LEAD Story 450

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 43 (December 2012)

Brother Herman was born in 1913 near the small village of Bruree, County Limerick, in Ireland. He was one of 9 children and received the name Michael Joseph at baptism. The family ran a good dairy farm. 

When he was in Primary Six a recruiter from the De La Salle Order came and gave a talk to the boys. Michael was touched and readily stepped forward to join.  He received 4 years religious and academic formation. His Novitiate year began in 1929 and he was given the religious name of Herman. The year was progressing smoothly when a traumatic incident occurred.

Summer had come round and it was July 1930.  The new postulants were being  inducted and the novitiate year was drawing to a close for Herman.  One day after weeks of rain the Novices and postulants were taken for a swim in the nearby river Nore. The river was swollen following the prolonged downpour and there was a strong fast current. In the midst of the excitement in the water a postulant went under and failed to re-appear. Novices shouted from the bank, the Director Brother Albert was alerted and went frantic looking for a volunteer to dive to the rescue. Herman was told to jump in, good swimmer or not.  He was secured with a rope, and dived under several times, even checked further down, all to no avail. Eventually he had to give up, just as the police arrived.  They dragged the river, and the body was found some hours later, much farther downstream, taken along by the swift current.
 
The novitiate year ended 15 September 1930 with the taking of vows for a period of one year.  Next day he and his companions were on their way to Kilmacow, Co. Waterford, to continue their academic studies and prepare for a career in teaching. 

One day the assistant superior general, Brother Abban Philip, came by, appealing for volunteers for the missions.  Brother Herman decided to submit his name but was somewhat surprised when told he had been accepted and to write home for parental approval. His parents consented. He had two weeks home leave to bid farewell to family and friends.
 
The group of missionaries headed for England, crossed over to France and made their way to the Mother House at Lembecq, Belgium, then to Paris to catch the night mail to Marseilles to board the French liner Chenanceaux. Brother Herman’s first mission in the East was to be in Burma, present-day Myanmar. When he and his companions disembarked at Rangoon, they fell in love with Burma at first sight, with the land and its people. Brother Herman was assigned to the renowned St Paul’s High School in Rangoon. It was here he had his first taste of teaching. 

Among his memories of Rangoon was the rainy season lasting from May to October, months of continuous downpour when everything was damp and there was no drying. By contrast the weekends at a country house and holidays in the hills were a delight. The Brothers took their classwork with them, and stacks of student exercises to be corrected.  But there was also time for exploratory treks among the hills, swims and games. 
 
January 1937 found Brother Herman suddenly transferred to St Xavier’s Institution in Penang, Malaysia. His stay in Penang was just about a year, after which he was posted briefly to St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh and then in March 1938 to St Joseph’s Institution in Singapore.  For a while he replaced a sick Brother at Patrick’s Secondary School and was eventually appointed to help Brother Christopher Chen in St Anthony’s Primary School. 
 
By 1940 war clouds were already gathering. The island fell to the advancing Japanese forces on 15th February 1942 and the Brothers were put under house arrest. Then, early in 1943, as the food supply on the island was running out, the Japanese decided to transfer a large group of Priests, Brothers and Sisters to a prisoner of war camp in the jungles of central Malaysia near a village called Bahau. Brother Herman was included in this group.

He wrote later:
“The one really exceptional event in our lives was the time spent in a work camp during the war with Japan.  Those of us who arrived early were put in long atap huts and slept on planks a few inches above the floor.  The most distinguished person who slept on the floor with us was Bishop Devals from Singapore.  It so happened that the Bishop’s head came perilously close to the feet of Br Patricius O’Donovan who was heard to remark: ‘I feel humiliated knowing that I have rested my feet on the head of one of the finest men it has been my good fortune to meet.’
In the long hut where we resided there was an open space about 20 square metres, and in the centre were two wooden supports driven into the ground.  On top of these a short board was nailed.  This fixture served as an altar during our time in Bahau.  Every morning, the Bishop, dressed in shirt and trousers and with a stole over his shoulders, celebrated Mass.  He recited the entire Mass prayers from memory.  He used a small box for the Holy Eucharist and a tea cup for the chalice.

The Brothers of course attended the Mass.  But there was another ‘audience’ following every move.  Part of the hut happened to be occupied by an assortment of ‘enemy aliens’ suspected by the Japanese.  They were mainly Central Europeans as well as Chinese.  They were very quiet and respectful during the Mass.  You could hear a pin drop.  This made me think of a saying we had in Ireland after World War I: ‘There are no atheists in the trenches’.”

The Brothers and other able-bodied men formed themselves into working teams for specific tasks such as clearing tree trunks, building roads and bridges, making drainage channels, digging wells, gardening and so on.  Herman and Patricius opted to be undertakers.  As time passed, especially when malaria became rampant, many were to die, including several convent orphans.  A number of bodies each morning were placed in front of the altar requiring burial.  It was their task to transport these across the valley to the burial ground.  The soil was hard and an hour’s hacking was needed even for a shallow grave.  Later as more died they had to call on others to help. 

Once the ground was cleared it was possible to begin cultivating a variety of fruits, vegetables, maize, sweet potatoes, and yam.  It was hard work but their efforts were abundantly rewarded at first.   Soon, however, they found themselves at war with a host of garden pests like mice, rats, monkeys, squirrels and leeches.   But it was the night marauders such as herds of jungle elephants and wild boars that did massive damage.  As time went on, the very soil itself became less productive, impoverished by over cultivation.

Their biggest problem by far was malaria.  Herman himself was struck down with cerebral malaria, a condition which few survived. He was rushed to Bahau village nearby and then by lorry to hospital in Seremban, to join Brothers Christian and Kieran who were also suffering from cerebral malaria.  One day the attendants were mistakenly hauling Herman off to the morgue, thinking he was dead.   A Eurasian nurse entered the room just then and Herman suddenly sat up in bed! It was a matter of misinformation, as Brother Kieran had died in a nearby room that morning.  Brother Christian would die soon afterwards.

Brother Herman recalls the ending of the war: “The end of the war came more quickly than we ever expected.   About the middle of 1945 some of us were clearing up some logs to burn when three military officers came out of the jungle not far from where we were. The officer in charge, a major, said they were members of Force 236 which operated behind the Japanese lines. They told us about the atom bomb and of the Japanese surrender.  After a look around the major said we could do with some supplies, so he used his radio transmitter to call his headquarters in Colombo to send air-drops to us. A day or two later in the afternoon three planes appeared on the horizon. We lit fires to guide them. First they flew over our camp and came around and as they passed each dropped two long metal containers. These were full of food [army rations], clothes [army uniforms] for men and bales of coloured cloth for the women.” Everyone was soon ready to leave the camp. The pull-out began. Many years later, Brother Herman, in the company of his good friend Brother Patricius, would pay a nostalgic visit to the site.

After the war ended, Herman and other Irish Brothers were sent on extended home leave to help them recover from their ordeal. His father had died during the war but his mother and whole family were overjoyed to see him again after an absence of 15 years. He remained intensely attached to his family all through life. 

When he returned to the East in 1947, this time to Hong Kong, he was in the company of Brothers Brendan Dunne and Raphael Egan who would become friends for life. Brother Brendan was posted to St Joseph’s College while Brothers Herman and Raphael were posted to La Salle College, Kowloon. He would spend the rest of his life in Hong Kong, a total of 62 years. Herman’s first teaching assignments were in the junior forms and he had special responsibility for the boarders. These were about 140 in number and came mainly from central and southern China. As Brother Herman put it: “Many were as big as myself. They were serious, well-behaved young men, anxious to succeed in the matriculation examination.” He also became Sports-master in the early 50’s in Perth Street, though he himself was not really a gamesman. Yet, this period is remembered as a golden age for La Salle athletics with legendary athletes like Stephen Xavier sweeping all before them.  But the heavy workload and the difficult conditions at Perth Street began to take their toll on his health. So in the late 1950’s the Superiors advised him to return to Ireland to rest and recuperate. 

