East Asia: Brother Provincials message during the silver jubilee of Brothers Jacobo and Domingo

Rev. Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, members of the family of Brothers Jacobo and Domingo, friends and guests … Anyeong Haseo!!!

We, people from the east, are known to draw lessons about life from nature. Let me share with you what I have read recently:

“ When the bird is alive, it eats ants. When the bird is dead, ants eat the bird. Time and circumstances can change anytime. Don’t hurt anyone in life. You may be powerful today. But remember, TIME is more powerful than you. One tree makes a million match sticks. Only one match stick is needed to burn a million trees. Be Good and Do Good.”

Watching the power point presentations about the life of Brothers Domingo and Jacobo reminds us of the good deeds they have done. Both I have found to be humble and always ready to be of service to others. What is more important, they do it with a sense of joy.

Thus, I would like to CONGRATULATE them on their 25th Year as Marist Brothers. Twenty five years ago, they made a promise to God to live in a community of Brothers in order to make Jesus known and loved especially among the children and young people. They made a promise to follow the examples of the Blessed Mother, the mother of God. Like St. Marcellin, our founder, a man of action and compassion, they want to make Jesus the center of their lives through prayer.

Through the years, Bro. Jacobo and Bro. Domingo have been very generous in offering their lives to others. Both I find committed and passionate about living their Marist life. I hope they continue to be an inspiration to others especially the young Brothers.

To the members of their families, parents, uncles, aunties, nephews and nieces, I thank you on behalf of the Brothers for sharing these two wonderful persons to the Congregation of the Little Brothers of Mary also known as the Marist Brothers of the Schools. In fact, they belong to the pillars of the Korea Sector holding responsible positions as Sector Coordinator and Director of the Marist Homes in Chungju respectively.

To the Brothers of the Korea Sector, I encourage you all to be self-giving, be generous, joyful and supportive of each other. Have passion for the young people. Be credible witnesses as individuals and as a community. There is much promise in the Sector. Don’t lose hope. Continue to dream and act towards a common vision. Make a difference in the lives of people you encounter every day. God dwells in each one of us. It is when the God who dwells in us encounters in love the God who dwells in others that real miracles do happen. Let us all be instruments of God’s love in today’s world.

Kamsa Hamnida!!!