Helping Build Youth Leaders in Laos

Last May 14-15, 2011, 39 active youth leaders from the different parishes in the Savannakhet-Thakhek Diocese came together for the first Youth Leadership camp. This was facilitated by Baow, Hiew and Fr. Lo (Youth Office, CBCLC).

The 2-day camp focused on the attitudes and qualities of a good leader. The participants also looked at the dreams they have for themselves, as well as for their particular youth groups. The process involved some inputs, group sharings, games and similar activities.

This leadership camp, which will be a monthly event, hopes to make the leader-participants more active in their own parishes, establish connection with each other and follow-up on fruits of parish activities, help them understand about faith and about how to be leaders, and make them more aware of the situation of the youth in their own parishes. The participants will also learn about making plans for their groups.

Baow and Hiew, both from the 5th Batch of IFFAsia’s Basic Formation Program, will be taking turns planning and preparing for these monthly Youth Leadership camps.

Other activities are being scheduled in the Diocese this June, including an English camp for the youth in the center, and a retreat for the youth leaders.

We thank God for the blessing so that this camp can push through. And we thank all those who continue to pray with and for us.

Baow, Laos
(Batch 5, IFFAsia Basic Formation Program)

After completing his basic formation last March 2011, Baow has since gone back home to Laos to fulfill his 2-year commitment on the ground by working for the youth in his Diocese. Last April 2 – 8, 2011, he became part of the mission group sent by Fondacio Asia Youth Pastoral to Cambodia, which facilitated a Leadership Training Program for potential young leaders coming from the Vicariate of Phnom Penh. He now shares this new experience by facilitating similar camps for the youth leaders of his Diocese.

An Invitation to Join IFFAsia for the Schoolyear 2011-2012

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

Invitation to IFFAsia Open Session: Youth Ministry

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is holding its newly developed module on Youth Ministry for the public from 4 to 14 January 2011.

This youth ministry module will cover the situation and challenges facing the youth in Asia, the stages of discipleship, framework and principles of youth ministry, with practical workshops and rich exchange of experiences of mission.

We also would like to take this opportunity to have a dialogue (8 January) on youth situation and youth ministry in Asian countries.

We believe that this session and dialogue can help bring about new perspectives and equip participants with knowledge, skills, attitudes and relevant tools for the mission with young people.

Please download the brochure for your reference & send your name and contact detail to ifa.fondacio@gmail.com for registration.
IFFAsia Brochure - Youth Ministry 2011

Invitation of IFFAsia Open Session: Youth Ministry

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is holding its newly developed module on Youth Ministry for the public from 18 to 29 January 2010.

This youth ministry module will cover the situation and challenges facing the youth in Asia, the stages of discipleship, framework and principles of youth ministry, with practical workshops and rich exchange of experiences of mission.

We also would like to take this opportunity to have a dialogue (23 January) on youth situation and youth ministry in Asian countries. We believe that this can help bring about new perspectives and equip participants with knowledge, skills, attitudes and relevant tools for the mission with young people.

Please download these forms for your reference & registration.
IFFAsia Brochure - Youth Ministry

IFFAsia Registration Form - Youth Ministry

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.

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.

The Pope’s message to us was “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU". These were words from the scripture of the wedding at Cana. When Mary said YES to Jesus, MARY EXPRESSED HER JOY, TRUST, AND HARMONY WITH HIS WILL; SHE NEVER SAID NO. Standing up during Jesus’ trial, Mary showed us how. To be intimate with Mary, then, is to decide to say YES. I thank God for this message and for giving me a model to follow.

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.

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

"One God, One Life, One Love... A Reminder... A Calling... A Challenge"

A Theater Presentation


Last Oct. 3, 2009, the students of the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFA) staged their first theater presentation entitled “One God, One Life, One Love... A Reminder... A Calling... A Challenge” at Sanctuario de San Vicente de Paul in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. This has been the product of the students’ persistent training in the creativity workshop conducted by Mr. Bryan Villas Maliglig.

Since the students started their training at the start of the school year, they have become more confident and more in touch with their feelings.


