The meeting of the General Administration with the youth of Asia was successfully held in Tagaytay for four days from September 21 to 24, 2007. After four days of reflecting, sharing and enjoying one’s company, the said activity was concluded with a speech of Bro. Sean Sammon, the General Superior of the Brothers. Here is the message of Br. Sean for all the Marist youth here in Asia:

Seán D. Sammon, FMS

24^th September 2007

This morning I plan to tell you two stories, using each of them to bring together some of the rich sharing that has taken place over the past four days together. The first story is light and humorous; the second personal and of a more serious note.

Our first tale is about a bishop and a taxi driver who died on the same day. The bishop breathed his last as the priests of his diocese recited the rosary gathered around his hospital bed. In contrast, the taxi driver expired as he was rushing across town in search of his next fare. Both men arrived before the Gates of Heaven about the same time where they awaited the arrival of Saint Peter and whatever lay in store for each of them.

The bishop, casting a glance at the taxi driver, thought to himself: I hope that God in his mercy can find a place for that poor soul. As for myself: my reward in the Kingdom of God is assured. After all, I was a person of some prominence in the Church and have served the Lord faithfully.

You can imagine the bishop’s surprise when on his arrival Saint Peter went straight over to the taxi driver, embraced him, and escorted him personally through the Gates of Heaven and into one of the Kingdom’s choicest mansions.

Quickly recouping his composure, the bishop thought to himself: if God has given that taxi driver a reward such as this one, I can only imagine what he has in store for me!

When Peter returned, however, he offered the bishop rather perfunctory thanks for his service to the Church, tossed him a set of keys and directed him toward an apartment complex located in a noisy neighborhood near heaven’s gate. The bishop was startled but went off nevertheless to inspect his new quarters.

On taking a tour through home, he quickly became angry. There has been a mistake here, the bishop thought to himself. I, who was a bishop in the Church, am given this modest reward while that taxi driver, who did little more during the course of his life than cause traffic jams, is assigned to one of heaven’s choicest spots. Yes, a mistake must have been made. And so, he quickly set out in search of Peter determined to right the wrong.

On finding the Saint he demanded an explanation. Peter sighed and said to the bishop, “Your Excellency, you know very well how things work here. What you get in the afterlife is determined by what you did on earth. And quite frankly, your Excellency, when you preached people slept. But when that taxi driver drove, believe me, people prayed!”

What is the point of this first story? Well, I dare say that the bishop was surprised and the taxi driver delighted. And haven’t we have shared these same sentiments from time to time during the course of our days together. Surprise at the discoveries we have been making about one another as well as our various cultures and customs, and the realities of our countries; delight in the simple joy of meeting and coming to know one another better.

During our first evening together many of us eyed each other across this room, a new group in a new environment. And while we ventured out now and then, in the main during those first hours of our time together we remained tied to those we knew. Tomorrow was another day and we would see what lay in store. Listening to introductions that ran the gamut from Damian, James, and Peter at age 16 through Marivic and Freedom who are teachers, the full range of experience, personality, and hopes and aspirations of those assembled became a bit clearer.

On the morning of our second day we shared something of our cultures and countries and learned about the rich legacy that is part of each one of them. However, we also heard about the gap that exists in some places between rich and poor, and began to appreciate the religious discrimination that some in this room face.

We also heard tales about bullying, suicide, and fears that some of us have about future government repression. So, too, we were told tales about the exploitation of persons that takes place in some countries and of students being forced into prostitution to simply pay their bills. Some wondered aloud about countries that lacked a sufficient number of students to fill their schools and of others that lacked a sufficient number of schools to accommodate all who wished to attend. And these were but a few of the many items mentioned.

As our discussions continued we began to realize that we were part of a much larger Marist world, and that we had a responsibility for one another. Consequently, we must commit ourselves to finding solutions to the problems that beset us in our Marist institutions and also work at effecting the changes that are necessary in our countries and cultures.