He returned to Hong Kong in 1961 in much better health and by then La Salle  College had returned ‘home’ to its Boundary Street campus with its majestic dome on the hill. There was a sense of general euphoria. Then, in 1964, Brother Director Felix Sheehan opened an evening school on the campus to help poor boys who could not get into any day school or who were working during the day. The first Principal was a lay teacher and Herman helped out by teaching Bible Knowledge. He noticed as time passed that the number of students was decreasing and things were not going very well. When the lay head resigned in May 1965 Bro. Herman was asked to replace him. He quickly hatched a plan for improvement which consisted in recruiting some full time teachers and some of the College teachers to teach part-time in the evening classes. They were happy to oblige as a little extra income was very welcome. One former student of the Evening School recalls how it catered to the less fortunate boys. “Thank God, I was one of the poor boys who benefited from the Evening School.”

Having greatly improved the quality of the evening school, Herman now began to dream of moving away from La Salle altogether and opening a new school. The opportunity came around 1967 when the Government granted the Brothers a site in Homantin.  But there was a tough condition attached: the Sponsoring Body must pay 20% of the cost.

This could have been a serious stumbling block, but Herman must have being praying hard, as Providence now kindly intervened. He was introduced to the Chan family who were keen to sponsor a new secondary school in memory of their father.  Herman was quite happy to name the school after Mr. Chan Sui Ki. But not wanting to break the link with La Salle College he registered the school with the name La Salle added on in brackets and on 3rd Sept 1969, he and Brother Eugene Sharkey moved from La Salle College for the official opening of the new Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College.  It was to have a bright and successful future, first with Brother Herman in charge and then, in 1971, Brother Eugene.

Now that Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College was up and running, Brother Herman set his sights on a new venture, a primary school also in the name of Chan Sui Ki. Fortunately at that time a low cost housing estate nearby was being completed. The estate made provision for two primary schools, one for the Christian Church and one for the Catholic Church. The Brothers applied for the Catholic school and the application was successful. The new school was up and running in 1973. It was a bi-sessional school and eventually catered to about 1000 students per session. Brother Herman was the first Principal until such time as he appointed a replacement. He then continued as the school Supervisor, a post he held to his dying day. He had also the distinction of making it the first Lasallian co-ed school in Hong Kong.

Come the millennium year and the low cost housing estate was being re-developed. Brother Herman was worried that his beloved Primary School, which was slated for demolition, would either disappear or be moved much further afield. He was now in his 90’s but was as concerned as ever for the future of the school. When the Government recognized all that had been achieved by Chan Sui Ki Primary and allocated the magnificent new campus just down the road he was of course in the third Heaven. He told a Brother at the time “My work has come to an end and it is time for me to fade away.” But of course quite the opposite happened and he threw himself enthusiastically into the detailed planning of the new school which opened in September 2006.  

The Brothers were keeping an eye on the general health and care of Brother Herman and came to the view that a change to La Salle College Community would be best. They were well aware that Brother Herman would find it very difficult to leave Chan Sui Ki Community. And indeed he shed some tears but gradually came to accept that the change was in his best interest. He took up residence in La Salle College in 2004 and carers were employed for him. He decorated the walls of his bedroom with photos of student activities, especially of those in Chan Sui Ki Primary School and viewed school videos regularly. He also received many visitors and often surprised them with his accurate memory.

Some of his family members also came visiting. He had a very strong attachment to family and home and could hardly speak of them without emotion. He recorded messages for them, though his voice was soft and frail. His memories of the family and of himself as a lad growing up on the farm remained vivid and accurate.

When the end did come, it took the Brothers somewhat by surprise. Brother Patrick gives the closing scene:
“We had become used to frequent hospitalizations and each time Herman would reappear and carry on as if nothing had happened. When he was admitted to St Teresa’s Hospital on 31 January 2009, we expected a similar outcome. It was not to be. Three weeks later, on 21 February, he passed away quietly and peacefully.
Herman had fought the good fight, run the race and finished the course. He remained mentally sharp and alert and must surely have set some kind of record in remaining as Supervisor of Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School to the end.
St Teresa’s Church was packed on Ash Wednesday 25 February with staff, former staff, students, parents, alumni and representatives of the Lasallian Family for the funeral Mass. The Mass was said by the parish priest, Fr. Ferdinand Lok, assisted by our school chaplain, Fr. Alex Mendez. Brother Thomas Lavin, Visitor, delivered a fine homily.

Brother Herman was laid to rest in the Brothers’ burial plot in Happy Valley, alongside his long-time friends and survivors of jungle wartime days, Brother Patricius O’Donovan and Brendan Dunne. Many of those who attended the Mass also came for the burial. After the burial rites, the Brothers sang the Salve Regina in good Institute tradition.”

Brother Herman always wanted to help the poor and the needy. The involvement with La Salle Evening School and the setting up of Chan Sui Ki Primary School was evidence of this. Throughout his life he helped the less fortunate in whatever way he could and within his modest means.  Janitors and auxiliary staff were never forgotten at Chinese New Year. One of his nicknames was “Wong Tai Sin”, a Chinese god of healing and benevolence. To commemorate this aspect of his character, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School decided to set up "The Memorial Fund of Brother Herman”.

Those who knew Brother Herman in life did not forget him in death. Brother Thomas Lavin in his eulogy had this to say:
“Our Founder, St De La Salle, gave us lots of advice on how we Brothers should relate to our students. One of my favourites is: ‘Show the firmness of a father toward the children you are educating but also the tenderness of a mother in bringing them together.’ This is a balance that most teachers find difficult to achieve in their professional life. We could describe it as being both Martha and Mary at the same time.

I think Bro Herman is an excellent example of how to balance these qualities in one’s life. We know that he could be very firm and single minded in pursuing a goal he really believed in. He was a very persistent, courageous and determined man. At times one could detect a strain of Irish stubbornness which did not always sit easily with everyone. Nor did he allow for many shades of gray when it came to an argument. But he could never be faulted for lack of sincerity or accused of any personal agenda or ambition. Then we all know that beneath that rather stern appearance there was a very warm heart indeed. He cared deeply for the welfare of his students and even more so for teachers. One of my earliest memories of him back in the 60’s is seeing him walking around the old football field in the evenings. He nearly always had a boy walking beside him whom he would be listening to and counselling. Likewise teachers were always welcome to share their difficulties with him and they could be assured of a sympathetic ear. I know that he helped many in his own quiet way.”

Brother Herman could well be described as a quiet man. He rarely raised his voice but often raised people up, by encouragement in word and deed. “You Raise Me Up.”

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 42 (October 2012)

Brother Ladislaus was a man of deep religious conviction. His whole life was a response to his vocation as a Brother to which he was faithful for sixty-eight years. He was an example of inculturation long before that word came into vogue, having seemingly adapted himself thoroughly to the ways of the different countries where he taught. As the scriptures have it, he was gentle as a dove yet wise as a serpent, wise with the wisdom that comes from long and varied experience. At the same time he was proudly patriotic, felt strongly about his long exile, regretted that he had never been able to teach children in his own country and when he did return home at last (as a French citizen) his emotions were too deep for words.

