Lasallian brothers, students, and associates from Luzon gathered to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the passing of Saint John Baptiste De La Salle yesterday, April 10, at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila.




Photos by Ricardo Yan II

Spearheaded by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and De La Salle University – Manila (DLSU-M), the event commenced with the arrival of the Relic of St. La Salle, followed by Taize prayers, and a mass presided by Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

As the patron saint of teachers of youth, Saint John Baptiste De La Salle had the mission to educate the poor and the children which formed the Catholic educational system today.



Photos by Ricardo Yan II

“We are not only celebrating a mission now spread all over the world through the education of the poor and education of children. […] What I personally celebrate is how [St. John Baptiste De La Salle] cared for children [who] tried hard, even to the point of being severe mortification in his lifetime, in order to be a child; to be one of those poor people that he was serving. And it is this transformation of self that led him and his community, and those they are serving, to be a catalyst in social and cultural transformation,” Tagle said in his homily. He also mentioned that Saint La Salle continues to change the landscape of the church through his teachings, leading to a social and cultural change throughout the country.

“This year we are encouraged to promote in a more active way of teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives,” Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC said during his message of thanksgiving.



Photos by Ricardo Yan II

“God knows we need good teachers who will walk with the young minds entrusted to us especially at this time we need our teachers to who will accompany our students and pupils with love and who will teach them the importance of truth, justice, and value of life,” he added.

Followed by the holy mass, Lasallian brothers joined to give tokens to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila Educational System (RCAM ES) through Cardinal Tagle. De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) gifted an image of Saint La Salle along with 300 scholarship grants for the Catechetical Leadership and Supervision program presented by DLSU-M President Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC and DLSP President Br. Armin Luistro FSC.




Photos by Ricardo Yan II

The Lasallian family also gifted a framed artwork of the Saint La Salle made by DLS-CSB alumnus Kevin Eguia handed by Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC.

This 2019, the Lasallian community is celebrating the Lasallian Jubilee Year as declared by Pope Francis last year.