Yesterday, we had a chance to ask one another questions and listened to stories about religious commitments. The tale of each person was unique but that fact should come as no surprise since God’s dream for the life of each of us is singular, meant for us alone and for no one else.

Throughout our discussions, I must confess, that I kept asking myself, “Where is God in all of our conversations?” Yes, where is this person who we claim to be so central in our lives?

That question brings me to the second story that I want to tell this morning. As I mentioned a moment ago, it is personal and a story that I have told on occasion before. Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I remember the day well: January 21^st, 1994. Snow was falling softly in Pelham, NY, the town north of New York City in which I was living at the time. A friend was visiting from California and asked if I wanted company on my trip to the doctor’s at four o’clock. But I knew that this was one journey that I had to make alone.

On arriving at the doctor’s office and taking one look at her face, I knew that the news was not good. I had an inkling, from time to time, during the week of tests that preceeded my meeting with the physician that some difficulty probably existed but I had no idea though as to its nature or extent.

“Sit down,” the doctor said, “I will tell you what we have found, and then I will tell you what you must do.” You have a brain tumor of major proportion, five centimeters in diameter. It is located in the middle of your head. We will use medication to try to shrink it but you cannot avoid neurosurgery.” Then she proceeded to give me the name, address, and phone number of a surgeon, some prescriptions, and a few other instructions. Finally, she looked at me directly and said, “There is one other thing I must tell you. Another year of life for this tumor will cost you your own.” I was 46 years of age.

During the weeks and months that followed that appointment with the doctor, I underwent a variety of treatments and eventually the neurosurgery that she had said I could not avoid. But these events were but a small part of the picture of change that began to unfold in my life. For you see, the tumor that visited me in midlife was the catalyst for a journey that I made from my head to my heart. I had lived the better part of the first forty years of my life in my head. Since that time, though, I have been dwelling much more in my heart. A far messier place to live but so much more gratifying.

Now, what does this story about a tumor at midlife have to do with the topic of our days together? First of all, it reminds us that life is a precious gift. Each of us has but one, made up of a limited number of years. And while life is freely given and ours to make of it what we will, the length of its days are not ours to determine. For some they are cut short due to accident or disease, their promise perhaps not realized. Others among us live many years beyond what might be expected and witness great change, innovation, and progress. However, it is what we do with our lives that make them so important.

Mary of Nazareth learned this lesson over time. Here was a woman of her day, getting ready to marry. Hers was a genuine human journey, her life commonplace and obscure. Here was a woman who searched, felt anxious, laughed and cried, did not understand everything, and had to find her way from one stage to another as she traveled life’s journey. And life did not treat her gently. She lived through the human lot that falls to us all: tears, distress and bitterness, courage and greatness, agony and death.

Saint Therese of Lisieux reminds us that we love Mary not because the Mother of God received exceptional privileges but rather because she lived and suffered simply, like us, in the dark night of faith. Mary was a daughter of this earth; she had human passions, joys. She shared all the human concerns that we experience today.

But Mary was able to discern God’s dream for her life. That very same challenge faces each of us here in this room today. What is it that God asking of you; what is God asking of me?

Second, the story about a brain tumor at midlife also reminds us that many of life’s decisions are not rational but rather intuitive, they are affairs of the heart more than anything else. A vocation to religious life, for example, is a bit like falling in love. You meet a person and find yourself attracted to him or her. Over time a friendship develops between you and you find yourself looking forward to spending time together. You find yourself sharing more of your history with this person, as well as your hopes and dreams, your fears and concerns. And then one day, you discover that this person whom you met, and who over time you have come to value as a friend, has become someone very special indeed.

You are a new generation here in Asia. Never for a moment believe that you are only the future, for you are the present also. Real life does not start at some pre-appointed time during the days ahead. What you are living today is not the dress rehearsal for life but rather it is your life. Make of it what you can.

Marcellin Champagnat did just that. For he was but 27 years of age when he founded the Marist Brothers. He had no money, an old house on which there was a mortgage to pay, and two recruits—one of whom had almost no schooling. But Marcellin had a dream. And that is what lies at the heart of a religious vocation: a dream, God’s dream for you and for me.

