The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is now open for application from potential applicants for the schoolyear 2011-2012.
The Institute hopes, through the formation, to build up young leaders and pastoral workers who can take initiatives, give leadership, and bring development and renewal in Asian Church and Society.
IFFAsia Promo Letter 2010
Download these forms for your reference.
IFFAsia Application Kit Dec2010
IFFAsia Information Kit Dec2010
Please be guided by our Application Process below.
IFFAsia Application Process 2010
Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"Let's Hang Out!"
The 14 students of the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFF Asia) who come from Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, China, and the Philippines facilitated a club to 19 teenagers and 20 children of Santuario de San Vicente de Paul in Tandang Sora, Quezon City last August 14, 2010 from 9 am to 12 noon with the theme: “Let’s Hang Out!” A club is a Fondacio youth activity with different components including fun, food, learning and prayer. It was a fun-filled day for both the students of IFF Asia and the children and youth of Santuario. The club will be a monthly activity at Santuario and the next one will be held on September 18, 2010. The students are hopeful to have more youth attending this activity as it will help the youth to meet new friends, have fun, learn more about things that interest them and pray with others.
Bel Castillo
IFFAsia staff
Bel Castillo
IFFAsia staff
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Season's Greetings - Making a Difference
Dear Friends,
During this season, as we are confronted with natural calamities and violence here in Asia, Christmas offers us an opportunity to bring peace in our lives and communities.
By investing in the lives of young people, from diverse backgrounds, we can make a difference in their communities. Think of a young adult you can invite to this year of formation and pass this on.
Fill up and send in all applications by 31 March 2010.
Blessed Christmas & Hope for 2010.
Director, Staff & Students @ IFFAsia
IFFAsia Invite 2009
Download IFFAsia's Information and Application Kits here.
During this season, as we are confronted with natural calamities and violence here in Asia, Christmas offers us an opportunity to bring peace in our lives and communities.
By investing in the lives of young people, from diverse backgrounds, we can make a difference in their communities. Think of a young adult you can invite to this year of formation and pass this on.
Fill up and send in all applications by 31 March 2010.
Blessed Christmas & Hope for 2010.
Director, Staff & Students @ IFFAsia
IFFAsia Invite 2009
Download IFFAsia's Information and Application Kits here.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Come Together, Share the Word, Live the Eucharist
A Reflection on the Asian Youth Day 2009
During the Days in the Diocese in Kalookan, a wonderful and beautiful opening mass was presided by Bishop Deogracias Yniguez. In his homily, he mentioned a few important points: chosen, learn, see beyond, personal growth, enthusiasm, youth needing company / a group coming together. These words touched my heart and brought me closer to the heart of God. And they were important also because I realized that my heart was awakening from this point onwards to yield to God’s words. It seems I have been away from God; I only just seek out my interest rather than God’s will, even though I am in the mission field.
On the first day of AYD, I saw the local citizens standing at the roadside and dancing to welcome us. With fireworks in the sky, all the AYD delegates, and the many bishops and priests, gathered at the Imus Cathedral for the opening ceremony and the celebration of the mass. It was such a significant moment for me, even though I had to sit on the floor (and disliked the fact that there were only two toilets in the area!). Bishop Tagle, who presided the mass, said that he was once touched when Pope John Paul II told him that Jesus, Mary, Moses… all came from Asia. It is a time now for Asia to lead the spiritual movement in the world. I liked the presentation of a little blind girl; she had a wonderful voice, and she said that all are in a JOURNEY OF THE HEART. I fully agreed with what she said, about being rather than doing.
