Marist Asia Pacific Center

The graduation ceremony for the third year brothers was successfully held last Friday, October 13. All 12 brothers from different Provinces, District and Sectors finally finished their studies here at MAPAC. We began with a joyful graduation Mass presided by Fr. Arsie Lumiqued, MSC, their Pastoral Counseling subject at Maryhill School of Theology.

In the formal ceremony that followed, the Dean of Studies, Br. Manuel Uluan presented the graduating brothers to the Rector, Br. Jeff Crowe, FMS in behalf of the Superior General. They were Brs. Ramil Andoloy, Jeff Rhey Antiquisa, Albert Muñoz and Niño Mrk John Suarez of the Philippine Province, Brs. Durai Suresh Durai, Anantharaj Masilamani, and Sowrimuthu Saul Placious of Sector of India, Brs. Stephane Bong and Marcel Selial (Vanuatu), Moses Gariets and Rodney Sinipo Pauru (Bougainville) of the District of Melanesia, and Br. Sagato Vaoliko (Samoa) of New Zealand Province.

In the program, Br. Jeff Crowe gave the Welcoming and Inspirational message while Br. Sagato Vaoliko gave the Address of Thanks. The said activity was attended by more or less 200 visitors from different places as far as Quezon Province where the Brothers had their intensive apostolic formative activity in March this year. Two Brother Provincials, Br. Carl Tapp of New Zealand and Br. Manuel De Leon, were able to attend the graduation ceremony. It was also attended by the mission partners and friends from different congregations around Metro Manila. A special welcome was give to family members of our Filipino Brothers. A sumptuous meal was served for lunch. Some of the visitors stayed until late afternoon with the new graduates.

by Br. Vince J. Celeste, FMS