Joseph Bednar was born in Dolna-Krupa, Republic of Slovakia, on 28 August 1915. It is an area of fertile soil, gently rolling hills and forests. He was given the name Joseph at baptism, Joseph being the name of his maternal grandfather. He was the fifth child, all boys: John, Francis, Paul and Michael, who died very young. Later there were two more boys, Michael and Ernest, and a girl, Pauline, who lived only a couple of weeks. Joseph never saw her because by that time he was pursuing his vocation in Belgium. 

His was a happy childhood, centred on his family, the church and the school. For several years the family lived with the grandparents. It was Joseph’s job to buy his grandfather's tobacco – something that would be frowned upon these days. Once he tried the pipe and found it unpleasant but he would indulge occasionally in a cigar. He was very proud of his brothers and of their achievements, fiercely loyal and protective even. His cousin, Paul, was a constant companion.

As an altar boy, Joseph revelled in the annual round of the liturgical year: the singing of the Passion during Holy Week; the annual parish church feast for which the geese were fattened; the singing of the Te Deum on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul to mark the end of the school year; the pilgrimage to a shrine of Our Lady. Daily Mass, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, saying the Rosary and making the Way of the Cross stayed with him the rest of his life. And the familiar local greeting; "May Jesus be praised. Forever!" found an echo when he became a Brother: “Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever! ”

His first year at the kindergarten, run by the Augustinian Sisters, was a disaster. He was graded 5 for everything and a grade 5, as far as school goes, was not a good idea. He had not liked to say that he could not see the blackboard properly because of his very weak eyesight, an affliction from which he was to suffer all his life. He had great admiration for Sister Hermelanda who helped him to lose some of his shyness and be more spontaneous. They kept in touch until the beginning of the war in 1939. 

Outside school, life was a mixture of fun and hard work: swimming in the river; running around in bare feet; playing football under the cherry trees, enjoying the snow with a sledge and skating. And there was the harvest-time and the threshing when he worked long hours with his family and neighbours; and the two dozen goslings he looked after until his younger brother was old enough to take over. An annual event was the killing of the pig, about which he could go into details. 

Something attracted Joseph to the religious life and in 1928, at the age of thirteen, he left home for Lembecq, Belgium, to begin his formation as a De La Salle Brother. His studies in the Juniorate were interrupted by treatment to his eyes and he began to wear glasses. These were four happy years, nonetheless, and they remained vividly in his memory. Joseph received the Habit of the Brothers on 6 October 1931 and became known as Brother Ladislaus Boniface. The change from your family name was meant to indicate a change of direction in life, a conversion of the heart to God. Lots of his friends always shortened the name to "Laddi". At the end of the one year Novitiate he made first vows. 

The Scholasticate, a place for studies, was made in Dover, England, from 1932 to 1934. Later he would complain a little about the lack of suitable English course-books for adults who were studying for the Oxford Senior with five compulsory subjects requiring a credit pass to qualify for exemption from London Matriculation. But the lovely surroundings of his formation house made up for a lot. Again, he began to feel the stirrings calling him to a missionary life in the East and he requested this. His wish was granted.

After a quick visit home in the summer of 1934 Brother Ladislaus got his first taste of the East when he was sent to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and he remained there for most of the next thirty years. Acclimatisation was difficult. There was the unrelenting heat, the early morning walks, the mosquitos and mosquito net over the bed. The delay in the adoption of the white robe replacing the darker and heavier black meant that he would be in a lather of sweat after every lesson. 

But he looked back on those years in Sri Lanka with a well- deserved pride and sense of achievement. They were all seen in rosy glow: everything was first class, larger than life, biggest and best, unequalled anywhere. He taught any number of subjects. Although he did some coaching of cricket and ran athletics meetings, in truth he was no gamesman. At the same time he was studying for his Honours degree. Life was demanding and exhausting but "I loved my work and my community and was happy in my vocation." 

In 1949 he was involved in an abortive attempt to go home after a twenty years absence. While he was making arrangements in Paris, he met a knowledgeable person who exclaimed: “But where is your clergyman collar?" Brother Ladislaus made him aware that he was preparing to go behind the Iron Curtain where a Roman collar might cause problems. This was accepted as a reasonable excuse for collar and tie. However, the journey home was not to be. His mother advised him not to try as he would not be allowed to leave the country again. It was a bitter pill to swallow. Instead he was sent to Cambridge to study. He enjoyed his time there, from 1949-1951. He took out a B.A. General degree in 1951 in French, History and International Law.

Then it was back again to Sri Lanka where he was assigned as Vice Principal to St Anne’s College, Kurunegala from 1951 to 1963. During this time, in 1953, he also took out a B.A.Honours degree in History from London University. A short stint in De Mazanod College was followed by a transfer to Hong Kong.

This was Brother Ladislaus’ comment on leaving Sri Lanka: "I was sorry to leave a country and a people I loved. I had been successful as a teacher wherever I taught. I loved my pupils. The political situation made it impossible to continue in my work. 1 always thought I would lay my bones in Sri Lanka. But at the age of 49 I was dying to get back to class. I was happy in all the communities I lived in and I got on very well with all the Brothers. This kind of fine community spirit I was going to miss, at least partly, in my future journeys. On my way to Hong Kong I used to think over my happy days in Ceylon, while contemplating the bright starry sky of the equatorial night. Somehow I was not apprehensive of the future.” This was in January 1964 and he arrived in Hong Kong on the 19th of that month. 

 In Hong Kong this "poor continental", as he would sometimes call himself, was put teaching Religion, English and History, first in La Salle College, Kowloon, (1964-1969) and then in St Joseph’s College on Hong Kong Island, (1969-1974).  He spent 5 years teaching in each school. He never shirked work and would cheerfully take extra lessons when teachers were sick. He mixed easily with both staff and students and filled the role of school counselor before such a term was heard of. His lessons were well organized and delivered in a lively, interactive way. The students were happy because they were really learning. Since he loved music, he would unfailingly show up at orchestral practices and when the boys were performing in choir. Listening to classical music in particular was in his soul.

We are fortunate that there is an Education Department Inspection Report on Brother Ladislaus for the month of October 1966. He was inspected for a lesson in History and the inspector had this to say:

“In the presentation of the lesson, the teacher’s questioning technique was highly commendable – by his questions he skillfully directed the pupils in supplying the main facts. Almost everyone was given the opportunity to answer a question. The blackboard was used efficiently for important names and brief headings. Occasionally the teacher drew examples in everyday life which had significant correlation with the subject. On discussion with the teacher after the lesson I discovered that regular tests were given to check the efforts of the pupils.

The teacher spoke clearly and the English was within the grasp of the class. Response was spontaneous and the pupils did not seem to have difficulty in their expressions. This was a very stimulating lesson.”

Any teacher would surely be happy with such a report.

Brother Ladislaus’ influence began to spread well outside the classroom. For whatever reason, he developed a reputation as an expert in giving talks about ‘life’. He was invited to various schools- boys, girls and co-ed- and word spread. When talking about matters sexual he would tell the Brothers that he often started his talks with the line: “All parts of the body are holy.” He would then speak clearly and precisely on the Christian approach to sexuality. The schools often invited him back. His popularity probably had something to do with his cheerful personality. Nothing would get him down.

We can now quote from his life story: "Thus my decade of teaching in the Crown Colony came to an end. I was sorry to leave Hong Kong, my equal number of years of work at both Colleges were very happy both in the community and in the classroom. But for reasons of my own and those beyond my control I had to say good bye. Although they were already enjoying their summer vacation, many pupils came to see me off at the airport and some even continued to write to me in Monaco. God bless them”. 