The theater presentation is one of the institute’s fund-raising projects to raise needed funds to cover the students’ various expenses during their 10-month formation program at the institute. Part of the proceeds was also donated to help the victims of typhoon Ondoy, which caused massive flooding in a large part of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Please click on the following links to view some of the segments during the presentation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUhEtK_P7l0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnrWAoJXyWY

Intercultural Sensitivity

If I want to live well with others, I must know and learn to appreciate, accept and understand other people’s cultures and way of life. This means that I myself must understand my own culture. I must know what are life-giving and death-dealing elements/aspects of my own culture. Only then can I learn from others and help others learn from me. Therefore, the art of understanding others becomes very important in any situation because everyone wants to be understood and it is extremely important for us to know others’ culture. It is necessary and a must!

We must see the whole world and open our heart to everyone and everywhere. Unfortunately, every country also can not avoid bad practices like corruption. We can correct ourselves from this shortcoming. These negative elements can improve our own culture. You can help by avoiding falling in the same situation. If you feel something is not right about what is being done or asked of you, you can stand by your principles by doing what is right. Even though different cultures or countries have different ways of life, they all have common ground – Love. Love is for the whole world. Nobody can understand this world without it. Love can deal with anything. To love and to be loved is what matters. That’s what we stand for as Christians, and humanity, for the world!

Lina Han, China
IFFAsia

You can read Lina's full reflections, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

My Decision to Enter IFFA

My one-month stay at IFFA and in the Philippines has been a great time of confronting myself in the deepest core of my being. I have always asked God why I have to stay here. Was my decision to come here right or wrong? In front of all these questions, God spoke to me, and I too spoke to my inner being; I need to decide to be here and not anywhere else. If I am here, then there must be a reason. Since then, I have tried my best to integrate myself in the processes of IFFA and that of my friends.

Now I feel very much satisfied with my decision. I feel happy living in IFFA. I have many new friends, who come from different cultural backgrounds in Asia. Despite our differences, I can dare say that we have a lot in common, the Asian-ness of our culture and way of life. Day by day, we continue to appreciate and understand each other more than before in the sessions and the activities we do at IFFA and at SVST. In each session, I learn many meaningful things. These help me to adjust and transform myself in many different ways, and always for the better.

Mary Thanh Thao, Vietnam
IFFAsia

You can read Mary's whole testimony, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

Encountering My Father

My prayer life begins to consume every part of my life with God. I always ask Him for his guidance before I speak or in any decision that I want to make. I give Him full control of my life. He is ever present in my mind and heart. For me, the reality of prayer is really the fruit of faith. As I look back, there are moments when I pray and ask God for a lot of things, but when I receive them I am dissatisfied. Sometimes, I receive a sweet gift, but sometimes it turns out to be bitter. I get disappointed, and I tend to think that maybe God doesn’t know what I want. As time passes by, I come to realise that God, indeed, knows my needs. He may not give me there and then when I ask, but He surely does know what is best and when is the best time for it.

Prayer is really my energy source in all that I do. Sometimes, my human weakness gets hold of the best of me, and I feel lazy and tired, and I seem not able to concentrate during prayer. Yet my only consolation is my trust that God understands. I feel that in order to have a good relationship with God I need to learn to let go of my worries and just simply trust. I have a wonderful experience each time I meet God in prayer. I speak to Him first and He listens. Next, He speaks and I listen as his daughter. And the last step is where we both wrap ourselves in the silence of each other. I look forward to encountering my Father everyday in all that I do.

Theresa Hoang Anh, Vietnam
IFFAsia

You can also read Theresa's testimony, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

Can You Do This for Me?

Whatever circumstance I find myself in (with all the concerns, issues, problems and struggles of my life), I find God asking me: “Can you do this for me?”

This is what I feel continuously and I keep asking myself, “Can I trust in Him and in His divine promise for me? Am I willing to give my life to Him and for Him? If yes, then why do I find myself resisting? Why do I feel that I cannot really give in to Him?”

It’s through asking myself these questions, meditatively pondering upon what it means for me to respond to His call, that I realize how He is drawing me to grow and develop a close relationship with Him. It makes me understand why He seems to disturb me and make me experience all kinds of conflicting situations and struggles. It is for this reason that I dare to say, “Lord, disturb me even more”, because then, I get to know what it is I have to offer and sacrifice my life for!