If Marist education is meant to do anything, it is meant to teach young people to dream. To dream very large dreams about changing our world for the better because of Jesus Christ. How do you want to make a difference in our world and what price are you willing to pay in order to do so?

These four days together were meant to help our General Council learn something more about the world of young people living in the region of Asia. And we are grateful for all that you have shared with us. For our part, we hope that we have left with some better understanding about religious life today. Yes, it is but one way to serve the Lord but today it is not as well understood as it might have been in the past.

Some worry that religious life requires too much discipline and sacrifice. But any life lived well demands discipline and sacrifice. Others worry that it is a lonely life; but religious life is no lonelier than any other life. Each of us has a responsibility for taking the risks necessary to develop rich friendships.

Marcellin Champagnat was a man in love with God. He could not have accomplished what he did in life were that not the case. And herein lies the very core of religious life. You cannot live it unless Jesus Christ is the center and passion of your life. And so, as we ready ourselves to leave here today, let us pledge ourselves to listen for God’s Word in our life, and let us pray for hearts generous enough to respond to what that very same God might have in mind for each of us and for our lives. Thank you.

Here’s a story shared…

Back when I was still in high school, I dreamed to become a priest or a teacher. My schoolmates and teachers have seen my own capability and talents that I am suited for those ambitions; in short, they encouraged me to become one. My affiliations as Knight of the altar and a Student-Catechist manifested my interest in Church works. So, I attended the vocation workshop in a diocesan seminary and after few days, I received a letter telling that I qualified and can enroll now as a pre-College Seminarian. I was very happy then. See? A fourth year high school like me decided to study to become a priest someday. Sad to say, I didn’t and might not become someday. Although my father was an ex-seminarian, he opposed my decision for the fact that I’m the only son and the first sibling in the family, and have only one younger sister. My mother told me that if it is a real calling from God, it will comeback to me when I am already matured enough to understand my own life. Instead, they encouraged me to study first in college and look for promising job just to experience the life of comfort and sufferings in looking for money. I studied college through the help of DOST-Science Education institute, and finished a course that gave me a chance to work. I was employed first in Davao City as CY foreman before reassigned in gen. Santos City as Operations Assistant and at the same time, as Customers Service representative of American President Lines, a foreign shipping line based in Singapore. I managed and worked with people of different types of personalities for less than two years while enjoying the opportunities and benefits for a typical employee. My life then was just very ordinary and seven days a week routine, it was not really boring but it was not also satisfying. Those times were meaningless that I even forgot to take care of my own social life, love life and myself since I was very busy and serious about business matters.

One day, I visited my family; I was already living on my own that time; I found a brochure at my study table; my sister brought it from school. It was an invitation to be “in-contact” of the Marist Brothers. As I was reading the brochure, I begun to reflect and asked myself, “What am I doing now in my life?” Am I really happy? Then I started looking for meaning in my life. I brought the pamphlet with me, filled it up and sent it back to the Brothers addressed in the Novitiate. Yes, I graduated in a Marist University but didn’t know exactly who they are. That move gave me a chance to know them well especially when I was invited to come over to their Formation house in gen. Santos City. It was for six mo months of just staying overnight, once a month, joining with them in prayers, conversation and meeting with the other brothers. My interest was deepened and attracted to their way of life. Reflecting on my career, the real happiness I was seeking was not there so I decided to make my own decision to join the religious life, particularly in the Marist way of life. At that time, there was a company that wanted to pirate me and work for them as Assistant Comptroller. They were offering higher salary and benefits but I declined. I informed my parents after resigning from the company. Again my parents opposed it, but by my strong stance, they just agreed hesitantly until they confirmed that they are supporting me in my desire.

I attended the summer vocation workshop for three weeks and formally informed the brothers that I am joining the next formation year, May 2002. My parents showed their support by attending programs at the formation house, especially during the Postulancy proclamation.

