DLSP Commits Classrooms to Yolanda Rehabilitation

As part of De La Salle Philippines’ (DLSP) on-going involvement with post-Yolanda rehabilitations, the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC) attended the Post Yolanda School Rebuilding: Gathering of Partners and took part in the signing of the Pledge of Commitment with the Department of Education (DepEd) last 22 January. Representing all of the 16 La Salle schools, DLSP pledges to rebuild nine classrooms across Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, and Northern Negros Occidental. Donations received by DLSP, though the Central House Administration and schools, will be put to use in the rebuilding of said classrooms.

The signing was held at the Department of Education Central Office. Br. Kenneth Martinez FSC, president of De La Salle Lipa, stood as the signatory for DLSP and Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Education, for DepEd. Other groups and corporate foundations were also present in the gathering: the Coca-Cola Foundation, Rotary Club, and BDO Foundation, to name a few.

Mari-vikk Viñas Made Affiliate Member of the De La Salle Brothers

In a simple ceremony on 7 September, Mari-vikk Viñas became an affiliated member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for her many years of service to the Lasallian Mission in the Philippines.

Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Lasallian East Asia District Visitor, praised Br. Mari-vikk in what he calls her “quiet service.” He further commends her in his homily saying of the new affiliate member:

“Your affiliation is important as it is a recognition of all the good things you represent— a Lasallian who is low key, quiet and hardworking, profoundly committed to the mission, disciplined, highly ethical, deeply professional.”

Signum Fidei Holds Second International Assembly

Rome, Italy– on 1 - 13 July 2013, twenty-one Signum Fidei members and five Brothers converged at the Generalate for the revision and ratification of the Signum Fidei Style of Life, a document that was implemented ad experimentum by the Assembly of 2006. The International Advisor, Br. Alberto Gomez, and the Secretary for Lasallian Family and Association, Br. Charles Kitson accompanied the group.

The theme: Being today Signs of Faith, Builders of Community, Ambassadors of God’s Love, indicated the mandate, the process and objective of having come together. The process of language group and plenary discussions allowed in-depth sharing of experiences and realities; issues and concerns were carefully handled; horizons have become broader and everybody was happy about the task that was accomplished. It was humbling to note that Signum Fidei communities in many parts of the world have gone as far as establishing centers that cater to oppressed young women as well as educational institutions that house abandoned children and youth at risk. Br. Charles challenged the delegates by saying: “Make your STYLE of LIFE a living document that in turn breathes life into the entire Lasallian Family. Let it not be just words but let it touch the hearts of those entrusted to your care.”

Beyond borders and language, all those present had been drawn to a deeper sense of being one family, different in many ways but ONE heart that beats with love flowing from a God who continues to nourish and sends every Lasallian out into the world to participate more concretely and faithfully in the very Mission bequeathed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

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By Myra A. Patambang

Lasallians mourn the loss of Santiago "Sonny" Alvarez Jr. [Update 2]

Photo from Sir Sonny's Facebook profile.

The Philippine Lasallian Family mourns the passing of Santiago "Sonny" Alvarez Jr. (De La Salle College High School 1964) yesterday, 2 August, sometime between 5:30-5:45pm. Papa Archer, as he was affectionately called, was the Sports Director at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

His remains lie in state at the National Shrine of the Divine Child, La Salle Green Hills.

Below are the scheduled Masses (as of 3 August, 3:42pm): 

3 August, Saturday

8:00pm - Sports Council (Sponsor)

4 August, Sunday

10:00am  - De La Salle Brothers (Sponsor)

4:00pm -  Alvarez Family (Sponsor)

8:00pm - Servants of the Good Shepherd Community (Sponsor)

5 August, Monday

3:00pm - De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Sponsor)

8:00pm - De La Salle Alumni Association (Sponsor)

6 August, Tuesday

10:00am - Mass of Resurrection
 Internment: Manila Memorial, Sucat, Parañaque

Lasallians have taken to social media to pay their respects. Below are some tweets in honor of their Papa Archer. 

My prayers to the great and generous man who stood by his principles and values. Rest in peace, Tito Sonny. You will surely be missed.

— Br. Alex Diaz FSC (@bralexfsc) August 2, 2013

Sonny Alvarez or Papa Archer as he was better known, passed away. Condolences to his fsmily. A true Lasallian

— Tony Lebron Atayde (@the_green_mind) August 2, 2013

Thank you for everything, Sir Sonny Alvarez! You will be missed. May you rest in peace! #PapaArcher

— Jen Mayol (Kobeng)™ (@JenmaYOLO) August 2, 2013

Rest in peace Sir Sonny Alvarez. Thank you for the never ending support you've given to the DLS-CSB varsity.

— Martin Chaves (@MartinChaves_) August 2, 2013

You really never know when the time comes. You have been a father figure to us, sir. you will be missed Sir Sonny Alvarez. #RIPSirSonny

— Al Amin (@altaniameen) August 2, 2013

Rest in peace Sir Sonny Alvarez. Thank you for guiding us during our years in CSB. Thanks for the memories. :(

— Joseph Gabriel (@Joesephgabriel) August 2, 2013

May you rest in peace Mr. Sonny Alvarez, you've left a legacy in the sports dept. and in the community. We will never forget you, animo!!

— Vincent Rabasto (@vincentrabasto) August 2, 2013

A great legend has passed. He will be missed. Thank you Tito Sonny "Papa Archer" Alvarez

— Kerbi Almonte (@kerbialmonte) August 2, 2013

Update 1:   Added schedule of Masses and corrected interment details.

Update 2: Updated Mass Scheduled as of 3 August, 3:42pm