Teaching in Monte Carlo, Monaco, was a very different ball game to what he had experienced in the East. Some of the pupils did not show the same eagerness for learning but Brother Ladislaus eventually mastered the situation. He enjoyed teaching the young ladies in the commercial class, who were destined to be top personal secretaries. He also taught the brilliant apprentice footballers of Monaco. But French policy was for retired Brothers not to stay working in a community but to transfer to a house of retirement. Brother Ladislaus did not want this and decided he was not interested in staying in Monaco any longer. He arranged to join the then District of England and was forever grateful to the Brother Visitor, Leander, for agreeing to his request. And so, he left Monaco in 1985. “I had no regrets. I had worked conscientiously in Monaco for ten years.”

He spent the remainder of his life in semi-retirement in the north of England, at La Salle Hopwood Hall Training College, De La Salle College, Salford and St John’s College, St Helens. His blood brother, Brother Ernest, had been a lecturer in Physics at the Training College. Brother Ladislaus is well remembered as good fun to have around, always cheerful, smiling, sensitive, kind and thoughtful. There was a bubbling enthusiasm about him which was infectious. He had certain endearing turns of phrase like: first class; good old man; good for them; come, come see. A frequent request was, “Please, Brother Director, give me some lovely music”. This meant Mantovani or Strauss. He loved listening to music and, after laser-treatment on his eyes, he took to reading – especially history, European history.

He charmed the ladies of the parish with his gentle ways, his quivering smile and his patronage of their card stall. He would produce a card for every occasion and arrange for the community to sign. “Come, come see”, he would say, inviting me to approve of his latest purchase. If the sacristan was missing, he would step in. “That fellow has no idea how to keep things clean!” Then it was into the garden wearing an apron and with basin and scissors to collect flowers to put around the chapel. He would produce packets of exotic oriental foods and make himself lunch. Gherkins went with everything. His idea of a big celebration was the enjoyment of a cigar and a glass of brandy at the end of a feast day. He called it a “drop of something.” All in all, he enjoyed his retirement years. As he put it himself: “I enjoy my retirement and keep myself intellectually busy, trying to grow old gracefully.”

Brother Ladislaus was a man of deep faith, of prayer, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, to Our Lady and the Rosary. There was a loving acceptance of his vocation that took him through all those years away from home, that guided him in his devotion to the Christian and human education of young people and through sixty-eight years as a De La Salle Brother. We thank God for his fidelity and dedication to the Lasallian mission in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Monaco and England. 

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 41 (September 2012)

Basile Dupont was born in France on the 23rd January 1885. He joined the Juniorate of the De La Salle Brothers at Nantes in 1899, entered the Novitiate and took the Brothers’ Habit in 1900 and received the name Brother Honorius. He completed his initial further studies at the La Salle Training College, Nantes, in 1903. He also took out a Teachers’ Diploma from Rennes University. 

He must have had missionary blood in his veins because in 1905 we find him en route to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to begin his lifelong commitment to missionary life. We are fortunate that we have his personal account about his early days in the East. The self-deprecating humour of the man is plainly seen.

“I bade adieu to good old ‘Oceanien’ which had brought me from Ceylon to Singapore, and here I was at St Joseph’s Institution, that ever-memorable January day in 1906. I had been through a six months’ initiation into the intricacies of the English idiom in Ceylon, but the course had not been an intensive one.

I felt awed by the gigantic proportions of St Joseph’s Institution; and Brother Director Michael, an American, had to be known to be truly appreciated. As ill luck would have it, that very afternoon, I went all on my own, and without permission, to the Convent, a stone’s throw away. In the evening I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of the Sub-Director, Brother Aimar, with whom, in later years, I was to spend glorious years in Hong Kong.

Good Brother Aimar was heading for our country house where he was to stay overnight. I asked to go with him and he naturally referred me to the Brother Director. It was then 6 p.m. and the Spiritual reading had begun. The large Community of 20 or so were around a long table under the gaslight. In fear and trepidation I went in on tip-toe, behind the Director. Just then he swung round, and before I could utter a single word, he demanded to know where I had been all afternoon and why I was late for the spiritual exercises. Every face wore a grin but like a greenhorn I read no signal and haltingly said that Brother Aimar was willing to bring me to the country house. The Director jumped up and asked how I dared, a young Brother just out of the Novitiate, to give scandal to his Community. With a withering look and in an indignant tone, he told me to go straightaway to the chapel and recite the seven penitential psalms!

That was the end of my country house pipe-dream. Instead of going to the chapel I went to Brother Aimar who had known what the result would be and he burst out into uncontrollable laughter. I was absolutely baffled. Later I learned that Brother Director Michael had enjoyed himself immensely on my account and that if I would pluck up sufficient courage to beard the lion in his den, he would appreciate it. I did so and discovered that ‘the lion’ was a very hoax. We remained fast friends thereafter.

At 3 o’clock on a cool January morning in 1906, the S.S. Kinta from Singapore cast anchor three miles from the muddy mouth of the Malacca River. The evening before, I had had a harrowing experience when, as a ‘padre’, I found myself seated next to the Captain at dinner. There was a goodly company, homely and kind. I was greatly perplexed at the array of cutlery - bread-, butter-, meat- and fish knives; and of course it was always the wrong ones I handled. I could see the smiles on every face; but the Captain was a good soul who had seen much in his long career and was shock-proof. He gently guided my faltering hands through the intricacies of the protocol.

Worse was soon to follow, when after dessert, glass bowls were handed round, for the guests to dip their fingers in. Nothing daunted, and already unnerved by previous mishaps, I seized my bowl with both hands and downed the contents at one gulp! I was a goner but the long-suffering Captain on my left and the lady on my right deftly created a diversion. The meal was over at last, and I beat a hasty retreat into my cabin.

In this frame of mind I was taken to the Brothers’ house in Church Lane and left all alone at 3.30 a.m. facing a closed door. Evidently I was not expected. Subdued fits of coughing issued from the most unprepossessing house I could imagine – a rickety shop-house known to be ‘haunted’ and now in full possession of rats, cockroaches, bugs and innumerable spirits of darkness. For obvious reasons it was dubbed ‘Rat Villa’. I knocked and waited; shouted out and waited again, but there was nothing stirring. In a louder tone I shouted, ‘Open, please! It’s a Brother from Singapore’. At last I heard the shuffling of feet and shutters were pushed open, as a sleepy voice growled, ‘Who’s there, this time of night?’ I stepped out into the street to reveal myself in full regalia. ‘Alright, I’m coming down’ and that was my first encounter with the famous Brother Matthew whose fame as a practical joker was common knowledge in the District.

Upstairs I made the acquaintance of the grand old Brother Dositheus, at the time the victim of violent spasms of asthma. To relieve this he would inhale strong vapours, and this was the cause of the fits of coughing I had heard. As there was an hour to go before the morning bell he gave me a long chair and a jug of water and advised me to lie down.

One bright January day in 1907 there was an array of bullock-carts in front of our house. The great occasion was our transfer to brand new premises. It was an imposing two-storeyed U shaped building facing the Straits of Malacca, in Banda Hiler Road. Ours was a rather humiliating exodus, for such was the quality of our belongings that, as in the case of St La Salle, we ran no risks of their being pilfered!

Our transfer to Banda Hilir marked a turning point in our history. We were now in a position to accommodate 400 boys on an ideal site. The more favourable living conditions certainly encouraged better work though it was not without a pang of regret that we left ‘Rat Villa.’

