A joyful celebration and an audacious vision
On June 23, Notre Dame of Cotabato, Philippines, hosted a triple celebration: 70 years of Marist Presence in the Philippines, 10 Years as East Asia Province and the culmination of Marist Bicentenary. Marist Brothers from all over the East Asia Province as well as from Mexico and the United States, lay collaborators from the different Marist schools, representatives of partner congregations and dioceses, benefactors, PTA officers, alumni, students and other invited guests graced the momentous affair.
Tributes were given to American Brothers who have worked in the Philippines, Mexican brothers who have worked in Korea, the Archdiocese of Cotabato, the Dioceses of Antipolo, Malaybalay, Marbel, and Kidapawan, the Apostolic Vicariates of Jolo and Puerto Princesa, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), the Marist Fathers (SM), the Marist Missionary Sisters (SMSM), the Passionist Fathers (CP), the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND), the Dominican Sisters (OP), and the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM).
The theme, “A joyful celebration and an audacious vision”, was an expression of gratitude for what has been accomplished for 70 years in this part of the Marist World.
In his video message, Br. Ernesto Sanchez, FMS, focused on the five calls of the 22nd General Chapter. On the other hand, His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, the first Filipino cardinal who is a Marist alumnus, shared his gratefulness for being a product of Marist education.
Br. James Mcknight, FMS, former Provincial of the Philippine Province, talked about how delighted he was with the way the Filipino Marist Brothers accepted him and other foreign brothers.
The event also made the Marist Brothers and lay partners more appreciative of what is to be Marists in word and deed. It marked as well a new beginning for all Marists of Champagnat as they journey on with their goal to make Jesus and Mary known and loved by all.