The Philippines and the De La Salle Brothers lose a dear friend: On Sunday, January 29, 2006, Br. Andrew Gonzalez, distinguished educator, intellectual giant and visionary leader died at the age of 65. He was a rare intellectual who had successfully straddled the world of academics and business. He was a man of unquestionable integrity and an unfaltering commitment to serve others. In an editorial in the Manila Bulletin, Florangel Rosario Brald wrote, “We will miss Br. Andrew, the quintessential educator, literati, gourmet and one of the kindest persons I ever met.”

A man whose entire life was dedicated to the advancement of learning, Br. Andrew was himself a product of higher education having earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, (Winona, USA), a Masters of Arts degree from the Catholic University of America, (Washington DC, USA), a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of California, (Berkeley, USA), a Litt.D. from Waseda University, (Tokyo, Japan), and an honorary doctorate from Soko University (Tokyo, Japan). In recognition of his international reputation as a linguistics scholar and for his distinguished educational leadership in the Pacific Basin, he was awarded the title of Officer dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the Prime Minister of France.

Exceedingly respected for his educational acumen, Br. Andrew was selected by Philippines President Joseph Estrada to serve as Secretary of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports of the Philippines. As former president and professor of languages and literature at De La Salle University, Manila, he was largely responsible for the growth and development of that prestigious institution.

Br. Andrew served as a member of the Commission on Filipino Language, as executive secretary of the Linguistic Society of the Philippines for seventeen years, and as editor of the Philippine Journal of Linguistics for 21 years. His international memberships include service as a member of the World Bank's External Advisory Panel on Education, President of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, and member of the international advisory board for the Waseda Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies. He was a prolific writer and renowned orator.

Br. Andrew was a strong supporter of our International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU/AIUL). He believed that through collaborative efforts among Lasallian higher educational institutions, educational offerings would be enhanced internationally. A holy man and educational visionary, his life spoke to the essence of the De La Salle Brothers. In an interview surrounding his presidential appointment, Br. Andrew commented that “If Saint La Salle were alive, I know he would be thrilled to know that one of his Brothers will be working for the poor.” Indeed, Br. Andrew’s life was always dedicated to improving the lives of students who were entrusted to his care: in grammar schools, high schools, universities, and throughout the entire Philippines educational system. In modern history, it is hard to imagine another individual who has had so profound an educational impact on the Pacific region.
^{(Br. Craig Franz and the Manila Bulletin)}

Superior General’s visit to the District of Andalusia: Br. Superior began with visits to the San Fernando and Puerta de Santa Maria centres where he met the students and staff in two enjoyable gatherings. In both places Br. Alvaro insisted on the characteristics of Faith, Fraternity and Service for which Lasallians are noted.
On the first day of his visit he was able also to meet in Jerez de la Frontera more than 300 representatives from the different groups sharing the Lasallian mission.

During the following days, Br. Alvaro, together with Br. Juan Pablo, General Councillor, and Br. Alberto, Visitor of Andalusia, continued his visit. Here are a few details:

First must be mentioned the meeting in the city of Seville with all the Brothers of the District. Br. Alvaro summarised and commented on the ideas in his pastoral letter, and pointed out that the great effort which the Institute is making these days to promote Association must not lead us to neglect the Pastoral Vocation of the Brother. At this meeting Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Carlos Amigo, who praised the Brother’s vocation and reminded his listeners of the importance of Christian Education.

On the 30 January, Annual Peace day, Br. Superior General visited the college of Melilla and watched short dramas by the students symbolising their commitment to Peace. That evening in the college parlour, the leaders of the four religions, Islam, Judaism, Hindu, Christian, all joined Br. Alvaro in prayers for peace. After those prayers a meal was served in the dining room with dishes typical of the four cultures. In a speech after the meal, Br. Alvaro highlighted the cooperation shown by Lasallians in encouraging dialogue between cultures and religions.

The next meeting was with the Brothers living in our Granada retirement home: he addressed them with these words: I admire you Brothers and the happy atmosphere of your home; by your prayers and the way you help one another we see the influence of God in your lives. That gathering was enhanced by the presence of young people living in the hostel in Guadix. That hostel is run by the Brothers for children without family. A young muslim who is just finishing at the hostel read out a text, in which he thanked de La Salle who had accompanied him throughout his life so far, and he expressed the wish that De La Salle would continue to help him in the rest of his life.

A visit to our establishment in Antequera was next on the list. Different types of teaching take place there, starting with nursery teaching and carrying on till the students are old enough to begin a career. For certain departments there is a 100% success in finding work: all they have to say is that they are former De La Salle students. This really encourages all the students of the establishment, who are all keen to to profit from the education they receive there.

This visit to Andalusia ended on the 1 February with a meeting of the District Council.
^{(Br. Juan Pablo Martin)}

Day of Peace, Arucas, Grand Canary Island: On Tuesday, January 31, we all gathered in the school courtyard for the Day of Peace. On this occasion, the color white on our T-shirts and balloons was the predominant color during the events as a sign of the peace that we all wanted to see.

The younger children and the primary school students were the first to get down to work. The first part of the afternoon was devoted to workshops where kites, eye shades, doves of peace, posters, and murals were created. This filled the time and space of our afternoon and our courtyard, which had been decorated for the occasion. The secondary school students joined us a bit later.

But also we had the time and the opportunity to fill the air and the sky with words, songs, and balloons. The first words came from the mouths of our companions in secondary school and primary school who shared their reflections about peace with us. Also, Don Alipio, a teacher of the French language, did his part by reading a poem by Pablo Neruda. Songs were provided by the younger students and by the beginning elementary school students who delighted us with the song "Lovers, yes, Fighters, no" and with the song by Antonio Flores, entitled "There is no Doubt" which we all sang together.