My first ‘Class Trouble’ was the product of over-zeal. Among the 50 boys I had in Standard 1 was a sprinkling of Muslims. They were a decent lot. The first morning they marched in wearing their ‘songkoks’ (headgear) I felt outraged and went on the warpath. After reading the ‘riot act’ I threatened to lay about with a stick unless they removed the obnoxious caps. That afternoon Brother Director received many complaints but he wisely calmed the troubled waters and drew attention to my youth, inexperience and well-meant zeal for discipline.
Another day the Director of Education himself, on a tour of inspection, unexpectedly strode into my class. He asked me what I did with the boys from nine to twelve. Assuming my best accent I answered, ‘The big boys make operations, while the others read’. Like the gentleman he was, he gently checked me, ‘You mean they do sums?’ I was completely upset. I had never heard the expression before, so I countered with, ‘No, sir. I make them count’. The big man turned to the Brother Director and said, ‘What part of France does this young Brother come from?’ Catastrophe! There, despite my desperate attempts at disguise, I stood exposed to the public gaze!

Another time, during a reading lesson, we came across the sentence, ‘The woodman fells the trees’. Seeing a chance to vindicate myself before the class, I solemnly declared there was a misprint and ‘fells’ should read ‘falls’. I had never seen ‘fell’ used as a transitive verb and insisted on their correcting the ‘wrong’ spelling in their reader. The next day came complaints from the parents, and once more I had to swallow the bitter pill.

I confronted the afternoon class with some composure. I began with Dictation, a sure subject. I had chosen a passage dealing with chemistry. The vocabulary was familiar. The passage began: ‘The chemist…’Unhesitatingly I blurted out; ‘The sheemist…’ I was halted by an uproar of protests and one of the class leaders said sharply, ‘In English we say ‘kemist’. That threw a damper on the other lessons and at 4 o’clock I promptly went to bed with high fever.

We come now to the year 1911. A new Brother Director, Edward Lewis, had taken over. It was about this time that Malacca experienced its first attack by a swarm of locusts. They made their unwelcome appearance on a Saturday night at about six and left the following morning. Never did we have such dreaded visitors. Attracted by the many lights in the school they invaded the premises: study rooms, dining rooms, the dormitory and oratory, playing havoc with everything and leaving an unsightly mess everywhere.

The field was alive with them to a depth of three to four inches. The trees were actually bending under the weight of the loathsome creatures. By the time they had done their work of destruction, there was not a blade of grass on the ground, not a leaf on the gaunt, desolate trees. Instead there was the sickening stench of millions of crushed bodies which lay in mounds in the sweltering heat of the tropical sun.

In face of the ever increasing demand for education, we had perforce to consider the addition of a new wing to St Francis Institution. I was invited by Brother Director to be his companion on a begging tour. Our purpose was to secure funds to enable us to put up the present boarders’ dormitory. A concert marked the formal opening in 1914. Meanwhile I had gone on leave to attend the Second Novitiate and while on board I had a very pleasant dream during which I heard echoes of the concert wafted across the Indian Ocean.

On my return in 1915, I was transferred to Kuala Lumpur. I returned to Malacca only in 1933 and at year’s end I was sorry to leave on transfer to Hong Kong.”

So ends the interesting reminiscences. One of his Malacca old boys says that Brother Honorius was the most unforgettable character, “short, plump, forever bubbling with humour. He was never a dull teacher and always unbiased.”

From 1922 to 1932, Brother Honorius found himself back in St. Joseph’s Institution, Singapore. He was in his element, putting on school concerts and plays. As usual, something that couldn't go wrong just did go wrong for the heck of it [in line with Murphy's Law] and at the worst possible moment.  Where he was counting on glory he came unstuck! But he took it all in good part.

His arrival in Hong Kong took place on the 8th February 1934 and he was assigned to teach in La Salle College, Kowloon. Although sad to leave Malacca after so many years, he came to regard Hong Kong as ‘Paradise Regained.’ He straightaway entered into the life of the school. His flair for organizing dramatic productions was soon evident and Brother Cassian was able to write in his diary how Brother Honorius had directed a stage production for the Feast of St La Salle in 1935 with a “splendid display of youthful talent.”

He was Form Master of the Matriculation Class, organizer of dramatics and spiritual director of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. His lessons continued to be well taught and inspiring.

Of course the humourous incidents associated with his name continued. The old boys would often recall the day he had to go on stage and say a few words. On stage, he tripped and fell, much to the amusement of the boys. It was not every day they would see a Brother, in full regalia, falling on stage. Brother Honorius took it all in good part.

Some people believe that Brother Honorius wrote the words of the La Salle College song, much beloved by students and old boys. There is, however, strong competition and we will have to bide our time before final pronouncement.

After the outbreak of war, Brother Honorius was interned with the other Brothers until February 1942. As the Community had no means of livelihood he left, together with Brother Aimar, for French Indo-China (Vietnam) on the 1st March 1942. For four and a half years he taught English in the La Salle College, Saigon. He returned to Hong Kong in September 1946 and left for a holiday home in the summer of 1947. Before he left, the old boys hosted a dinner in his honour. While at home he received instructions to return to the East - back to Malacca! This was in 1948.

By now he was 63 years old but he continued to teach for some time and only left Malacca in 1957, finally retiring to St Patrick’s School, Singapore, where he died on the 20th September 1963.

Mention Brother Honorius and those who knew him recall his gentle, gifted, humourous and dynamic personality. He was of a sunny disposition. He was forever smiling.

Originally published in The Gateway Issue No. 40 (June 2012)

John Joseph O’Rourke was born in Bonastick, Clonaslee, Co Laois, Ireland on the 31st October 1940. John Joe was fifth in a family of five Brothers and five sisters. The family was brought up in a religious atmosphere. Later, one became a Brother in the Patrician Order and a sister joined the Sisters of Mercy. John Joe did not follow in the footsteps of his elder brother but instead entered the Juvenate of the De La Salle Brothers in Mallow, Co Cork. This was in 1953. He moved to Castletown, Co Laois, in 1955 to enter the Juniorate and completed his Novitiate and took his first vows there in 1958. He was given the religious name of Francis. Besides the initial spiritual and educational formation, there were weekly walks, manual labour and time for playing games. Brother Francis was particularly skillful at the Irish game of hurling. He completed his secondary school Leaving Certificate examination in 1960 and qualified for the Teacher Training College in Waterford. 

However, he postponed his entry to the training course and he was sent instead to East London, South Africa, where he spent five very happy years teaching in St. Anthony's Primary School. Those were the years of strict apartheid but somehow or other the Brothers were able to admit some black pupils to school without undue reprisals. Brother Francis returned to Waterford in 1965 and completed his teacher training course, made his final profession and returned to East London in 1967. After one year he was transferred to De La Salle Junior School, Victory Park, Johannesburg, where he spent the next two years. His terms in South Africa were marked by a seriousness of purpose in teaching as well as on the sports-field. He learned how to coach rugby and cricket and he himself played a strong game of tennis. The students in South Africa enjoyed both school and sports. 

He returned to Ireland in 1970 to study for his degree and Higher Diploma at University College, Dublin. He took English, History and Irish for his degree course. Despite the heavy university workloads he was employed at the same time in full-time teaching in Mount La Salle School, Ballyfermot. He managed both his studies and his teaching well and took out his degree in 1973. Apart from short teaching spells in Lasallian schools mainly in Co Dublin, Brother Francis was to spend the next 24 years of his life in Hong Kong. 

It was an extraordinary move within the space of a few years, from the African continent to Asia. Nobody is quite sure what it was that attracted him to Hong Kong, to the doorstep of China. 

The experts say it was his contact and friendship with Brother Alphonsus Breen, the Hong Kong Superior at the time. Others say it was his ties with his birthplace and the fact that a number of Brothers from that area of Ireland were working in that part of the world at the time. Perhaps it was just that he heard the Master's call to make disciples of all nations. In any case, it was in Hong Kong that he settled into his life’s work of teaching and administration.

