George Henry Kilbourn, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1894, became Brother Anthony Ferdinand after joining the Saint Joseph's Normal Institute. He dedicated many years to missionary work in the Philippines, arriving in 1914 as the youngest Brother sent to the mission. There, he taught, became involved in the Boy Scouts, and was known for his kindness and effectiveness as an educator. Despite some disagreements due to his strong will, he served in various locations, including Hong Kong and San Francisco, before ultimately returning to the Philippines, where he celebrated 50 years of service. He died in Manila in 1961.
Brother Meldan Treanor, born in 1915 as James Myles Treanor in County Monaghan, Ireland, was a dedicated De La Salle Brother known for his love of Irish culture and music, particularly the flute. He embarked on missionary work in Southeast Asia, facing challenges such as tuberculosis and the Second World War, which led him to endure hardship in a jungle settlement. He was a skilled and respected teacher in Singapore and Hong Kong for many years. Despite recurring health issues, he remained a resilient and dedicated Brother until he died in Ireland in 1995.
Brother Raymund Jeffrey, originally Charles Joseph Biehle, dedicated his short life to teaching and coaching in the Philippines, moving between Manila, Bacolod, and Iligan City. Despite his early death from endocarditis, his energetic commitment to education and athletics left a lasting impact on his students. His story serves as a reminder to live with passion and dedication.
Brother Felix Sheehan, born Denis Sheehan in County Tipperary, Ireland, was known for his blend of humor and seriousness. Joining the De La Salle Brothers, he embarked on a missionary journey to the Far East, teaching in Malaysia and Hong Kong, where he would spend most of his life. His experiences included navigating the challenges of World War II, and he later became a dedicated Director of La Salle College in Kowloon, working tirelessly to rebuild the school and support the community, especially the disadvantaged.
This episode delves into the remarkable life of Brother Lucian Athanasius, formerly James Hyde Reinhart, tracing his journey from a Kansas City youth to a pivotal figure in Philippine education. From early dedication to the religious life, through wartime internment, to his unwavering commitment to rebuilding De La Salle College, his story highlights a life of service and impactful legacy.
Brother William, a dedicated educator at De La Salle College, played multiple pivotal roles, including Grade School Principal and advisor to the College Board of Trustees. His focus on the well-being and education of younger students, exemplified by his annual guidance on First Communion preparations, showcased his caring nature behind a stern facade. Respected for his discipline and joviality, Brother William's enduring impact on students and the educational system, highlighted by his studies in Malaya, marks a significant contribution to the school's history and the broader educational landscape.
Br. Ptolomee Louis, also known as Louis Duffaux, was a French linguist and scholar born in 1878. Being a member of the Order since 1903, he underwent religious education in France and the United States amidst the Brothers' expulsion from France. We delve into his linguistic and scholarly contributions, shedding light on his significant role in religious studies and linguistic research.
Brother Henry Pang's upbringing in 1920s China underlines the influence of his father's compassionate nature and connection with a local parish priest. Despite the turbulent times in China, marked by political executions, Brother Henry's family found solace in Hong Kong under the guidance of Bishop Valtorta. His account of a significant family baptism in 1931, led by Bishop Valtorta, sheds light on their deepening ties with Catholicism amidst social upheaval, showcasing a blend of personal history with broader historical events.
Brother Michael's early life journey from North London to Hong Kong, shaped by his spiritual inclinations and academic prowess, is captured in this narrative. Starting from his childhood fascination with serving Mass to excelling in a French-speaking Juniorate on Guernsey, this podcast outlines his education and the promotion of French and modern languages in Hong Kong. Brother Michael's academic achievements, particularly in Mathematics and Art, culminating in a distinguished performance in the Junior Oxford exam, underscore his dedication to education and language advocacy.
Brother James, born in County Laois, Ireland, in 1915, embarked on a remarkable journey marked by linguistic prowess and unwavering dedication to service. His encounter with the Japanese military during the occupation of Malaysia led him to learn Japanese and numerous other languages. This poignant narrative showcases his linguistic talents and highlights his enduring commitment to his vocation, exemplifying a life enriched by language, literature, and missionary work.
Brother Casimir, a prominent individual born in 1914 in Czechoslovakia, led a remarkable life marked by various roles and accomplishments. His extensive engagements included teaching, music performances, editorial work, leadership positions, and even examination participation. Despite facing political obstacles that hindered his ability to revisit his birthplace and family, Brother Casimir navigated intricate negotiations and even received assistance from the Vatican to secure travel documents. His life story embodies resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, offering insights into a complex and intriguing personal journey.
Brother Raphael Egan (1918-1990) was a prominent figure in the Lasallian educational community, known for his leadership and dedication. Born in Ireland, he joined the La Salle Brothers and began his teaching career in Hong Kong post-World War II, where he revitalized St. Joseph’s College as its Principal. Significant innovations, including establishing a Student Association and introducing computer studies, marked his tenure. After pioneering Lasallian schools in Malaysia, he returned to Hong Kong to oversee the construction of a new La Salle College. Despite battling cancer, he remained committed to his mission until his passing, leaving a lasting legacy of service and inspiration.
Brother Aimar Sauron (1873-1945) was a pivotal figure in the development of the Lasallian educational community in Hong Kong, known for his vision and resilience in the face of challenges. After extensive missionary work in Southeast Asia, he became the Director of St. Joseph’s College in Hong Kong in 1914, where he significantly expanded the school's facilities and established La Salle College in Kowloon. Despite facing financial difficulties and the turmoil of World War II, he persevered in his mission to provide quality education. After his death in Vietnam, his remains were eventually returned to Hong Kong, where he is commemorated for his lasting impact on education and character formation.