I liked the morning prayer – the sharing of rice with one another. Bishop Dominic shared that THE EUCHARIST IS THE GIFT THAT JESUS REVEALED TO US, THE EUCHARIST FORMS THE CHURCH; JESUS IS THE FOOD OF THE JOURNEY. I liked these sentences the most – GOD IS RICE; HEAVEN IS RICE. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EUCHARIST AND THE COSMOS IS LIKE BREAD & WINE; AND THE EUCHARIST HELPS US TO SEE THE UNITY OF GOD’S PLAN. While sharing with Fr. Frans from Indonesia and Ruth from the Philippines, I realized that my selfishness is not easy to let go. GOD IS RICE, and rice is for everybody. But I just look for those who are Catholic or who I feel comfortable with. I hope that this realization can motivate me to do something new towards my life’s direction.
Another significant moment for me was when I saw Bishop Tagle shed tears in front of us. He thanked those volunteers who helped in the event. I witnessed a humble care and love from him.
Although the events made me tired because of lack of sleep, I thank God who gave me the chance to witness 4,000 youth and volunteers come together to sing and dance, and hand in hand say OUR FATHER. It was such a beautiful and touching moment for me; it gave me much hope for the future. I am happy also to have the chance once again to meet my fellow graduates of IFFAsia. It was like encountering the spirit of TOGETHERNESS. When I saw Vian, Nga, Ngui, Toeur, Sophal, Mary, Nestor, Alice, Chieko, Wilfred, Zack, Lucy and some students from the 4th batch, I felt the spirit jumping in my heart. I believe that there is something more for us in this encounter, especially for myself. I long once again for all of us to COME TOGETHER, SHARE THE WORD, LIVE THE EUCHARIST IN COMMUNITY.
Sometimes I ask God how much of the impact or fruits of the event will the youth bring back to their countries. Will these give influence to the youth? But, I believe that the first part of the theme - COME TOGETHER - means a lot from the beginning. For the rest of the theme, God will move and touch the hearts which are thirsty for HIM.
I thank God for allowing me to witness and take part in this wonderful event. I received marvelous graces from God through the youth. I also thank Him that I witnessed HIS LOVE for the youth of Asia.
Mag Chin
Fondacio Malaysia
For more information, please visit the official website of the latest Asian Youth Day 2009.
During the Days in the Diocese in Kalookan, a wonderful and beautiful opening mass was presided by Bishop Deogracias Yniguez. In his homily, he mentioned a few important points: chosen, learn, see beyond, personal growth, enthusiasm, youth needing company / a group coming together. These words touched my heart and brought me closer to the heart of God. And they were important also because I realized that my heart was awakening from this point onwards to yield to God’s words. It seems I have been away from God; I only just seek out my interest rather than God’s will, even though I am in the mission field.
On the first day of AYD, I saw the local citizens standing at the roadside and dancing to welcome us. With fireworks in the sky, all the AYD delegates, and the many bishops and priests, gathered at the Imus Cathedral for the opening ceremony and the celebration of the mass. It was such a significant moment for me, even though I had to sit on the floor (and disliked the fact that there were only two toilets in the area!). Bishop Tagle, who presided the mass, said that he was once touched when Pope John Paul II told him that Jesus, Mary, Moses… all came from Asia. It is a time now for Asia to lead the spiritual movement in the world. I liked the presentation of a little blind girl; she had a wonderful voice, and she said that all are in a JOURNEY OF THE HEART. I fully agreed with what she said, about being rather than doing.
I liked the morning prayer – the sharing of rice with one another. Bishop Dominic shared that THE EUCHARIST IS THE GIFT THAT JESUS REVEALED TO US, THE EUCHARIST FORMS THE CHURCH; JESUS IS THE FOOD OF THE JOURNEY. I liked these sentences the most – GOD IS RICE; HEAVEN IS RICE. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EUCHARIST AND THE COSMOS IS LIKE BREAD & WINE; AND THE EUCHARIST HELPS US TO SEE THE UNITY OF GOD’S PLAN. While sharing with Fr. Frans from Indonesia and Ruth from the Philippines, I realized that my selfishness is not easy to let go. GOD IS RICE, and rice is for everybody. But I just look for those who are Catholic or who I feel comfortable with. I hope that this realization can motivate me to do something new towards my life’s direction.