His first assignment in Hong Kong was to teach English, Religion and Physical Education in St Joseph’s College. That seriousness of purpose mentioned earlier soon became evident. He prepared his lessons well and took no nonsense in class. Even the brightest students had to watch their steps. One of his strict rules was punctuality to class. Once the bell had gone and the classroom door closed there was no entry! It was also essential for the student to have his textbooks and exercise books. Failing this, the offender was bluntly told to “go home and get them”. In some cases that would have required quite a journey. All in all his students adapted well and performed well.

He liked St Joseph’s. His energies could not be confined to the classroom. The playground at St Joseph’s could just about accommodate a tennis court and soon he was playing his favourite sport, tennis, and to devastating effect. He had a strong right arm and had no mercy if a shot was in any way straightforward. The only hope was to keep hitting the ball back and wait for a mistake. He also played squash at La Salle College and woe-betide if you came between him and the squash ball. Brother Francis played to win.

After five years of full-time teaching in St Joseph’s a vacancy arose for the Vice-Principalship in Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College and Brother Francis was appointed. He continued to teach a full workload in school. A year later he was appointed Director of the Community. In spite of the fact that it was his first appointment as Director he took the post in his stride and soon he began to show his ability as an organiser, a book-keeper, a spiritual leader, an innovator. He kept a close eye on both the school and community buildings with a view to regular maintenance and repair. He also ensured that the Brothers were well fed. It was during his time as Director that word went around that the Chan Sui Ki Community had the best cook in Hong Kong! And it seems many Brothers can vouch for this. 

Brother Francis took a practical approach to matters of religion. The Mass and community prayer were his mainstay. He disliked all forms of showiness and if he detected any hypocrisy he let it be known. He was an early bird and would be in chapel early in the morning.

In 1990, another vacancy, this time of a rather high profile nature, arose with the retirement of the Principal of the very prestigious La Salle College, Kowloon. Brother Francis was asked to take over the helm and he remained Principal of this College until his retirement in 1998. However, he continued to live in Chan Sui Ki College and commuted to school each day, arriving well ahead of opening hours. 

s soon as he became Principal in September 1990, he realized that major parts of the school building and campus, including the famed track and field, were above government standard and therefore not the government’s responsibility for maintenance. He knew that future maintenance, renovation and development was only a matter of time and that a large sum of money would be needed for such. In 1992 he and some old boys initiated the idea of setting up a Foundation to provide the necessary funds. The La Salle College Foundation has since become one of the pillars of the school, spearheading fund raising activities and funding major school hardware and software developments.

That same year, 1992, was a memorable one for the College because it was then celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. The Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by the chaplain Fr. James Lea and with several old boy priests concelebrating. On the 25th and 26th April the school opened itself to all visitors and those Open Days came to a climax with a variety show. The first Staff Development Day, directed by Brother Gerard Rummery, was also introduced and such development days have become a feature ever since. They are meant to inspire teachers in their educational vision and mission and help them prepare for future challenges.

Brother Francis believed that parents played a vital role in the education of their children and hence, in 1994, the Year of the Family, a Parent-Teacher Association was formed. “Open and honest communication between teachers and parents enables a common understanding in important matters related to the students’ balanced development. Parents, too, are happier when they are kept informed of school policies and on significant events in the life of the school.” It is hard to imagine the school without such an Association nowadays, for it has become one of the most vibrant in the territory.

 Other developments included an upgrading of the IT systems in the school, the addition of two new computer rooms, the computerizing of the Library, the introduction of Computer Literacy in the junior forms and Computer Studies in the senior. Besides, there was the establishing of a Language Laboratory and of a Lasallian Heritage Centre. The school also played host to groups of educationalists from mainland China and reciprocal visits as well as student exchange programmes were made. The school was buzzing with activity.

A major annual school function in La Salle is that of Speech Day. On Speech Days Brother Francis had to give annual school reports and he worked hard on these, flagging the successes, indicating areas for improvement and commenting on the trends of the times. And so, in 1996, we have him saying: “These are fast moving times and it is essential that we should have our finger on the pulse of the age, to be able to anticipate changes as they appear.” In front of the microphone his voice carried to all corners. One guest was heard to remark that he would not need a microphone at all!

A short extract from the 70th anniversary commemorative publication of La Salle College, summarises many of his qualities. "Brother Francis was a quick and decisive person. He was a totally honest person and always expressed his feelings in an open, honest way. Whenever he set his mind on a new development or a new project, he would pursue it with an extraordinary single-mindedness, with vigour and with speed. He never missed a single school function, though not residing on the campus and, in the final years of his Principalship, though not in the best of health, he never missed a meeting with the parents, or a school function organised by the former students. Judging from the number of development projects he undertook during his tenure, he surely made the best use of his time as Principal." 

His pretty direct style of work and communication was relished by some but of course did not please all parties. One thing was for sure. It would not take long for people to realize where they stood. In that sense, Brother Francis was very transparent.

The Brothers in Hong Kong nicknamed him “The Iron Man”. Many who came into contact with him believed that he lived wholly on will power. They knew he was suffering much from diabetes but he would not let it interfere with his work or recreation. In that sense he lived dangerously. He used to say that it was better to live happily than to die miserably!

Ill health, and in particular his diabetes condition, however, forced his retirement as Principal in 1998. He had been suffering for some time from diabetes such that his eyesight had been affected and he needed a magnifying glass for the printed word. He had also taken to using a stick when out and about. In such circumstances he decided to return to Ireland in 2000 and was assigned to the community of Brothers at Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot. From there he would continue his dialysis treatment and investigate the possibility of having a kidney transplant or, more correctly perhaps, getting into the queue for a kidney transplant. It was a testing, time-consuming, frustrating time for one who had lived so energetically. Dialysis three times a week and almost five hours a day would have irritated many a patient. Despite the frustration and tiredness brought on by his condition, no one ever heard him complain. He was always in good humour and maintained his fighting, optimistic spirit up to the end.

The Brother Visitor of Ireland at the time, Stephen Deignan, recalls: “The urgent need for a by-pass brought him to the Mater Hospital in May 2002.  It was an extraordinary 'yes' to the doctors considering the circumstances. Even his most optimistic friends weakened in their faith in relation to his chances of survival. But, survive he did and we followed his progress through the intensive care ward, down to the high dependency unit and finally to the open ward beside the nurses bay. It was almost unbelievable. Even the nurses were caught up in the atmosphere of determination and dogged desire that Brother Francis would make a full recovery. It was in that tiny ward that I last spoke with him in the company of Brother Peter Foo, the Provincial of the Penang District. His voice was strong and his mood hope-filled and optimistic. Little did we know that the end was so near. He gave up the battle on Monday morning at 11.30. He will be sorely missed by his family, whom he loved dearly and with whom he spent as much time as he could. His family repaid this love on all his home visits as well as during his final illness. May his soul now find peace and rest and may eternal light shine upon him forever.” 

The funeral Mass for Brother Francis was held in Castletown on the 13th September 2002 in the presence of a large number of family and friends. The singing, led by Brother Basil, made a big difference. Brother Francis was then laid to rest in the nearby Brothers’ cemetery. Of course he was not forgotten in Hong Kong where a memorial Mass was held in La Salle College on the 1st October 2002.

The Hong Kong Lasallian Family recently received a significant heritage donation—a century-old prayer book printed in Hong Kong—marking a meaningful addition to the community’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Titled ‘The De La Salle Prayer Book’, the volume was published in 1922 by the De La Salle Brothers in Hong Kong. It contains common prayers, guidance on devotional practices, and explanations of key Catholic teachings, along with a special section for young Catholics. Measuring just 7 by 12 centimeters, the compact book was designed to fit easily into students’ pockets, reflecting the Brothers’ attention to practicality in daily faith life.

