Marist Asia Pacific Center

December 4 – Fraternities vote in new bursars and moderators.

December 7 – Br. Teofilo arrives on his way home to Lisbon from Davao.

December 8 – Our eight Pacifican Brothers renew their vows to the Institute as part of celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

December 9 – Br. John Hazelman leaves for a holiday with his family in Samoa.

December 15 – MAPAC classes end. Br. Jeff, our Rector, leaves for family time in Sydney.

December 16 – Brs. Paul and Mark Poro of Sydney Province arrive from Ad Gentes course in Davao to spend a few days with us. Our new chaplain, Fr. Roy Rayappan, OFMCap arrives from India. Beginning of Misa de Gallo or Dawn Mass.

December 17 – Brs. Kim and Mitch host a group of children and their parents from Balubad (one of the apostolate areas); a great day of feasting and swimming.

December 18 – br. Teofilo leaves for hom, Br. Ralp leaves for a break in Cotabato, Southern MIndanao.

December 19 – We help Br. Patrick to celebrate his birthday. Melbourne province Brothers Bruce Nabbs and laurie Toohey arrive from their Third Age Course at Manziana. Br. Paul Hough returns to Sydney. Passionist Sisters sing carols for us in our dining hall. Br. Alfredo, from the Ad Gentes tream, calls on his way home to Mexico.

December 20 – Br. Mark Poro leaves for home. We all go to St. Camillus, and the Home for the Aged. Some of us attend the IFRS (Institute of Formation and Religious Studies) Christmas party.

December 21 – Shortest Day! We sing carols in three different apostolate places in Balubad.

December 22 – Christmas party for all MAPAC staff and their families.

December 23 – Our lay staff begin their Christmas break. Br. Manny goes to his family in Mindanao. Brs. Bruce and Laurie leave for Melbourne. We all go caroling at L’Arche and share supper with residents.

December 24 – 9:30 p.m. Christmas Mass at Milagrosa, followed by fraternity parties.

December 25 – Christmas Day. Community prayer at 11:30, followed by Kris kringle and Christmas dinner. In the evening Br. Frank drives ten of us to the waterfront/Baywalk to enjoy the lights, many fine musical groups and great peaceful crowds celebrating Christmas.

——– All of us at MAPAC pray that we and all our rreaders will mark this Christmas by continuing to bring to birth in our lives all the values of Jesus Christ.

by: Brother Humphrey O’Connor, FMS of New Zealand Province

Happy Chritmas!