As time passed by, when I was already in the Aspirancy stage, my father was the one who visited me frequently since my mother was always busy. Unfortunately, one month after I received my soutane, he died of kidney failure, and that became another turning point of my life. I visited him once and that was the last time we saw each other. I was really encouraged to discern about this way of life, when he asked me to go on with my vocation; he was crying then and he knew that he would not be living any longer. I was very sad and really affected but one thing for sure, he was very happy of my decision. What happened to my father was a stepping stone for me now as a Brother for it showed me how short life is and what is the meaning of dying.

You might be asking, “Why Marist brothers?” In fact, there are many still other congregations for men or be a priest. The difference was what made me decide to choose them. It was their way of life itself that attracted me, even though I had always the chance to search for other congregation that time. I tried to search for others, actually but finally settled on them. But still, why? There are always opportunities for growth with a purpose of extending myself to others, it was my initial motivation that time but as formation continued, this motivation was replaced with a meaningful one that is beyond others’ understanding: the consecrated life of being a Marist Brother. The Marist way of life is a life in an active apostolic action that is rooted in the love of God to his people. In this way of life, I can express my ambition by the capabilities bestowed on me. See? My first ambition was to become a priest or a teacher but in this way, it is more than becoming one, and that is the reason why I have said earlier: it is beyond human understanding.

To become a religious is not a popular option in life and it needs courage to know the will of God and respond to his calling for us. Constant discernment is needed to know his will and I should say that I am really called in this life when I reach six feet below the ground.

(Since September is the vocation month in almost all dioceses in the Philippines, the moderators invited people to share their vocation stories.  This week, we have Br. Canisio Jose Willrich from Brazil.  He is presently in Davao attending the ‘Ad Gentes’ Orientation Program with nine other Brothers from other countries.)

I was born on February 17, 1972 in a village called São Vendelino, South Brazil. I’m 35 years young and I spent most of my life sharing Marist spirituality with all those I encountered.

I have 6 brothers and 2 sisters. My oldest brother is a diocesan priest. Because of his influence and that of my godfather as well, I entered very early in the seminary but later I felt that Jesus was calling me to follow him through another way.

I came to know the Marist Brothers in two ways: Firstly, in the primary school, when the Brothers came, shared and explained their way of life. And, secondly, through my brother who lived with the Brothers for three years. So, he gave me support when I decided to join the Marist Brothers in 1985.  I was 14 years young then.

The formation house was very near to our village.  I enjoyed the first year experience.   The Brothers welcomed me very well, making me feel at home, like a family.The following year, I went to another Marist’s formation house, where I stayed for 3 years doing my high school, with other candidates. It was a good opportunity to become close to the Marist Brothers and to know more about their life and mission.I could feel that Mary, our Good Mother was present in all those times giving me hope and faith.

In 1990, I went to the postulancy. There I stayed for one year. That was a moment of discernment which led to the deepening of the call to become a Marist Brother. The formators helped me and supported me many times in the process of formation and in sharing life.I felt myself identified with the charisma of Marcellin Champagnat. So, after acceptance, I went to the noviciate for 2 years. That was a wonderful experience of God, which allowed me to deepen my spirituality. It was a central moment in my life because after two years, I professed my temporary vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. These vows were definitive engagement with Jesus Christ through the Marist Brothers’ life.

After that I went to the scholasticate for two years, where I started my Theology studies. At the same time, we were engaged in different types of pastoral activities. But since my interest was in formation, so, I asked my Provincial Superior to let me have the experience by being assigned in a formation house. From that moment on, I have dedicated all my time in formation ministry. But I also worked in a social project, in vocation animation and in schools as a teacher.  

In 2003, I had the opportunity to take a formation course in Chile for one year. That was a great gift of God. There I started to realize that God was calling me to become a missionary. So, as soon as I heard about the Marist Project ‘Ad Gentes’, my heart started to beat. I took it as a sign and I wanted to follow that sign generously. I want to be an extension of God’s grace to the needy and to all those who want to welcome this grace. Salamat! Many thanks! 

