Renewing with Fervor, Building our Future
Fifty-five Marist Brothers from Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia attended the first Assembly of Brothers of East Asia Province last August 19 to 20 at The Farm, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, Philippines.
Brother Manuel De Leon, the Brother Provincial of East Asia Province, welcomed all the delegates and gave the objectives of the assembly during his opening message:
1. To build a spirit of unity and identity for the Province of East Asia;
2. To inform the Brothers of the developments in the Province; and
3. To consult the Brothers on significant matters affecting the Province.
With the theme "Renewing with Fervor, Building our Future” Brother Peter Rodney, the current Rector of Marist Asia Pacific Center in Marikina, facilitated the Assembly during the round-table discussions.
The two-day gathering was divided into different sessions:
Setting a Context,
The Strengths of the Province,
A Closer Look at Province Life,
A Closer Look at Ministry,
Making Choices in Ministry,
Open Forum and
Communicating with Fervor.
The Brothers are encouraged by Brothers John Klein and Michael De Waas through their letter that states, “Your province is blessed with strong, effective leadership, many young and vibrant brothers, older brothers whose long-standing commitment humbles us, many ministries that are alive with the energy that motivated the early brothers at the Hermitage, many brothers who are prayerful and living a simple life style, and laypeople who truly want to share life and mission with us. Our hope is that you will build upon these gifts and will make the necessary decisions so that the Province of East Asia will be able to grow and thrive into the future.” Brother John Klein and Michael De Waas are link General Councilors who visited East Asia Province sometime last summer.
Our gratitude to the members of the Secretariat: Dr. MOnina Duqueza, Ms. Michelle Gudes, Mr. Ruben Tugari and Br. Vince Celeste. Also to the Registration Committee: Ms. Gelyn Ninofranco, Mr. Victor Malinao and Br. Noel Fernandez.