Brother Paul O’Connell (1889-1979), born in Vicarstown, Ireland, dedicated his life to education and missionary work in Hong Kong after joining the Brothers in 1905. Arriving in 1907, he taught at St. Joseph’s College and later became headmaster of its branch school in Kowloon. Known for his strict discipline and deep love for nature, he inspired generations of students with his commitment to education and personal development. Despite a brief stint in Singapore and Malaysia, he returned to Hong Kong, where he continued teaching until retirement in 1965. He passed away peacefully in 1979, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and dedication.
The year 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the Lasallian Mission in Hong Kong. In the coming episodes, we would like you to meet different Lasallian Brothers who were assigned in Hong Kong over the years.
We start with Brother Brendan Dunne. Originally named Joseph, Br. Brendan was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1914 and became a De La Salle Brother in 1928. He served as a dedicated educator in various schools across Malaysia and Hong Kong, and he is known for his engaging teaching style and deep compassion for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Throughout his career, he held significant roles, including Vice Principal and later Principal of St. Joseph's College, where he implemented substantial improvements and maintained high academic standards. After retiring in 1979, he supported youth in need until his peaceful passing in 1998, leaving a lasting legacy of friendship and guidance.
In Hong Kong, Filipino domestic workers make up a significant portion of the labor force, with approximately 400,000 migrant domestic workers in 2019. These women, known for their commitment and hard work, have assimilated into many households and provided vital services and support to their employers. Their religious convictions and cultural values often influence their work ethics and help them earn a reputation as dependable and trustworthy workers. Challenges faced by Filipino domestic workers include abuse and exploitation at work, language barriers, and limited access to legal representation. Intersecting characteristics like race, ethnicity, and gender intensify abuse and exploitation even more. Filipino domestic workers and other foreign domestic workers often experience marginalization and prejudice, with Filipinos often seen as more educated with better English skills. At the same time, Indonesians are viewed as requiring more micromanagement by employers. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with studies highlighting the importance of encouraging resilience, emotional support, information literacy for COVID-19, and religious coping. Social relationships, language barriers, and lack of social support can contribute to feelings of loneliness and homesickness among Filipino domestic workers. To meet the psychological and emotional needs of Catholic Filipino domestic workers, spiritual guidance, access to Catholic services, counseling and mental health services, and community involvement can be of utmost importance. Fair wages and equal treatment are crucial for Filipino domestic workers, who depend on their income to care for their families and give their kids the best possible future. Access to banking and financial services is also crucial for Filipino domestic workers, as they can transfer and store their hard-earned money securely, preventing loss or theft. Hong Kong has laws and regulations protecting the rights of Filipino domestic workers, including fair salaries, acceptable working hours, and rest days. These safeguards aim to provide a secure and equitable working environment. The campaign for stronger enforcement and increased understanding of rights and entitlements is ongoing, with various organizations spearheading efforts. Access to education and awareness programs empowers Filipino domestic workers to demand fair treatment and protection under the law. The Tagpuan program, a collaboration between De La Salle Brothers and the De La Salle Alumni Association - One La Salle Hong Kong, attempts to raise awareness about the giftedness of this group of Filipino women and provides a safe and religious environment in Hong Kong for them to thrive.
Photo by Kevin McCutcheon on Unsplash
This document Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission aims to inspire and guide educational efforts in response to contemporary challenges. It emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and the historical roots of Lasallian education, advocating for a human-centered approach that fosters integral formation and ethical leadership. It highlights the need for educators to adapt to new realities while maintaining a commitment to serving the poor and promoting social justice, ultimately seeking to build more just and peaceful societies.
The document explores Lasallian spirituality, emphasizing its integration of faith and zeal in education, particularly for the poor. It highlights the importance of community and relationships in educational settings, where educators act as older brothers and sisters to students. Lasallian spirituality is characterized as holistic, dialogical, and rooted in the Catholic tradition, aiming for the wholeness and well-being of all. The document also discusses the diversity within the Lasallian community and the significance of personal and communal prayer, particularly through Scripture, to discerning God's presence in daily life.
The Leavening Project is a document published by Brothers of the Christian Schools (Rome, 2022). It aims to inspire transformation within communities through a convergent movement that emphasizes small beginnings and the influence of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a guiding principle for understanding commitments outlined in the 46th General Chapter and the III AIMEL, encouraging collective journeys towards educational service for the poor. The project invites all communities, regardless of their location or formality, to engage in a synodal pilgrimage, focusing on the well-being of others, especially those on the peripheries. It emphasizes the importance of encounter and evangelization, urging participants to recognize and act upon the teachings of Jesus.
This pastoral letter (Dec 2024) of the Brother Superior of the Brothers of the Christian school explores the experiences of Lasallian educators and a researcher in the context of Indigenous education, reflecting on their challenges and successes. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing Indigenous knowledge as valid and complementary to Western perspectives, highlighting the need for reconciliation through education. The narratives included provide insights into the lives of Indigenous peoples and the wisdom they hold. Additionally, it discusses the significance of using local indigenous languages in religious practices, which fosters cultural identity and connection. Overall, the work advocates for a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in educational settings.