Another significant moment for me was when I saw Bishop Tagle shed tears in front of us. He thanked those volunteers who helped in the event. I witnessed a humble care and love from him.
Although the events made me tired because of lack of sleep, I thank God who gave me the chance to witness 4,000 youth and volunteers come together to sing and dance, and hand in hand say OUR FATHER. It was such a beautiful and touching moment for me; it gave me much hope for the future. I am happy also to have the chance once again to meet my fellow graduates of IFFAsia. It was like encountering the spirit of TOGETHERNESS. When I saw Vian, Nga, Ngui, Toeur, Sophal, Mary, Nestor, Alice, Chieko, Wilfred, Zack, Lucy and some students from the 4th batch, I felt the spirit jumping in my heart. I believe that there is something more for us in this encounter, especially for myself. I long once again for all of us to COME TOGETHER, SHARE THE WORD, LIVE THE EUCHARIST IN COMMUNITY.
Sometimes I ask God how much of the impact or fruits of the event will the youth bring back to their countries. Will these give influence to the youth? But, I believe that the first part of the theme - COME TOGETHER - means a lot from the beginning. For the rest of the theme, God will move and touch the hearts which are thirsty for HIM.
I thank God for allowing me to witness and take part in this wonderful event. I received marvelous graces from God through the youth. I also thank Him that I witnessed HIS LOVE for the youth of Asia.
Mag Chin
Fondacio Malaysia
For more information, please visit the official website of the latest Asian Youth Day 2009.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Be an Effective Pastoral Leader! Join IFFAsia for the Schoolyear 2010-2011!
The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is now open for application from potential applicants for the schoolyear 2010-2011.
The Institute hopes, through the formation, to build up young leaders and pastoral workers who can take initiatives, give leadership, and bring development and renewal in Asian Church and Society.
Download these forms for your reference.
IFFAsia Information Kit Nov2009
IFFAsia Application Kit Nov2009
The Institute hopes, through the formation, to build up young leaders and pastoral workers who can take initiatives, give leadership, and bring development and renewal in Asian Church and Society.
Download these forms for your reference.
IFFAsia Information Kit Nov2009
IFFAsia Application Kit Nov2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Birth of a New Community (5)
During the offertory, we offered the following symbols representing the Spirituality of Fondacio:
The aung da byay pan leaves symbolize our Spirituality of Blessing. In Myanmar, the leaves are loved by the people, who believe in the good wishes and luck they bring. These leaves are always used to welcome and bless a family member after a long journey. Today, in Fondacio, we bless and welcome the birth of a new family, a new community after the long waiting.
Rice symbolizes our Spirituality of Communion. In Asia, rice is considered as the “food of life”, served in every meal and shared by every one in the family. In Fondacio, we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the one who gives life. We are called to share this life by living in unity with our brothers and sisters.
The Fondacio candle represents our Apostolic Spirituality. This candle was received by the Country Responsible during the 2008 International Congress. It represents the passing on of the light of Christ to His workers for the mission in Myanmar. We are called to integrate our faith and action to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are in need of the light of Jesus Christ.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The aung da byay pan leaves symbolize our Spirituality of Blessing. In Myanmar, the leaves are loved by the people, who believe in the good wishes and luck they bring. These leaves are always used to welcome and bless a family member after a long journey. Today, in Fondacio, we bless and welcome the birth of a new family, a new community after the long waiting.
Rice symbolizes our Spirituality of Communion. In Asia, rice is considered as the “food of life”, served in every meal and shared by every one in the family. In Fondacio, we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the one who gives life. We are called to share this life by living in unity with our brothers and sisters.
The Fondacio candle represents our Apostolic Spirituality. This candle was received by the Country Responsible during the 2008 International Congress. It represents the passing on of the light of Christ to His workers for the mission in Myanmar. We are called to integrate our faith and action to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are in need of the light of Jesus Christ.Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The Birth of a New Community (4)
Day 3 (January 11) - The Sending-off Eucharist with Archbishop Charles Bo
The final event in the launching of the community was held at the residence of Archbishop Charles Bo, a significant place because it is also the location of our principal office in Yangon. We were joined by the friends of the community.
