Kidapawan (Fides Service) - The community of the Marist Brothers in Kidapawan, southern Philippines recently gave a warm welcome to two local novices Brother Jeff Rhey Antiquiza and Brother Albert Munoz. Both young men studied Notre Dame Seminary in Kidapawan, South Cotabato province in the island of Mindanao, with a large Muslim population.
The boys became Postulants in 2001 in view of starting the novitiate in 2004. During these years of human and spiritual formation they distinguished themselves for zealous pastoral work, catechesis, liturgical assistance and charitable works. Brother John Tan who followed their progress explained. “Profession of temporary vows is the first step to realising their dream of becoming Marist Brothers. This stage of novitiate offers the opportunity to experience community life and our special charisma. It is also a period of discernment and they may still leave the community if they wish”.
The local Bishop Romulo Valles also welcomed the future Marist Brothers who in the meantime will engage in a mission of service and interreligious dialogue education of young people in the diocese of Kidapawn.
The Marist Brothers were founded by a French priest Marcellino Champagnat (1789-1840), for educational, social and catechetical work, who was canonised in 1999 and held up by Pope John Paul II as a model for educators and parents. Today there are 5,000 Marist Brothers working in 800 communities in 75 different countries.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/5/2004 lines 31 words 312)