Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to Issue Two of “One Lasalle” for 2017! This is a

very special volume, in it we recognise the wonderful experience had by our Lasallian ladies that attended the

Lasallian Women’s Symposium.

Throughout the following pages you will gain a unique

perspective of the event as seen through the eyes of our Lasallian sisters from outside our sector. They kindly share

what impact the symposium had on them and why they personally valued the opportunity to be here in NZ.

Many thanks to all the

contributors for this issue.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Editor - Kane Raukura AFSC

NZMAC Chairperson Lasallian Facilitator

De La Salle College Auckland

New Zealand

PNG

In this issue:

PAKISTAN Sharoon Mary

FORMATION

"God inspires us to walk in the

footsteps of His Son” [Med3.3]

the NZ Lasallian Family

SOUTH AFRICA Carren Ilsley

Louisa Opu

Volume 2 November 2017

Newsletter of

TERCENTENARY

A story of faith and

determination

In preparation

MEET A BROTHER I am a De La Salle Brother

Papua New Guinea

What would you like to see come out of it? In referring to #3 above, there were some issues that repeatedly came out quite clearly from all groups, and these were; i) Lasallian women lacked promotions in the higher status of their workplace, meaning to say we are never given the opportunity to head a Lasallian institution or likewise in other workplaces, ii) Lasallian women’s voices were not heard when we raised concerns, or in other words, our concerns were not taken too seriously simply because we are women, iii) recognize and acknowledge the Laity (especially women) who have taught in Lasallian schools for more than 10 years, iv) for the Commitment to the Mission, to have structural changes to better support and represent women at all levels; a) in decision making, at Local, Regional and District levels, b) more active leadership participation, c) creation and participation in global networking and communication, formation and mentoring, and d) be proactive in promoting Lasallian women’s vocation.

Women as Change Makers Louisa Opu - La Salle Technical College, Hohola, Papua New Guinea The Theme of the Symposium: Women as Change Makers’, reflects and portrays a lot of characteristics a woman possesses in order to bring about change. The family is believed to stay together because of the mother, a society is stable because women teach their children good attitudes and respect for their elders, especially their sons, a young man changes his whole mind-set about how he sees things and how he can associate himself and becomes part of a community because of the tender love and care from his mother, and the world changes gradually because of the unrecognised yet wise decisions made by women. What the symposium meant to you? The symposium brought to light many roles which I for one, took for granted, many activates that I performed at my current school as a woman, which had impacted many lives of the young people that came and went over the years. It was only through the discussions and sharing with the women from the diverse cultures and traditions of other countries that I came to realise that what I was doing in my own context was of no difference to what these fellow Lasallian women, were doing in sharing the same Lasallian Charism and Mission. Why you personally wanted to attend? I personally wanted to attend because I believe in discussion and sharing with women from a global community to see how I as a woman from one part of the globe see myself as a Lasallian by listening to the other women’s stories. Change is all about LISTENING, so that you can be TRANSFORMED, and this will mean to take the RISK. My main aim was to listen to these women and to get to learn and understand the ways in which they applied their Lasallian methodologies in classrooms and schools as a whole as. What were your highlights of the event? As for me the highlight of the symposium was the ‘mini workshops’ in which we discussed and brought about ideas and strategies as to how we could answer the four questions that were put forth for discussion; i) Imagine the Institute in 20 ‘years’ time – What will the Lasallian women’s vocation look like, ii) How do we foster global relationship? iii) How do we create opportunities to give voice to Lasallian women? iv) What are the current realities and experiences of Lasallian women?

Papua New Guinea

How do you see the role of women developing in the years ahead? I believe the role of women will always be maintained and will be the same, however, if given the opportunity, especially in the decision making, women will have great impacts and bring forth major changes. Through discussions and sharing, women are taking the lead in most of the organized and existing Lasallian entities and organizations in their respective countries. The active participants are mostly women, with only a few committed men in carrying out the mission. Therefore, in my personal opinion, I see that the women will be the ones to keep the mission alive and going because we are so passionate about the Mission and we believe strongly in the Christian Education of the Young People, Especially the Marginalized because we are mothers, and as mothers we know how to nurture and bring up our children without relying too much on our husbands. ‘We are the Change Makers.

Pakistan

A Platform to meet Lasallian Women Sharoon Mary - Alban High School, Multan, Pakistan Lasallian Global Women Symposium 2017 meant to me a great exposure. It was a platform for me to meet Lasallian women all around the world and to know Lasallian family at a global level by learning and sharing. A platform where I can create a strong sense of community with women through conversations about our Lasallian mission and Lasallian values. It was a great learning experience for me.

