines and Brother Collin from Singapore. The life stories they shared were truly eye-opening for us. Although the sessions were just listening to them, they sometimes told jokes that were really funny and cracked us up.

Last but not least, we got to feed the homeless. It wasn't planned at all but we decided to share the abundance we had with them. I felt sorry and sad looking at their living conditions. Nevertheless, they try to protect and support one another during these trying times. (Steven Cheong)

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The La Salle Encounter experience was amazing, fun, and adventurous. I got to meet many friends from different states. We all ended up getting so close in just those 4 days. The talks by Brother Collin and Brother Arian gave me a lot of mind-opening thoughts about ourselves and our Founder, St. De La Salle.

Why I say it was an adventure is because I learned to travel alone for the first time to Ipoh from KL. Honestly, it was a great experience. Probably one of the best camps I've been to in my entire life.

Sadly, the camp has come to an end and I miss every single one of you. This is also the first and the last La Salle Encounter camp I will be attending because I won't be around next year due to my final exams (SPM). I gained a lot of knowledge about my faith from this camp. I thank you all for the experience and fun you've given me. I hope to be a part of other camps with more Lasallians attending. (Christopher)

PHILIPPINES - When a lot of 9-year-olds would prefer to have a toy- or character-themed birthday party, Johan Derek Sanson, our young Lasallian from the University of St. La Salle, preferred to celebrate his 9th birthday with a La Salle-themed party!

“Around last year, Derek was already talking to me about celebrating his birthday, and he wanted a Roblox game-themed party, like any 9-year-old kid. A month from his birthday, he opted for a party with only a few friends and teachers instead of a big one. When I asked him about his final theme, in a snap, he answered, ‘My theme is La Salle! Of course, it’s La Salle. I love it!’ He just dropped the idea of a Roblox party because La Salle was way too cool compared to Roblox, hahaha!” Gianne, his Mom, shared.

“As for the costume, we asked everyone to come in green and white. I was joking one night when I asked if he wanted to dress up as St. La Salle himself. Quickly, he said, 'Yes! That’s nice! I can be St. La Salle!’"

“He is used to being teased about becoming a priest or a brother because he has been helping sick children by making artwork.* The idea of being a “Brother” on his birthday was something that came naturally.”

Sharing more about Derek’s experience in school, Gianne shared, “While he has been with the school since he was in the first grade, it was only last January that he finally attended face-to-face classes. He was so so anxious about going to in-person classes. He was crying days before his first day last January. However, coming home that day, he told us how amazing it was to be in school and that it was much better than online classes! Every day, he would have something amusing to share about his day at school. He adjusted quickly, and he is now one confident learner!”

Happy Birthday, our “little brother” Derek! You are truly an inspiration!

*Full Article: 7-year-old student sells artwork to help sick classmate #YesBro #DLSBrothersPH (De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines Official Facebook Page)

THAILAND - Sixteen high school students and two professors from St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley, California visited Sangkhlaburi, Thailand, as part of their Lasallian Enrichment Program. These Lasallians lived and interacted with the community's students, teachers, staff, and De La Salle Brothers for six days. They also had the opportunity to volunteer at the La Salle Bamboo School, where they built and designed a mushroom hut for the students. To immerse visitors in Thai culture, they were taken to various popular tourist destinations, interacted with students and teachers, and tried to bargain with Thai sellers. The main aim of this Lasallian Enrichment Program, a collaboration between Thailand and other countries, is for the Lasallian partners to enjoy and appreciate the rich Thai culture and to be inspired to help the less fortunate students of La Salle Bamboo School. (Text & Photos: Br. Eugene de Luna FSC & Br. Joe Klong FSC)

Excerpt from the Article:

PHILIPPINES - February 28, 2023. Significant events took place in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur with different institutions committed to assisting in the rehabilitation programs for our Maranaw sisters and brothers. This program started 6 years ago and now it comes to its fruition.

This event was made possible through the joint efforts of De La Salle Brothers Inc. Tulong Lasalyano - Education In Emergencies, La Salle Academy together with Holy Infancy Brother’s Community, Rotary Club of Ortigas Center, and Duyog Marawi, who are all committed in providing assistance in the livelihood of the Angoyao Mothers Association for Livelihood (AMAL). AMAL is a group of mothers in Brgy. Paridi who are engaged in sewing as their source of livelihood. (Text: Br. Dan Sanding FSC, Ms. Vangie De Peralta, and Ms. Marie Katipunan; Photos: Ms. Marie Katipunan and Mr. Richard Pineda)

Full Article: https://lasalle-lead.org/lead-stories/partnerships-sustainable-development-collective-mission

HONG KONG - The 2022/23 Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Football Tournament ended successfully on 10 March. The champion of this year's competition was won by St. Joseph's College (SJC) after winning on penalty kicks from the Diocesan Boys' School ( D B S ) . SJC regained the championship after a 24-year absence. Congratulations, St. Joseph's College! (St. Joseph's College Old Boys' Association, Hong Kong Official Facebook Page)

Click here to view the full article on sports.Now.Com

SINGAPORE - Returning from a three-year-long pandemic-imposed hiatus, the Singapore Youth Sailing Championships brought with it glamorous sailing conditions allowing for twelve races to be conducted over the four-day event. Following a long-drawn battle at the top of the leaderboard, SJI is proud to announce that our sailors Russell Yom (FN604) and Felix Koo (FN401) overcame the odds to emerge national champion and under-16 champion in the ILCA 6 Division respectively. Not to be outdone, Kenan Tan (FN401) also clinched the top spot in the ILCA 4 category, thus ensuring that SJI triumphed with the national title in 2 out of the 3 categories that we fielded sailors in. Well done, SJI sailors! #TeamSJI

Photo credit: Kit / Donovan Ho for Singapore Sailing Federation (St. Joseph’s Institution Official Facebook Page)

MALAYSIA - We are excited to share with you our monthly happenings video for March 2023. This month, we are focusing on welcoming new Form 1 students to our school and introducing them to our campus. We have organized tours for them to visit our heritage center and learn about our school's rich history. Additionally, we are pleased to announce a new online feature that allows you to view our Xaverian Magazines!

We hope you enjoy watching the video and learning more about what's happening at SXI. Click on the image to watch the video! (St Xavier's Boards of Governors Official Facebook Page)