Founder’s Relics: A Gift to the Filipino People

Veneration Schedule:

http://deaf-e-news.blogspot.com/2011/07/schedule-of-veneration-of-de-la-salles.html

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In the years leading to the Centennial Year of the Lasallian Presence in the Philippines, the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippine District requested their Superior General, Brother Alvaro Rodriguez for permission to bring some of the Founder’s first class relics to the seventeen (17) District schools all over the country as a means of promoting spiritual renewal on the occasion of the Centennial. Br. Alvaro did more than approve this endeavor. In a magnanimous gesture, he gifted the Philippine Lasallian Family with a sizeable bone fragment of Saint John Baptist de La Salle not only for the intended pilgrimage to the country’s schools but also for permanent enshrinement in the country.

While every Filipino Lasallian takes joy and pride in this gift, first class relic of St. La Salle is like wise a gift to every Filipino educator and, in fact, to all Filipinos as well. As we celebrate the 100 years of Lasallian Presence in the Philippines, de La Salle’s relic connects us to a historical man who lived more than 300 years ago in France and to his legacy, a legacy that has enriched the minds, touched the hearts, and transformed the lives of many young people since then in over 80 countries around the world.

Like all holy relics of the Catholic tradition, the Founder’s relics are to be venerated. Veneration is due because of what they symbolize. As Saunders says, “In all, relics remind us of the holiness of a saint and his cooperation in God’s work; at the same , relics inspire us to ask for the prayers of that saint and to beg the grace of God to live the same kind a faith-filled.” These relics them remind us that de La Salle was a real person with both gifts and frailties who became holy by choosing to cooperate with the work of God in his life. They remind us that the work of education carried out in a spirit of faith as a participation in God’s saving plan, is itself a way to holiness in the world.

For every Filipino Lasallian, however, this relic signifies something more. While it is an object of our veneration, it should remind us of our calling to follow in the footsteps of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Being Lasallian means making him real and alive in our midst, linking others, especially the youth-at-risk, to the historical person, to his values, to his dreams for young people, and to his God. Perhaps, the challenge with God’s work and grace and, ultimately, of holiness through a life of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission.

May we always remember that we are in the holy presence of God. May we always do all our actions for the love of God. May Jesus live in our hearts forever. Mabuhay si San Jan Bautista de La Salle! Mabuhay and tunay na Lasalyano!

Source: Relics Saint John Baptist De La Salle Prayer Book, Prepared by: Br. Jose Mari L. Jimenez FSC, Br. Richie P. Yap FSC, Published by De La Salle Philippines, 2011