When I heard that Lasallian Global Women Symposium is going to be held in New Zealand I personally wanted to attend the symposium to have an informative conversation with different delegates and to know that how they work in their institutions. I also wanted to experience the rich culture of New Zealand. I wanted to explore the city and it was really very beautiful. The ladies were so inspiring, their work for the betterment of their institution and to carry out the mission of De La Salle was an inspiration for me.

Every single day I spent in New Zealand during symposium was a life changing experience for me. Welcome performed by the Lasallian students in traditional 'Haka' mesmerized me.

Motivational and inspirational speeches of Br. Robert Schieler, Superior General and Br. David Hawk’s, visitor for ANZPPNG were truly a blessing. Presentations on the work of women in the past and how women took part in bringing the positive change in other’s life were admirable.

Beautiful elaboration of the world statistics of women showed that women are helpless in the society but in the Lasallian mission a positive change has been taken place in their lives by educating and empowering them. Discussions in the symposium revealed that Lasallian women are not less than anyone. They are change managers, change catalysts, change agents and change makers.

In the future, I would like to guide Lasallian teachers and students specially the women and girls to be an effective leaders and support to Lasallian mission in our sector. As by attending Women's symposium I felt pride by knowing that women are main contributors to Lasallian mission. In the same way I wish that all the women in our area should feel proud and should be great support to the Lasallian family and mission.

With the passage of time women's role is becoming very significant in Lasallian institutions. Statistics shows that women are 56% so they compose over half of the Lasallian family. Now women are getting positions in administration. They are in leadership positions. Lasalli-an women are strong, courageous and risk takers. We are proud to be a part of Lasallian family.

South Africa

A Privilege and Honour Carren Ilsley - Deputy Head, De La Salle Holy Cross College Junior School, Lawanga District, South Africa I felt so honoured when Br Gabriel Griffin phoned me earlier this year to ask if I would like to attend the Lasallian Global Women’s Symposium in New Zealand. I felt privileged that I was going as one of two representatives from the Lawanga District. I will be eternally grateful for the kindness of Br Dennis who kindly sponsored this opportunity for me. I enjoyed every aspect of the Symposium. It was so incredible to have the opportunity to network with fellow Lasallian women from all over the Globe. Seeing the world map illustrating the countries that were represented at the symposium emphasised the world-wide De La Salle organisation. The realisation that we are a massive global family. Steeped in many shared traditions.

The discussions that took place on how we as women can make changes in the world for our pupils and students were beneficial. Not only this, but also how we as women need to stand united in helping one another. Something that came through loud and clear was that it is necessary for the Global organisation to look at having more women in leadership positions as currently 56% of those involved in Lasallian education are women.

I was really moved by the traditional Mauri opening ceremony that we participated in. Having experienced the symposium I am determined to correspond with Br Robert Schieler, our Brother Superior to look at the possibility of bringing this symposium to the Lawanga district so that more women in Africa can participate.

There is a need for all of us who were at the symposium to spread the word, to share with the people in our organisations. We need to seriously consider how a committee can be formed represented by the various districts who were there so that a Mission Statement can be drawn up and the 10 main outcomes that were voted on can be worked at and discussed in our own regions.

There was a clear focus on education and care for the vulnerable as well as acknowledgement of the significant impact Lasallian education has on the lives of children and families across the world.

I felt lucky that the table I was at for many of the discussions had global representation – Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Rome and myself – South Africa.

I hope that many other women around the world will have an opportunity to experience the next Symposium whenever and wherever that may be.

LASALLIAN FORMATION

The first meaningful Christian image for me at a young age was my guardian angel.

I prayed to this angel every day and knew he would be there for me no matter what. I felt God at that time was busy with many things but this angel was always near.

As time went on and life got more complicated I realized three things about these angels; first, despite all the art depicting angels helping children, I knew they were just as present and helpful to us adults. Second, angels are beings of energy and goodness that personify God’s love for us. Third, our lives on this earth are just too complicated for just one guardian angel. We each have many and Aquinas pointed out this is especially true for those special people who experience difficulties and hardships in life.

One such special person is about to graduate from La Salle University in Philadelphia on May 17 — Bianca Perry, a strong young resilient women. Note the glow of her angels surrounding her graduation image.

Her story in her own words follows and then a few of her Lasallian angels; those exceptional creatures she has embraced who have helped her be her best self. Lasallians are often commissioned by God to keep an eye on young people. On November 18, 2014 the university held its first Awareness and Service event on Hunger and Homelessness for staff, students and neighbours of the university. Bianca Perry gave the following keynote address that day.