The balloons marked the final point of our celebration. They filled the blue skies with hundreds of white points and each of them carried a message of friendship, affection, tolerance, and peace.

We cannot but be grateful to all those who made this event possible. To Brother Julián who showed up with a placard which asked for peace. To Metallic Carbide Corporation which provided the sea of white balloons which filled out courtyard, and to all our friends and companions who, with their poetry and stories, helped us to think a bit more about the importance of spreading peace to others, in school, at home, in the street. And, finally, thanks to all those who on that day made peace with someone. We hope that the wish that is in those gestures is will be repeated every day.
^{(Luis and Isaac Fayna)}

The First Regional Meeting of Associates (ARLEP): On December 17 and 18 the Cristo Rey de Pozuelo house hosted the first Regional gathering of lay associates in the ARLEP Region. The meeting was called by the Regional Shared Mission and Lasallian Association Commission and it provided an opportunity for meeting and sharing.

The days were jam-packed with activity, but they were rewarding as well. District and personal processes were shared and from this sharing proposals concerning the future were made. The purpose of these proposals was to help strengthen the ties between current lay Associates themselves and between the Associates and the communities of Brothers. It was hoped that this would help to facilitate the processes for future lay Associates in the Districts. Those in attendance, nearly fifty persons from all over ARLEP, expressed their satisfaction for this experience.
^{(www.lasalle.es/distritomadrid)}

Tribute to Saint Joseph’s Development Trust (SJDT) and Br. Sebastian: On the 31st of January 2006 the Central Government Ministers of India presented to St. Joseph’s Development Trust a shield of honour recognizing SJDT as the “Best NGO in Organizing Self Help Groups in the Theni District” of Southeast India. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in Rome has selected Br. Sebastian as a representative of St. Joseph’s Development Trust to serve as an esteemed panellist (one among the four panellists) in a discussion about “Micro Credit and the Struggle Against Poverty.” This international conference is going to be held on February 27 and 28, 2006 at the Vatican.
^{(Br. John Fernando, President)}

Brother Victor Franco Meets the Young Lasallian Corps in Manado, Indonesia: The brief visit of Brother Victor Franco to Universitas Katolik De La Salle Manado, Indonesia from January 25 to 30 was a great privilege for the university, which is one of the newest Lasallian ministries, and the first in Indonesia. Following a presentation to the students and staff and an inspiring meeting and with the Signum Fidei group, Brother Vic spent an entire day meeting with the Young Lasallian Corps (YLC). The students involved in the YLC sensed the need for some guidance from Brother Vic and were grateful for the time he gave them.

Sixteen students were present at the meeting, including old members and new students. Brother Vic began his session by pointing out one fundamental fact that is often ignored: that we, as humans, are the chosen ones, because of the place we hold in the universe. Brother Vic continued with an inspiring session on the parable of the Prodigal Son, accompanied by a study of the painting by Rembrandt of The Return of the Prodigal Son. There the Young Lasallians learned humanity, compassion, love and forgiveness from different points of view: the father, the elder son and the younger one. They learned that to be caring, loving and forgiving is everything; the very things that are often the most difficult to do. The presence of God was strongly felt by all students during the session.

After a lunch with the Brothers’ Community the meeting resumed with a session including a discussion on Lasallian Youth communities in the region of PARC, as an overview for the YLCers. Despite the difficulties of spreading and living the Lasallian spirit among other Lasallians, the students were encouraged to stick to their dreams for YLC. Then the day's meeting concluded with a prayer service that helped everyone contemplate how our existence in the universe truly resembles the presence of God.
^{(Adapted from an article by Gracia Posumah)}

Malaysia-Singapore: The 15th National Lasallian Leaders Convention was held recently at La Salle Centre, Ipoh, Malaysia. This annual event is a means of maintaining contact with our schools in Malaysia and Singapore, at a time when the number of Brothers has greatly diminished.

Each school is required to select a team of outstanding student leaders, who as part of their preparation, are required to undertake a social analysis project in their area. The week long Convention focuses on team building, on social awareness, on developing a spirit of service, and includes talks, group discussion and workshops. Each day commences and ends with personal reflection.

The main focus is on the person and life of St La Salle. Young people of all faiths [Christian, Hindu, Muslim & Buddhist] identify easily with La Salle and draw inspiration from the example of his life; he becomes a common unifying factor.

The convention leads to other regional conventions which provide the participants with an opportunity to share their convention experience with others in their locality. Back in their respective schools each team has a plan to share the Lasallian message with their fellow students. Our Centre maintains contact with the school administration to ensure these are officially recognised and supported.
^{(Br. Vincent Corkery)}

Murder of Brother James Miller Commemorated: A number of events in the District of the Midwest (USA) commemorated the anniversary of the murder in Guatemala on 13 February 1982 of Brother James Miller. Sacred Heart Parish and the Office of Justice and Peace of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, celebrated the 24th Annual Brother James Miller Day on Sunday, 12 February, with a conference by Dr. Earl J. Madary of Viterbo University and a dinner in the parish hall.

The 5th Annual Brother James Miller Justice Symposium was held at Cretin-Derham Hall, a Lasallian secondary school in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the week of 30 January to 3 February.

And the Brother James Miller Social Justice Fund of the District of the Midwest made its annual distribution of financial award grants, in the amount of US $10,000 to twelve schools and agencies in Guatemala, India, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and USA.

Brother James Miller was shot and killed by four masked gunman while mending a wall outside the De La Salle Indian School in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. While his death was the end of an earthly life of faithful service, it was also the beginning of a new life in the hearts of the people he served.
^{(Adapted from Midwest District “News Notes” of February 2006)}

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