Brother Canísio José Willrich

The idea emerged once again when I worked with Br. Joe, the Vocation Director of the Province last Summer Vocation Workshop 2007. But by this time, it came out not just an idea but also with a sense of urgency and inspiration to…..”Just do it.”

And more encouragement was felt when during the “bonding session” with Danny Sabino and Br. Larry last month in the residence of Philip Diaz, the conversation became more intense and intimate as we shared the experiences we have had during our BMC years…. That was 20 years ago…. And it was twenty years ago when I first met them. And during the sharing, one could sense the passion in the experience and that “longing for more.”

That sense of “longing for more” made this project into a reality…. for this was the shared experience of many BMCians/SMCians I had journeyed with in the past, as articulated by Dasoy and Philip. Marcellink hopefully links us back to the person, Marcellin and to his vision, mission, passion and models. Marcellink hopefully keeps alive the Marist Spirit that we long for.

Just to share another experience with you…. While Br. George and I were waiting for the train in San Pietro Station in Rome, five Filipino seamen came to us and one of them called out: “Brother!”, then followed it up with a question, “Brother Pepito?” I said, “yes” for I did not recognize the young man. After introducing himself as Charles Evangelista from Jolo who had been to the BMC convention in Kidapawan, we started sharing about our experiences as BMCians until Br. George and I embarked into the train.

Does this resonate to your experience as BMCian/SMCian or as alumnus of the club? If so, welcome to this website.

But this is not limited to the SMCians alone… as you see, this idea emerged again when I got involved in formation and vocation last summer workshop. For aside from being SMCian, this has a lot to do with those who had experienced the Marist education and has that “longing for more” and for those young people who “longed for something more and yet…” well, should we say, intimate longing for God… and interested to become a Marist Brother.

Go to http://www.champagnat.org, that is, if you are interested to know more about Marcellin, and anything about the Marist Brothers: history, mission, etc., throughout the world. I would like to invite you as well to visit http://magopdavao.blog.com. At this moment, I am here in Davao joining other Brothers from different countries preparing for the Mission in Asia. From time to time, we will be posting materials which may quench that “longing for more” little by little, but, this could only be done if you tell us what you long for.

For those young men who are interested to know the Marist Brothers or wanted to become one, there is one place reserved for you on the page…. Go to vocations, or see or write the Vocation Director (national/local or see any Marist Brother near you), or contact Marcellink (he will be of service to you). Or, if you feel called to become a priest or Religious Sister or Brother but have not decided yet, you are invited to write us. This site hopes to reach out to you. After all, SMC Club is a vocation club.

This site is launched today, August 15, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: a special feast for us because for Marists, like Marcellin, Mary played a special role: as Ordinary Resource, model and inspiration. As Marists, we should have the same affection for her like that of Marcellin… after all, that is what Marist mean… so, we offer this work to her, as any Marist would do, so that we will not lost sight of Jesus.

Mary is the perfect disciple of Christ. As a disciple, she said her “Yes” at the Annunciation. Since then, Jesus became the center of her life… That made her so special and yet so ordinary… For in following Jesus, she went through struggles and pains, joys and laughter. Is this not a common experience of all? But the difference is…. Maybe… and maybe the only difference is that she was so focused to Jesus. And even after Jesus ascended into heaven, she was with the early Church to share the story of and about Jesus… to inspire those who were persecuted and challenged in their faith to Jesus. In a word, she was the model and inspiration in “making Jesus Christ known and loved.” So was she to Marcellin… so is she to us.

Let me share a letter with you from Marcellin to one of the first Brothers, Br. Barthelemy:

            Dear Brother Barthélemy and your dear fellow-worker,

I was very glad to hear from you and to know that you are in good health. I also know that you have many children in your school; you will consequently have many copies of your virtues, because the children will model themselves on you, and will certainly follow your example.

