With the goal to introduce the De La Salle Brothers to students of Benilde, Conbrosations 2020: Brodash! with the theme “Embarking on New Beginnings,” was held at the 12/F Digital Film Screening Room, School of Design and Arts Campus, yesterday, Feb. 28.

To commence with this year’s Conbrosations, Campus Minister Xavier Apostol welcomed everyone with his opening remarks. He described the event as an avenue for students to get to know more about the Lasallian brothers.

“They are extraordinary brothers doing ordinary things in an extraordinary manner,” he said.


Photo by Anne Valmeo

The life of Saint La Salle: A story of love and compassion

Br. Edgar Esparagoza FSC led the symposium by looking back at the life of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, which led to the formation of the Lasallian Brothers.

Through Saint La Salle’s observance, he emphasized the state of the poor, “Let us not underestimate simple awareness,” he said.

The Lasallian Mission, an apostolic ministry of the Catholic Church dedicated to providing human and Christian education for the youth, especially the poor, paved way for more La Salle schools to flourish. Br. Esparagoza FSC mentioned innovations which arose including housing facilities in the form of Bahay Pag-asa in De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, a transformation center for children in conflict with the law.

“The poor is not only about finances, but is also seen in the different aspects of life, whether emotional, social, mental, and physical,” he added.

Furthermore, with the College being an advocate for inclusion, Br. Esparagoza FSC mentioned the establishment of the Benilde Deaf School, catering to academic offerings and formation programs between the Hearing and Deaf community.

A true LaSallian mission

“Faith is to look upon anything with the eyes of not to do anything, but in view of God,” Br. Carlo Rementilla FSC led the discussion regarding the first Lasallian Core Value, which is faith.

Stressing on the question, “Bakit nga ba namin ‘to ginagawa?” Br. Rementilla FSC discussed that it is with the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience that they chose to serve the community.

Moreover, Br. Zafar FSC talked about what service is, pertaining to the true Lasallian Mission of being ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ that educate and evangelize, regardless of cultural and religious indifference.

And lastly, communion in mission, according to Br. Miggy Crisostomo FSC, is the shared mission of the community.

“We want to be elder brothers to each and every one of you,” he said. Through their guidance, they aimed for Benildeans to grasp a different perspective of what lies outside.

“We are co-workers in this mission, we do it together as a team,” Br. Crisostomo FSC ended.

Through the life and teachings of Saint La Salle, the Brothers continue his legacy and carry the values he once possessed, enabling them to share it with the entire Lasallian community.

The afternoon session resumed with a Team Building Activity facilitated by the Student Trainers (STRAINS) together with the Lasallian Brothers, and concluded with a Holy Mass.