What this means for me is that my prayer life is, indeed, a way of communicating with God. And each and every time I start to pray and ask God’s intervention in the day-to-day events and happenings of my life, I ask for His constant faithfulness so that I can remain in Him as He remains in me all the time. I do not have to question anymore what happens to/in my life, and why it is happening. God has His own reason which is beyond my human comprehension; He is the one who gives meaning to everything. This becomes my guiding principle about God’s assuring presence and intervention in my life and the whole of life. He Himself has spoken to us through His Son Jesus Christ: “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).

If I have this assuring presence of God in Jesus Christ, what then is preventing me to go deep in prayer and build a close relationship with Him? I have come to realize that, many times, my attitude, limitations, weaknesses, and of course, my laziness lead me into darkness, thus I become unfaithful in the little steps I know I am supposed to take and do for the good of all.

Lattana (Noi), Laos
IFFAsia

You can also read Lattana's reflections, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

An Endless Overflow of God's Love and Blessings

Three months is just enough time to initially settle down and enter into a way of life which I call spiritual journey. This is an experience I carry in my heart as I look at another phase of formation this year at IFFA.

When I reflect on each of the various sessions, I realize that each has been designed in such a way that it makes me sigh and say to myself: how meaningful and useful this is for me and for my life! It is very important to know the beauty that it brings to my life and to the life of the others.

I can say that this journey of discovery through sessions and daily encounters with people and realities is valuable for me and for my mission. I am not only acquiring knowledge and skills, but it also helps me to change my attitude towards life and to have a greater appreciation of the wider needs of society. The discovery that I am blessed and that I am God’s gift to others is one of the most significant realizations for me. I am indeed a blessing from God. This has never dawned on me before, and I thank God for IFFA and the yes to the process.

Sometimes when I face difficulties I can not stand up by myself. I even forget to pray to Him, the author of my life. Yet, His blessing is never-ending; it continuously overflows, flowing like a river. I know, and I can feel that this is not of human making, but a divine blessing and sanctification. It is the same thing with his love. It is when I believe that God’s love is endless in my life and I can not even afford to pay with the efforts that I am making. And I start growing in his likeness, appreciating his embrace for me and the rest of humanity. Such is the wonder of God, our Father!

Pale Phyu, Myanmar
IFFAsia

You can also read Pale's reflections, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

Am I Becoming More Mature?

As I grow older day by day, I become more mature physically and mentally. My body changes in structure, my muscles begin to form, and my mind continues to acquire and accumulate more knowledge. I begin to see with a wider perspective. However, there is one area of my being human that I somehow have forgotten to pay attention to – my emotions.

To develop good relationships with others is, first, to take care of our own emotions, to be responsible for our own actions in total freedom and choice. There is no need to be afraid or shy about how we feel. But, we have to make sure that we express it in the right place and time, and with the right person involved. Second, it is good for us not to allow ourselves to be affected by the feelings of others and our own past, especially negative experiences. They say “Experience is the best teacher”; we can all learn from our own experiences and those of others. We can also remember that “Pain is the teacher from whom we can learn much”. These are hard lessons in life, and our negative experiences are meant to help us develop a more positive outlook in life. We can learn from them so that we do not commit the same mistakes in life again and again.

Rodrigo Babiera, Jr., Philippines
IFFAsia

You can read Rod's full reflections, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

Like a Boy

After participating in some of the sessions offered here at IFFA, I have come to realize that, really, the Holy Spirit is inside me, working within me.

I had my encounter with the Holy Spirit in February. This was indeed very personal. When I was praying during the retreat, someone approached me and told me: “Don’t use ‘I’; don’t use ‘you’!” After some time, I realized that it was the Holy Spirit talking to me.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me like a child. He never used difficult words. And I felt HE looked like a boy. Through that encounter and some other sessions I have attended, I now start thinking and making a decision to be HONEST to myself like a boy. I want to depend on the Father like Jesus. My poem expresses this better:

There is a small boy in a small village,
He wants to grow like a little flower
He uses blue water,
The water is lighter than air
His dress shines brighter than sunshine,
His name is SHIRO
Now he is dancing to grow like a little flower.

Johya Paul Kijima, Japan
IFFAsia

You can also read Paul's reflections, and other related articles in Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009.

Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009

We're happy to share with you the initial issue of Asian Hearts Speak, the newsletter of the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia. Please read on and learn more about our institute and its students.
IFFAsia - Asian Hearts Speak - Sept 2009