 

What a wonderful and sublime occupation you have! You are constantly among the very people with whom Jesus Christ was so delighted to be, since he expressly forbade his disciples to prevent children from coming to him. And you, dear friend, far from preventing them, are making every effort to lead them to him. What a reception you will have in your turn, from this divine and generous master, who does not let even a glass of cold water go without its reward!

Tell your children that Jesus and Mary love them all very much: those who are good because they resemble Jesus Christ, who is infinitely good; those who are not yet good, because they will become so. Tell them that the Blessed Virgin also loves them, because she is the mother of all the children in our schools. And tell them that I love them very much too; and that I never once say Mass without thinking of you and your dear children.

How happy I would be if I could be a teacher, and devote myself even more directly to educating these impressionable children!

Things are going fairly well in all the other establishments.
Pray for me and for everyone here.

I have the honor to be your very devoted father in Jesus and Mary,

Champagnat

Before I end this message, I would like to acknowledge the BMCian who gave the name to the first and last newsletter, Marcellink, published in 1998. I was the national coordinator when this young man proposed this newsletter. You gave the name to this site. And the idea of creating this was introduced by Dasoy about seven years ago. He even offered to help us on this. But it was only when Br. Vince sent me his personal website last June that I remembered I need his skill and expertise to finally start the website. The site first appeared last July 24 with the message: LAUNCHING SOON! UNDER COPNSTRUCTION! FOR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US! And from then on, Br. Vince and I started working on this. He was in MAPAC, Marikina and I was in Mission Ad Gentes, Davao City….. It was on June 26 that I got the permission from Br. Dem, the present SMC national coordinator, to create the site. With everything set, here is it!

Hop in! Let us keep the Marist Spirit alive!

In JMJChampagnat,

Br. Pepito L. Mahong, FMS

greetings, michelle! I am glad to know you are still there…. so what is your plan this coming august 15…. as SMCian? it will be a very special day for us. As of now, i feel obligated to offer special intentions for you SMCians out there….. It will be a special day for you in my prayers…. can you join me on this? and pray for the Brothers, too.

As of now, I am in Davao undergoing the orientation and preparation program for mission in Asia… as where will I be particularly be sent, that we are discerning. There are 10 of us Brothers (3 Brazilians, 2 Indians, 1 mexican, 1 colombian, 1 spanish, 1 from ghana and myself). The Program will end on December and we will go back to our own home country to process our credentials and finally say “goodbye” to our “beloveds”…. family, friends, etc. It will be a difficult experience but your prayers will help us…. these will be new mission countries…. so pray for us…. if you wanted to know moreabout the program i just mentioned, you can go to the links…. so, can you be with us in this crucial moment of our lives?

I hope you will continue to send us your simple…hmmmmm…. “hello’…. that will help keep the marist spirit alive….hehehe….

In JMJChampagnat,

1990

1989

1988

• Danny D. Sabino - BS Mathematics, Notre Dame of Marbel University; member since 1983 (BMC, NDMU High School department)

1987

1986

1985

• Dominador “abdul” Siloterio

1984

1983

1982

• Ferdinand Sarabia - pioneer BMC (SMC) NDBD

1981

This thread is still being developed. At the ‘comment box‘ below, please leave your complete name, year, course and school where you were a member of SMC/BMC Club. Help us complete the list. Thank you.

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2006

2005

•     Benjie Tahum - BSEd-English, President from 2003 to 2005, Notre Dame of Marbel   University

2004

2003

2002

2001

This thread is still being developed. At the ‘comment box‘ below, please leave your complete name, year, course and school where you were a member of SMC/BMC Club. Help us complete the list. Thank you.

1998

• Gamaliel Longa - BSCS, Notre Dame of Marbel University
• Elmer
• Harlington
• Arlene
• Shiela

1995

• Leo Carlo M. dela Rosa - Notre Dame University, Notre Dame of Cotabato

This thread is still being developed. At the ‘comment box‘ below, please leave your complete name, year, course and school where you were a member of SMC/BMC Club. Help us complete the list. Thank you.

This is the first post in this site.

Enjoy!

“The Marcellink”