Living Out Passion and Purpose...

A Reflection on the Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 of Aspirant Alex Nethercott

The Brothers' Vocation Camp 2025 (BVC 2025) was a significant event for me, not just as a participant but as someone on a journey of self-discovery. Initially, I approached the camp with no particular expectations, thinking it might be similar to previous experiences like ILAW. However, as the days unfolded, I realized that BVC 2025 was much more than just another recollection; it was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of my vocation and the Lasallian mission.

Brother Martin James Kelleher (1907-1983)

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 29 (March 2011)

Exuberant, full of zest and energy, busy as a bee, a flair for fund-raising, a hearty laugh, quaint idioms and generous to a fault - such are the images of Brother Martin that flash through the mind.

Born near Macroom, Co Cork, Ireland, Jeremiah Kelleher entered the Novitiate of the De La Salle Brothers in Castletown in June 1927 and in August took the holy habit, receiving the religious name of Brother Martin. He was a strong, sturdy youngster. 

Brother Patrick Toner (1892-1968)

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 28 (January 2011)

The benevolent side of Brother Patrick was shown in different ways. One such had to do with academic awards. For some years the school had no Speech or Prize-giving Days. At the end of the year, just before the final examination, he would go around to all classes from Form 1 to 4 and personally give away his “prizes”, exempting the top 5 students in each class from the final examination! This unique system of awards was never forgotten, especially by the recipients.

De La Salle Bataan InSet 2025: Embracing Systems Thinking for Sustainable Resource Management

Bagac, Bataan – A "Systems Thinking and System Dynamics" workshop was recently conducted for De La Salle Bataan teachers last June 5 & 6, 2025. The workshop was spearheaded by Mr. Marlon Pareja, Basic Education Principal at De La Salle Dasmariñas with assistance from the De La Salle Philippines.

Brother Hubert Pilz (1906 -1980)

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 27 (December 2010)

In the 1920’s, a number of young German Brothers were sent on the missions to the Far East, to Ceylon, Burma, Manila, Hong Kong, Penang and Singapore. Many were to meet their sad fate at the hands of the retreating Japanese forces in Manila in February 1945. But those who were fortunate enough to be elsewhere at the time continued to make a very solid contribution to the Lasallian world of education. Among them was Brother Hubert Pilz.

Brother Lawrence Kelly (1908-1990)

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 26 (October 2010)

"I was born in Burren on 8th September 1908, where my mother was Principal of the village school", wrote Brother Lawrence."My father worked in Lavelle's bakery, Main Street, Castlebar, and he used to cycle there and back to Burren daily. When my mother died, my father took a house, No. 5 Chapel Street, Castlebar, and so my father took us to town, and my grand¬father, Tom McGreevy, took over Burren school."

Brother Hidulphe-Marie Nicholas (1835-1886) & Brother Cyprian Gendreau (1845-1887)

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 23 (May 2010)

In a break with tradition, we feature two Brothers in this issue. They have long gone to their reward. Yet it can be truly said that they were largely responsible for establishing the Lasallian presence in Hong Kong and setting it on a firm foundation. They were the first two Directors/Principals of St Joseph’s College.