The rare item was discovered at an estate sale in Manila by Mr. Philip Medina, a public relations practitioner and faculty member of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D). A noted heritage advocate and bibliophile, Mr. Medina recognized the book’s historical and spiritual value and decided to offer it as a gift to the Lasallian Family.

The donation was formally received on 07 October 2025, by Br. Iñigo Riola FSC, President of DLSU-D and Auxiliary Visitor of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD); Mr. Paul Tam AFSC, Secretary of the Hong Kong Lasallian Family; and Br. Paolo Mata FSC of St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong. The donation was facilitated with assistance from the District Archives.

On the 20th September, 2025 at 6.00pm a section of the Cinnamon Coffee House at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, was reserved for XCKL’s 40th annual dinner.

Some 100 over ex-Xaverians, with their guests and friends congregated for the occasion.

Among the attendees were our Lasallian Brothers, namely, Dato’ Brother Paul Ho Kok Chee FSC, Brother Andrew Loke Yew Wah FSC, Brother Butch Alcudia FSC, Brother Mico De Leon FSC, Brother Peter Troung FSC, Brother Joseph Bau FSC and our senior members, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim, past Vice Chancellor of University Putra Malaysia and past Chairman of Bank Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Kamaruzzaman Bin Shariff, the 5th Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Yew Cheng Hoe, a former world-class Malaysian Badminton player, Yeoh Jin Hoe, a very successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, C. Y. Chin, a former Managing Director of Maxis Malaysia, Datuk Ng Meng Poh (Adrian), Group Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer of a public listed company, Ms Fritzie De Vera, Vice President for Lasallian Mission of De La Salle University, Manila, Phillipines, and other Lasallian alumni under the Malaysian Federation of Lasallian Alumni Associations (“MFOLSA”).

We have a High Court Judge, Justice Dr. Choong Yeow Choy with his classmates from year of 1984 in our alma mater were in full attendance.

It is interesting to note that a few Xaverians, who have not met up with some of their classmates, since leaving our alma mater, met up at this dinner. It was an occasion of catching with one member saying ”How come we never bump into each other except at our club annual dinner?”

One of our Xaverian members, Betty Chew, contributed a cake to celebrate her guest, Tan Sri Augustine Ong Soon Hock’s 91st birthday. Tan Sri Ong, a student of St Francis Institution, Melaka and past president of MFOLSA, is also a distinguished member of innovation in the Malaysian palm oil industry.

Many attendees were seen enjoying their wagyu beef and lobsters apart from the variety of spread of dishes.

All in all, the dinner was an enjoyable event especially when our Honorable Justice Dr. Choong Yeow Choy and his lively schoolmates initiated the bellowing out of our unforgettable and beloved alma mater song.

XCKL’s 40th Annual Dinner ended with fond memories of our respective alma mater in celebrating Xaverian fellowship.

By Steven Chan Weng Choy, President of the Old Paulians’ Association

Throughout its 66-year history of the school existence in Mont LaSalle, St Paul’s Institution has continued to create history with one milestone after another. With the recent inauguration of the Paulian Arch of Excellence on October 2, 2025, the school adds yet another chapter to its legacy as a symbol of pride, unity, and collective aspirations. This much-anticipated event was officiated by YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, an alumnus of the school.

The “Paulian Arch of Excellence” is more than just a structure, it is a powerful symbol of the spirit that unites all Paulians. As YB Anthony Loke, Member of Parliament for Seremban and Minister of Transport, shared during his speech, “Every time I return to my alma mater, I feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. It’s not just the facilities that have improved over the years, but the spirit and values the school instills in its students." He emphasized that the arch’s establishment is significant to the school’s identity: “It can naturally enable students to develop a sense of belonging and unity. St Paul’s is not just any school but an institution where we learn, develop values, and become better citizens.”

Supporting this sentiment, Principal Miss Ng Ai Ching expressed that “This arch is not just an entrance, but a symbol of the identity, honour, and love of all Paulians. It gives the school a new look, but more importantly, it inspires pride and confidence among teachers and students to strive for progress, both spiritually and academically.” She conveyed her hope that the arch will continue to be a source of inspiration for current students and future generations.

The project originated from thoughtful discussions and was driven by the Old Paulian Association, which has always been a vital supporter of the school. As President Mr. Steven Chan explained, “Our efforts are about more than building a structure; it represents our teamwork, resilience, and the Paulian spirit.” This shared vision was made possible through a grassroots, personalized fundraising approach led by the initiative of the OPA Patron, Mr. Ng Yee Tim, whose strategic planning and dedication saw the project to fruition without public campaigns.

With a final cost of just under RM60,000 and thanks to contributions from generous Paulians like Mr. Chen Yet Lee and Mr. Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan, the arch symbolizes the strength of a united community. The project highlights how community support and alumni involvement continue to sustain and elevate the school’s legacy.  

The arch now stands as a lasting testament to the pride and heritage of St. Paul’s Institution. In his speech, YB Anthony Loke acknowledged the crucial role of the alumni association, stating, “Without the alumni, the school would face more challenges. Over the years, the school has gradually added facilities, and today’s arch continues this tradition of excellence.” He also encouraged students to uphold the school’s ethos of pride, gratitude, and giving back, which are the values that have sustained St. Paul’s for generations.

As we unveil this meaningful structure, heartfelt thanks go to everyone behind its realization - from the donors to project coordinators to dedicated teachers and volunteers. Special appreciation is extended to our Board Chairman, Dato Dr. Bob Samuel, and to the entire team whose tireless efforts ensured the project’s success.

The Paulian Arch of Excellence symbolizes more than just a physicality; it embodies our collective history, aspirations, and unity. As OPA President Steven Chan shared, “Despite challenges, the arch reminds us of our shared journey and unbreakable bonds as Paulians.” It’s an enduring reminder that when we come together, we can achieve greatness.

In the words of YB Anthony Loke, “St Paul’s is a school that not only educates but shapes individuals into better citizens.” May this arch stand as a proud monument of that ongoing journey and an inspiring beacon that unites past, present, and future Paulians.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Today, we created another history, and in doing so, we also strengthen our legacy for generations to come.

Last 06 October 2025, the soft launch of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of De La Salle Philippines took place at the Central House Administration. Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC (LEAD Visitor), Mr. Edgar Chua AFSC (DLSP President), Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC (DLSP Superintendent) graced the occasion. Also present were Ms. Marivic Mercado and Ms. Caroy Labrador--former Directors of the Advancement and Investment Management Units, respectively.

Highlights of the program include the opening of the exhibit curated by the Br Marvin Castillo FSC Library & Archives showcasing the milestones of DLSP, the panel discussion with seasoned personnel of the Central House, as well as the Eucharistic Celebration. The stories that we listened to, the images and texts that chronicled the birth and growth of DLSP and the energy that we continue bear are hallmarks of the Lasallian mission that we continue to carry out up to this day. 

Last 27 September 2025, Lasallian educators from across LEAD gathered online for Session 3 of LEAD Minds, “Maintaining and Deepening Connection with Each Other.”

Dr. Lindsay Lopez-Wisely of Antioch Unified School District guided participants through the principles of Positive Discipline and Restorative Justice—showing how respect, trust, and healing can transform our learning spaces.

The session sparked meaningful dialogue on building safe, inclusive, and compassionate communities where accountability and care go hand in hand. Thank you to all who joined and shared their insights in this important conversation.

Together, we continue to strengthen our bonds as Lasallian educators and peacemakers. 

From 27 September to 09 October, a group of 26 students and 4 staff from Oakhill College in Sydney brought their Lasallian spirit to the Philippines for their annual Lasallians Without Borders Trip!