The highlight of the launching was the Eucharist concelebrated by Archbishop Charles, and two other priests who have journeyed with us - Fr. Robert, representing our mission for the youth, and Fr. Amal, for development work. At the beginning of the mass, Archbishop Charles read the proclamation regarding the consent to situate the headquarters of Fondacio Myanmar in Yangon.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The final event in the launching of the community was held at the residence of Archbishop Charles Bo, a significant place because it is also the location of our principal office in Yangon. We were joined by the friends of the community.The highlight of the launching was the Eucharist concelebrated by Archbishop Charles, and two other priests who have journeyed with us - Fr. Robert, representing our mission for the youth, and Fr. Amal, for development work. At the beginning of the mass, Archbishop Charles read the proclamation regarding the consent to situate the headquarters of Fondacio Myanmar in Yangon.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The Birth of a New Community (3)
Day 2 (January 10) - Launching Among the New Members of the Community
All the 16 members were present during the Community launching with these objectives: (1) To welcome and celebrate the birth of a new community, and (2) to receive the blessings of this birth.
We started the launching by blessing each member with water and the ‘aung da byay pan’ leaves. In Myanmar culture, the leaves are used to welcome each family member after a long journey. These are also used to welcome and bless one another during the New Year and other special occasions.
We reflected on the Gospel of Mark 1:9-11. "It was this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. And at once as he was coming out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved, my favor rests on you.’"
Many of us found that this bible text was very significant to the birth of the new community. Christ was baptized before he started his public ministry. The launching was a moment of blessing from the Bishops. One reflection was God telling us that we are His beloved children. We smiled, because we are aware that the ‘beloved sons’ in the bible were always offered as sacrifices. After the baptism of the newborn community, we expect that there will be more challenges to come.
We had our launching in a quiet upper place in an eleven-storey building, a place which was witness to many events in our lives. During the sharing, I felt that we were gathered in the ‘upper room’, and suddenly remembered the birth of the first Christian community during Pentecost.
We ended our launching with a ritual of passing the Fondacio candle that Ben (Raj) received from Ignacio (Rosselot) during the International Congress. The group of businessmen celebrated with us, as we partook of our first meal together as a community, remembering also the birthday celebrants for the month.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
All the 16 members were present during the Community launching with these objectives: (1) To welcome and celebrate the birth of a new community, and (2) to receive the blessings of this birth.We started the launching by blessing each member with water and the ‘aung da byay pan’ leaves. In Myanmar culture, the leaves are used to welcome each family member after a long journey. These are also used to welcome and bless one another during the New Year and other special occasions.
We reflected on the Gospel of Mark 1:9-11. "It was this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. And at once as he was coming out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved, my favor rests on you.’"Many of us found that this bible text was very significant to the birth of the new community. Christ was baptized before he started his public ministry. The launching was a moment of blessing from the Bishops. One reflection was God telling us that we are His beloved children. We smiled, because we are aware that the ‘beloved sons’ in the bible were always offered as sacrifices. After the baptism of the newborn community, we expect that there will be more challenges to come.
We had our launching in a quiet upper place in an eleven-storey building, a place which was witness to many events in our lives. During the sharing, I felt that we were gathered in the ‘upper room’, and suddenly remembered the birth of the first Christian community during Pentecost.