– Brother Ed Phelan FSC (Auxiliary Visitor DENA)

In her own words, Bianca Perry shares her personal story (from a La Salle University speech).

Imagine at five years old you had to share potatoes between you and your siblings because there was nothing else to eat. Imagine having to yell out the window for a stranger to bring you fruity pebbles and milk. Imagine the pain in your stomach going days or even weeks without food. …what it feels like to suffer from hunger

Imagine being in the third grade and being homeless. Imagine sitting next to friends who laugh at how bad you smell. Imagine them telling you that you needed to take a shower. Imagine being picked on. Little did they know, you didn’t have a roof over your head, a place to call home, or a shower to call your own. …what it feels like to suffer from homelessness

Imagine having to sleep in a homeless shelter with old people, young people, children, and even babies. Imagine when those homeless shelters are too full. Imagine on odd cold winter nights sleeping in a van with your Nana because there was nowhere else to go. …what it feels like to be poor and alone.

Imagine overcoming being homeless only to become homeless again. Imagine being in high school with three jobs and still being poor. Imagine having to couch surf and the burden it has on families to sleep on their turf. Imagine worrying about the next place you’re going to sleep instead of doing your homework or getting to school on time. …the cold, the loneliness, and the feeling that comes with homelessness

I may not look like your stereotypical homeless person but you’ll be surprised. No, I wasn’t sleeping in cardboard boxes or begging for food. But I did struggle with homelessness and hunger on many different occasions. You never know who can be homeless or hungry. It can be your co-worker, your classmate, student, friend, or even your family. My advice to you?

Open your eyes because this problem is bigger than you think.

People aren’t homeless or begging because they are too lazy to get a job. Take me for example, I had three jobs in high school and that still wasn’t enough to pay for rent or other necessities. I went through homelessness because my mother was addicted to drugs and this affected me mentally, physically, and emotionally. My experiences made me determined to get an education and break the cycle of poverty within my family.

I didn’t get to where I am without the help of counsellors, teachers, and the Lasallian community. My guardian Angels!

What makes me stand out from other people is my…

ability to be grounded and focused on people

As a child, I dreamed of...

becoming an army commando and people still call

me by this name: “the commando”

I’d like it if other people... could be generous and peaceful and loving to all

people

The last thing I cooked was...

mince curry and Pakistani Dall with rice and lots of

spices! To my ultimate dinner party… I would invite Pope Francis and Brother Robert,

our Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers My guilty indulgence is...

driving fast cars – but always keeping to the speed

limit – especially in NZ!

My worst fashion disaster was...

wearing shorts in the winter time.

A good word to describe me is…

fun and engaging – making people happy and

making them smile

Something that really irks me is…

when people ignore other people

I would like to be remembered for…

my service to others

Above: Br. Waseem Shamoun, Mr. Kane Raukura, Br. Lewis Harwood and Br. Saddique Gill at the Senior De La Salle College Prize giving 2017.

The book that had the greatest influence on me was…

The Holy Bible

How I came to be involved in the Lasallian mission was…

from my village in Pakistan and from the local parish

community I believe the Lasallian mission is still relevant today

because...

young people need Brothers as spiritual guides

An awesome experience I had as part of the Lasallian family

was..

working with other, especially the poor and

marginalized

My favourite words of wisdom are…

Touching hearts, teaching minds and transforming

lives – witnessing to the Lord

I AM A DE LA SALLE BROTHER A friendly chat with Brother Waseem Shamoun

Sector of Pakistan now in NZ!

In this section of “One Lasalle” we usually highlight some of our wonderful

Lasallian Teachers and Brothers from around New Zealand. For this issue we get to meet Br. Waseem Shamoun, one of our new Brothers in community at

De La Salle College Mangere.

TERCENTENARY 300 YEARS SINCE OUR FOUNDERS DEATH

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE DEATH OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (1719-2019)

During 2019, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian Family will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the death of their founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers. The Institute has designated 2019 as the Year of Lasallian Vocations. Throughout the world, events and celebrations are being planned to honour our common heritage of providing a human and Christian education to the young, and the poor, and to promote the vocation of the educational ministry. The accompanying video announces the celebration.

Pope Francis once said, "We are pilgrims from death to the fullness of life." With this understanding, the theme of the Tercentenary, One Heart, One Commitment, One Life represents the fullness of De La Salle's life and the continued vitality of the Lasallian Mission and vocation in 80 countries around the world.

"You can perform miracles in regard both yourselves and your work by an entire fidelity to grace, not letting any movement of grace go by without corresponding with it; and by touching the hearts of children entrusted to your care," (J.B. De La Salle, Meditation 180.3)