Volume 2, Issue No. 34 September 13, 2020

CIRCULAR OF BROTHER ERNESTO SÁNCHEZ BARBA, FMS: SUPERIOR GENERAL

“Homes of light. Caring for life. Generating new life”, is the title of the first Circular of Brother Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, published for the whole Institute on Tuesday, September 8, the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady. In his writing, Brother Ernesto reflects particularly on the care of life, of others, of spirituality and of vocational animation.

In relation to the present moment that we are living, Br. Ernesto expresses in the introduction: “I began to write this text a few months ago, and, along the way, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We have been through this experience all over the world, and the crisis has impacted on virtually all the countries where we are present as an Institute. In each place, in each country, we have suffered the consequences in a very similar way. It seems to me that, in the current context, there is no better time than now to talk about building homes of light in the face of this situation of uncertainty that seems to be dragging on. We are being called to care for life and to generate new life in moments of great fragility and vulnerability in the world.”

To facilitate the dissemination, the Circular is sent to the Institute electronically on this day, in PDF format. At the beginning of October, the printed version will be sent by mail to the Administrative Units.

(Champagnat.org)

NDMU-IBED shifts to Virtual Learning From the traditional face-to-face mode of education, Notre Dame of Marbel University – Integrated Basic Education Department on August 24 took a leap of change for the Academic Year 2020-2021 by embracing the New Normal through Online Distance Learning.

According to Mr. Allan C. Sumadic, Elementary and Junior High School Principal, NDMU-IBED prepares itself for the paradigm shift that aims to cater the needs of the learners. To ensure continuity of quality education, the school has adapted Schoology as its Learning Management System (LMS); it will serve as the virtual school for the learners from their homes through distance learning. Administrators and teachers had to attend numerous trainings and seminars in order for them to be adept at in the said platform. For this academic year, there are 489 Elementary pupils enrolled; while Junior High School has 948 enrollees. For the Senior High School, there are 644 students for Grade 11, and 815 for Grade 12. A total of 2,896 Marist students are on the list. Up to now, the school still caters to late enrollees to adhere to DepEd’s “No children left behind” initiative.

The school’s learning system will include both Synchronous and Asynchronous sessions. For the synchronous session, teachers and learners meet through the Big Blue Button feature of Schoology which is held in real-time for teachers and learners to have an interactive conversation. As for the asynchronous session, learners study the learning materials and complete tasks or activities independently. With the help of school’s LMS features, parents can get more involved in their children’s education because they can access their children’s grades, assignments, and attendance through their parent’s account. Despite the challenges brought about by the current pandemic, NDMU-IBED still ensures quality education and guarantees success. #Mr. Allan Sumadic

NDMU-IBED ENROLMENT STATISTICS YEAR 2019- 2020- DIFFERENCE LEVEL 2020 2021 ELEMENTARY K-1 18 9 -9 K-2 26 9 -17 GR-1 123 70 -53 GR-2 94 74 -20 GR-3 81 71 -10 GR-4 110 67 -43 GR-5 115 79 -36 GR-6 102 110 +8 TOTAL 669 489 -180 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GR-7 252 149 -103 GR-8 230 203 -27 GR-9 245 199 -46 GR-10 194 244 50 TOTAL 921 795 -126

PM-

SHIFT GR-7 43 41 -2 GR-8 42 40 -2 GR-9 31 41 +10 GR-10 33 31 -2 TOTAL 149 153 +4 SENIOR HS GR-11 803 644 -159 GR-12 878 815 -63 TOTAL 1,681 1,459 -222 GRAND 3,420 2,896 -524 TOTAL

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Last September 6, the Temporary Professed Brothers in Active Ministry held an online meeting. It was presided by Br. Aljon Yonder. All the young Brothers were able to attend except Bros. Raymund and Cyril because of poor internet connection in Jolo. The meeting started with a prayer, followed by a sharing of their experiences in the community, an update by Br Ador regarding the present situation in the province, and the talks of Br. Josep Maria Soteras and Br. Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa on the New Rule of Life and the Constitutions.

NOTRE DAME OF KIDAPAWAN COLLEGE Kidapawan City Philippines

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The exhibits of 65 years of Marist Presence in Kidapawan and the NDKC Milestones@60 were products of inspiration of the pioneers and pillars of Marist Presence, the Marists of Champagnat (Brothers and Laity), who worked together in carrying out the mission of making Jesus known and loved. Thanks very much to all the people behind the accomplishments and history.

I personally dedicate the efforts of photo display and arrangement of Marist and NDKC symbols to the and Lay Mission Partners in the past who made the history of Marists at NDKC colorful and meaningful.

You are the reason behind the celebration that we reminisce and are ever grateful for; for without you, dear pillars of NDKC, we do not have a story to tell and share. There is no present without the past. To you Brothers, NDKC Retired Personnel, and committed Marist Laity, who were my formators and respected mentors, I sincerely thank you and praise God above for the gifts of persons to others and servant leaders to the Church. My heartfelt salute for everything you have done and contributed to me and my fellow Marist Alumni and to my beloved alma mater, from elementary up to college, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College.

Happy 65 years of Marist Presence in Kidapawan! Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng naibahagi ninyo sa aking pagiging ako noon, ngayon at bukas. May God bless you all and keep you all safe and healthy. God speed.

#Ms. Ivy Yecyec

NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY CELEBRATION Koronadal City Philippines

Celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary and thanksgiving for ISO certification, Blessing of the Senior High School Cafeteria and the Orlando Batallones Function Hall. A great day to celebrate. Notre

Dame, pray for us.

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PHOTOS DURING THE BLESSING

Birthday Celebration of Mama Mary at Marcellin Homes General Santos City, Philippines

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A simple celebration of Our Good Mother’s birthday in Bacusanon Community, Bukidnon, Philippines

MARIST SCHOOL Marikina City, Philippines

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NOTRE DAME OF NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS General Santos City, Philippines

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NOTRE DAME OF COTABATO, Cotabato City, Philippines

ST. JOSEPH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, KUCHING Sarawak, Malaysia

Br. Emil with his co-teachers, celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary.

Br. Lindley H. Sionosa,

FMS in Rome, Italy

Br. Lindley with some Brothers of his community, celebrating the Feast of Mary.

INFORMATION:

• Community Leaders’ meeting on September 16. • Br. Aljon Yonder will stay at Notre Dame of Cotabato community while waiting for the approval of his visa for Malaysia. • The Korea-Japan sector will have their assembly and workshop from September 18-20. • Two files are attached to this document: a. The circular of Br. Ernesto (Homes of Light), b. The official letter coming from the AU leaders of Asia-Oceania administrative units regarding inter-regional novitiate.

Sept. 13 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Br. John Chin (Yoon Choy) Br. Jay Jay E. Escuadro Br. Romulo L. Porras Ms. Christine Stokes (Affilaited Member)

For healthy mind and body. For our schools / universities , students, teachers, and administrators. For courage, strength, and hope to those who are sick, and to their families and friends. For all the health workers who are helping to save many lives. For the government leaders and their families. For the support and encouragement of one another during pandemic. For the spiritual growth and unity of the families. For our sick Brothers. For the Brothers in mission. For more vocation to the religious life. For the prayer intentions of the Brothers, Lay Marists, Benefactors, Families, and friends.