We ended our launching with a ritual of passing the Fondacio candle that Ben (Raj) received from Ignacio (Rosselot) during the International Congress. The group of businessmen celebrated with us, as we partook of our first meal together as a community, remembering also the birthday celebrants for the month.Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The Birth of a New Community (2)
Day 1 (January 9) - Fondacio Presentation to the National Bishops’ Conference
I remember Jesus being presented in the temple, as his parents' observance of the law that ‘every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord’. When we were invited by Bishop Francis to present Fondacio to the National Bishops’ Conference, I felt it was like claiming the birth of a new community in the Church. It was like presenting the mission of Christ for the people of Myanmar. It gave me also a nervous feeling that being known publicly, the Church will have certain expectations on us.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
I remember Jesus being presented in the temple, as his parents' observance of the law that ‘every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord’. When we were invited by Bishop Francis to present Fondacio to the National Bishops’ Conference, I felt it was like claiming the birth of a new community in the Church. It was like presenting the mission of Christ for the people of Myanmar. It gave me also a nervous feeling that being known publicly, the Church will have certain expectations on us.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The Birth of a New Community (1)
“Oh, it’s the founding day of the community! Wow! I like it! I’m excited about it!” Only after hearing these words from someone who was running away from being a member did it dawn on me… ‘founding day’. I never used these words when I was inviting people to come for our annual launching. I used to say, “We will be launched officially” without any feeling. It has been eight years since Charles (Bertille) and family came here. I arrived in 2006, and every year we would launch the community. I got used to the rhythm of ‘preparing as usual’ at the start of the year. So what is the difference this time? Suddenly, I felt God was telling me, “This is a moment of grace and blessing to acknowledge the fruits of your work.” That moment was like waking up from a dream.
The journey we had in Myanmar was quite different and challenging. We started here by giving intensive formation to these young people before we invited them to become members. They are bright young people, having their own unique strengths, but for some reasons most of them refused to become members. Last year, when we opened the membership, only one person said ‘yes’ to join the community. I had pressure from the outside to start the community, but there was peace inside me, believing that one day, in God’s time, it will happen. I made a discernment and chose to stay in Myanmar.
‘The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep and leads them out.’ (Jn. 10:3). This is how I grew in my relationship with Christ since the moment I started my mission here. I felt that this was also the same way He is calling me to take care of his flock. One by one I journeyed with them, I learned to meet them where they are, in their personal condition, and we learned to walk together as a flock. We laughed together, we cried together, we learned how to take care of one another and to correct attitudes like brothers and sisters.
Last November 2008, during our discernment weekend, God fulfilled His promise. Fourteen local people expressed to walk with us in Fondacio as members of the community. It was touching to see how God worked in their lives and changed their hearts. And before the community launching, some twenty persons, including graduates of the Youth Leadership Formation Program (YLP) and members of the business group expressed to be friends of the community, that is, to join us in some of our activities.
The launching was a series of events in three days. The most significant was the sending-off Eucharist falling on the 11th of January 2009, the feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
The journey we had in Myanmar was quite different and challenging. We started here by giving intensive formation to these young people before we invited them to become members. They are bright young people, having their own unique strengths, but for some reasons most of them refused to become members. Last year, when we opened the membership, only one person said ‘yes’ to join the community. I had pressure from the outside to start the community, but there was peace inside me, believing that one day, in God’s time, it will happen. I made a discernment and chose to stay in Myanmar.
‘The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep and leads them out.’ (Jn. 10:3). This is how I grew in my relationship with Christ since the moment I started my mission here. I felt that this was also the same way He is calling me to take care of his flock. One by one I journeyed with them, I learned to meet them where they are, in their personal condition, and we learned to walk together as a flock. We laughed together, we cried together, we learned how to take care of one another and to correct attitudes like brothers and sisters.
Last November 2008, during our discernment weekend, God fulfilled His promise. Fourteen local people expressed to walk with us in Fondacio as members of the community. It was touching to see how God worked in their lives and changed their hearts. And before the community launching, some twenty persons, including graduates of the Youth Leadership Formation Program (YLP) and members of the business group expressed to be friends of the community, that is, to join us in some of our activities.
The launching was a series of events in three days. The most significant was the sending-off Eucharist falling on the 11th of January 2009, the feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus.
Carol Daria
Fondacio Myanmar
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