Superior General Visits Philippine Schools

Excerpts from FSC Bulletin 2010 - 09 and 2010 - 10 issued March 7 by Brother Visitor Fernando "Dodo" Fernandez, FSC:

Day 0 • 28 February • Arrival. Br. Vic and I picked Br. Superior Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria, FSC and Br. General Councilor David Hawke at the NAIA Terminal 2 at 6:00PM. Their flight from Bangkok (PR 731) arrived earlier than scheduled. We proceeded to the Brothers Community of De La Salle University where they were to stay for the next two nights. Br. Superior and Br. David were welcomed by the Director of the community, Br. Benildo together with some Brothers and resident aspirants. Welcome dinner was simple. A brief orientation on their schedule for the next six days followed.

Day 1 • 1 March • DLSU. Day 1 schedule was filled with meetings with different groups and councils in the District. The personnel and staff at De La Salle Philippines was first. Meeting at the multi – purpose hall, they gave Br. Superior a glimpse into the work they do for the District. Next up were three Guadalupana sisters led by Sr. Marianna, the local superior. At 11:00 AM, our two visiting Brothers gathered at the Richard Duerr Board Room with the members of the Lasallian Partners Council and the National Mission Council. Mr. Ramon del Rosario and Mr. Ronald Holmes facilitated the meeting. After brief introductions, there was an open forum. In his answers, Brother Superior gave the members a good perspective of the work and ministry Lasallian Family around the world. The highlight of day 1 was the conferment of the honorary doctorate degree in Humanities by De La Salle University. In ceremonies that were short and sweet, Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. Julius Maridable donned the hood, Br. Armin read the citation and donned the cap and Mr. Francis Estrada, Chair of the Board, read the authorization. In his response Br. Alvaro quoted Jesuit martyred priest from El Salvador, Fr. Ignacio Ellacuria SJ, that a “Catholic university must take into account the gospel preference for the poor”. Members of the academic community of De La Salle University and DLS – College of St. Benilde were present in the ceremonies.

Day 2 • 2 March • DLSU – Dasmarinas. Next stop was De La Salle University – Dasmariñas campus where representatives of De La Salle Zobel, De La Salle Canlubang and DLS – Health Sciences Institute were present. First activity was an assembly hosted by Dr. Charles Yu at the Animo Center with different sectors including trustees who wanted to meet the Superior. The Bishop of Imus, the energetic and youthful Bishop Chito Tagle was also present to welcome the Brothers. A tour of the campus was conducted aboard the eco – friendly electric jeep of DLSU – D. In afternoon the Brothers were brought to the Health Science Institute campus and were given a tour of the different facilities. A highlight of the afternoon was a meeting with more than 20 aspirants and contacts being accompanied by the Residencia community. The meeting was facilitated by Br. Richie.

Day 3 • 3 March 2010 • De La Salle Lipa/La Salle Novitiate. From the Residencia Community, the Brothers travelled to Lipa City. Passing through the scenic route of Talisay, the Brothers arrived at DLSL and was warmly welcomed by the Brothers, students, faculty and staff. First activity was an assembly in the gymnasium with the different stakeholders of the school. The Integrated School children provided the entertainment with songs and local dances. After the assembly Brs. Alvaro and David attended the Luzon Signum Fidei consecration. The sight of so many Lasallian partners making their commitment greatly encouraged Br. Alvaro. Lunch was provided by students and faculty of DLSL’s own Hotel and Restaurant program.

The dialogue with the Brothers (community and novitiate staff) took place in the novitiate after lunch followed by the dialogue with the novices. Light snacks were taken before travelling back to Manila.

Day 4 and 5 • 4 - 5 March • La Salle University, Ozamiz. Since Brs. Alvaro and David could not make it to Bacolod, day 4 began with a video conference with University of St. La Salle and St. Joseph High School representatives. The video conference was hosted by Brs. Arian (Bacolod side) and JJ (Manila side). Attending live were La Salle Green Hills and La Salle Antipolo representatives. We proceeded to the airport for the 11:25AM flight to Ozamiz.

In Ozamiz, Brs. Alvaro and David were given a rousing welcome by the elementary students waving little flags of different colors. The afternoon schedule was light with a tour of the three campuses with David giving a presentation to the Faculty. Dialogue with the Brothers took place before supper. Meals were provided by the students and faculty of the school’s Hotel and Restaurant program.

Back in Manila, our visitors attended a Luzon Youth Assembly with over a hundred youth representatives from the different schools as well as several young brothers. From the assembly the Brothers proceeded to the dialogue with the St. Benilde and Jaime Hilario communities. We ended the day with a pasta dinner.