Their two-week journey was filled with meaningful encounters and joyful moments, as they immersed themselves in the vibrant communities of Bacolod. They spent most of their time visiting different La Salle schools and ministries, volunteering, and building connections with the residents of Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center. One of the highlights was working on the newly established plant nursery, made possible through the generous support of the Lasallian Foundation in Australia.

The group also rolled up their sleeves for house building in Gawad Kalinga, a partner community of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. In between their service activities, they visited De La Salle University and La Salle Green Hills, and took part in enriching cultural experiences—including a tour of Intramuros, a city tour of Bacolod, and the lively Masskara Fun Run, where they proudly wore masks they designed themselves!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Brothers and Partners who warmly welcomed and supported the group throughout their trip.

Originally posted in the DLSU-D Lasallian Mission Office Facebook page

In joyful anticipation of the Investiture of Br. Iñigo Riola FSC as the 10th President of DLSU-D on 07 October 2025, Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the University held a special vocation-centered activity with the De La Salle Brothers earlier today.

The Brothers visited classrooms in CEAT, CBAA, and COEd, engaging students in meaningful conversations about faith, vocation, and the Lasallian mission. A highlight of the day was “ConBROsations”, where young Lasallian men listened to the Brothers’ vocation stories and reflected on their own call to faith and service.

Organized by the Vocations Committee of the Office of the Chief Lasallian Mission Officer (CLMO) and supported by various University units — especially CEAT (with the CEAT Student Government), CBAA, and COEd — the event was held in partnership with the National Vocations Ministry Office (NVMO) and the Residencia De La Salle Brothers Community.

Participants were blessed to encounter the Brother President, the NVMO Director, and Brothers from Myanmar, Japan (Br. Abet Pia FSC - a DLSU-D alumnus who is assigned in Japan) and Residencia De La Salle, celebrating together the gift of a Lasallian vocation.

Grateful to the Brothers for sharing their time — and to our students, especially our Campus Peer Ministers (CPM) and Lasallian Youth Accompaniment Group (LAYAG) for saying yes to meaningful conversations that inspire faith, purpose, and service and for joining the Brothers in the classroom visits.

TAIPING, 5 October 2025 — St. George’s Institution (SGI) Taiping celebrated the International Day of Peace yesterday with a powerful event focused on unity and hope. The gathering, part of the Lasallian International Days of Peace, took place under the theme: "Planting Peace, Growing Harmony."

The main highlight was a special ceremony to plant a Peace Pole and a Peace Tree in the school's La Salle Peace Garden. This act symbolizes a promise to build peace, respect, and non-violence that will last for generations. The trees stand as living reminders of hope for harmony among different communities.

The celebration showed a strong commitment to peace through education and community effort. High-profile international and local leaders attended, bringing global focus to the event.

Guests included H.E. Krzysztof Dobrowolski, the Ambassador of Poland, and H.E. Hennadii Nadalenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine. They were joined by Mr. Joseph Lau, Chairman of Partners For Peace Malaysia and Chairman of SGI, and the school Principal, Mr. Mohd Izam Bin Mohd Ramly.

The Ambassadors stressed that peace is everyone’s job.
H.E. Dobrowolski spoke about the friendship between Poland and Taiping, emphasizing that peace is a universal right and a shared responsibility. He encouraged ongoing talks and respect between cultures.

H.E. Nadalenko highlighted the need for cross-border solidarity. He urged continued cooperation to solve conflicts globally, reminding everyone that local actions support the larger international effort for stability.

Mr. Joseph Lau noted the importance of school projects and local efforts in creating lasting peace.

The Principal’s message, read by Mdm Grace Francis George, offered a clear definition of true peace: “Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is the presence of love, justice and mutual respect. It grows when we choose understanding over anger... and unity over division.”

The event included students, teachers, parents, and community members. Highlights were welcome speeches about peace education, a student-led performance with poetry, and an Ambassadors Awards ceremony. By planting trees, the community of SGI Taiping showed its clear dedication to building a more peaceful and harmonious world.

In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month and Teacher's Day, our Lasallian volunteers share their experience and reflections as part of the Mangyan community through poems.

Me-an Antao, in the local Buhid language, reflects on her being a a volunteer teacher in the PAMANA KA community. According to her, "bilang isang Mangyan, ito'y sumasalamin hindi lang sa aking karanasan ngunit ito rin ay aking pangarap para sa buhay at pangarap ng mga batang Mangyan." (As a Mangyan, this reflects not just my experience but also my lifelong dream and the dream of the many Mangyan children).

Matilde Suklob, in the local Hanunuo language, describes being a volunteer teacher in the PAMANA KA community. "Buhi Guro" reminds us that teaching is not just for the enlightenment of those entrusted to our care, but also a vocation that comes from our hearts.

Zyra No-oy, in the local Buhid language, shares here journey as a volunteer teacher in the PAMANA KA community. Almost one o'clock in the afternoon, the rain is about pour, and they are unsure whether they will be able to cross the river. "Nyawa" (Despite) the circumstances, they carried on walking for almost two hours on the way back, since someone is waiting for them barefoot and notebook in hand.

Last 30 September 2025, we marked a historic 2-in-1 milestone for the La Salle Botanical Gardens (LSBG): the very first LSBG, Inc. Board of Trustees Meeting and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 1 of development.

We are honored to be led by Br. Iñigo Riola FSC as Chairman of the Board and Br. Felipe Belleza Jr. FSC as President, together with our esteemed Trustees and Officers: Mr. Jorge Buenaventura, Atty. Isabel Tolosa-Datu, Mrs. Kirtida Mekani, Mr. Butch Rufino, Mr. Jay Calleja, Mr. Tito Fernandez, Mr. Bong Borja and Br. Bong Servando FSC (Treasurer). We also acknowledge with gratitude our Trustees who could not join us today — Br. JJ Jimenez FSC, Br. Normandy Dujunco FSC, and Dr. Josette Biyo — whose support will continue to guide this vision.

A heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Kirtida Mekani, who graciously accepted her role as Trustee and joined us all the way from Singapore. Mrs. Mekani also serves on the Board of Directors of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), bringing a valuable global perspective to our mission. 

We also extend our deep gratitude to our key partners — DLSU Science Foundation, Inc., Ayala Land, Inc. and Leonio Land Holdings, Inc.— for their steadfast support in bringing the LSBG vision to life. 

This groundbreaking is more than the start of land development — it’s the beginning of transformation to a greener future where plant conservation, research, education, and communities grow together at LSBG.

As part of the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP), the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), through its LEAD for Peace program, gathered Lasallians from seven countries for a meaningful dialogue on climate justice. The online seminar, “Climate Challenges and Connections in LEAD,” held last 27 September 2025, brought together 92 participants from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to reflect on how caring for the Earth is central to peacebuilding and the Lasallian mission of justice and solidarity.

Guest speaker Ms. Lea Guerrero, Country Director of Greenpeace Philippines, discussed the triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—and its links to inequality, governance, and human rights. She urged the Lasallian community to see climate justice as a moral and spiritual call to act together with compassion and commitment in building just, sustainable, and peaceful communities across the District

As part of the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP), the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), through its LEAD for Peace program, gathered Lasallians from seven countries for a meaningful dialogue on climate justice. The online seminar, “Climate Challenges and Connections in LEAD,” held last 27 September 2025, brought together 92 participants from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to reflect on how caring for the Earth is central to peacebuilding and the Lasallian mission of justice and solidarity.

Guest speaker Ms. Lea Guerrero, Country Director of Greenpeace Philippines, discussed the triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—and its links to inequality, governance, and human rights. She urged the Lasallian community to see climate justice as a moral and spiritual call to act together with compassion and commitment in building just, sustainable, and peaceful communities across the District.