Hayden Powick

Mother’s Day Celebration at MAF

August 14, 2025Hayden Powick

Last Friday, our Mother’s Day celebration at Marist Asia Foundation was a joyful blend of culture, gratitude, and community spirit. The day began with a warm welcome from Kroo Luk, one of our Thai teachers, followed by a heartfelt song in honour of the Queen. Our Year 4 students delighted the audience with a graceful Thai dance, while our PP students brought energy and colour with a traditional Burmese dance. Two mothers of our students shared moving speeches, reminding us of the love, sacrifice, and dedication of all mothers.

We then recognised the hard work of our students, awarding academic prizes for the 2024–25 school year and presenting certificates to the winners of our Mother’s Day art competition. In the afternoon, the whole school came together for a community clean-up, collecting rubbish from the school compound and nearby streets. The celebration ended on a high note with exciting sports activities, leaving everyone with a sense of pride, unity, and appreciation for the day.

St. Michael Youth Camp

July 4, 2025July 4, 2025Hayden Powick

In the final week of May, the St. Michael Youth Apostolate hosted a vibrant three-day summer youth camp centered around the theme “Journeying with Hope, Discovering Faith.” The event brought together around 80 young people—including 10 participants from Bapas—at St. Michael’s Chapel for a memorable time of reflection, fun, and fellowship.

Through a variety of creative and faith-filled activities, the youth explored what it means to be children of God and how to walk together with hope in today’s world. A special highlight of the camp was a half-day session led by our novices, who shared their personal vocation stories and introduced participants to the richness of Marist spirituality and community life.

It was a joyful and inspiring experience that left many hearts renewed in faith and purpose.

Journeying with Mary in Hope and Mission: The 6th Parochial Fiesta of Our Lady ofFatima Parish

June 18, 2025Hayden Powick

Last May 13, 2025, the community of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Matti, Digos City
gathered with joyful hearts to celebrate the 6th Parochial Fiesta in honor our beloved
patroness, Our Lady of Fatima. With the theme, “Maria: Inahan ug Giya sa Panaw sa
Paglaum” (Mary: Mother and Guide on the Journey of Hope), this year’s celebration became
a gentle yet powerful reminder that Mary walk with us, guiding the Church through the
uncertainties and challenges of life.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Guillermo V. Afable,
D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Digos. Concelebrating with him were several diocesan clergy
and members of the Society of Mary District of Asia.

In his homily, Bishop Afable invited the faithful to contemplate the image of Mary at
Fatima—not as distant or unreachable, but as a mother who draws near to her children in
times of fear, doubt, and crisis. He reflected on the significance of Mary’s message at
Fatima—a call to prayer, penance, and conversion—as still profoundly relevant today. “We
are pilgrims of hope,” he said, “and Mary walks with us, leading us always to her Son,
Jesus.”

A Joyful Visit from Bishop-Elect P. Miguel Angel, SM

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025Hayden Powick

From May 25 to 30, 2025, we had the joy of welcoming Bishop-elect P. Miguel Angel, SM, to our District. His visit was a time of grace and warm fraternity as he spent time with various communities, including our brothers in Digos, the Novitiate, the Marist Sisters, and the children at Balay Pasilungan.

During his stay at the District house, we were grateful for the moments we shared in conversation with him. He told us that it was Pope Francis who had appointed him bishop back in February. The official announcement was scheduled for April 21, but it was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. It was finally made three months later by Pope Leo.

We continue to offer our prayers and best wishes for Bishop-elect Miguel Angel as he prepares for this new chapter in his ministry.

Marist Asia Foundation – Graduation 2025

May 22, 2025Hayden Powick

Marist Asia Foundation had the joy and privilege of celebrating the graduation of our students who have completed five years of dedicated study with us. The ceremony marked not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of exciting new journeys for each of our graduates.
The event was made even more special by the presence of the students’ proud parents, who have supported them throughout their educational journey. Their smiles and shared moments of pride added warmth and meaning to the celebration.

Our Acting Director, Mr. Prasit Rugklin, delivered an inspiring speech to the graduates. His words encouraged the students to carry forward the values, knowledge, and experiences gained during their time at Marist Asia Foundation as they step into the future with confidence and hope.

We congratulate all our graduates and wish them every success in the path ahead. May they continue to grow as compassionate, capable, and courageous individuals making a positive difference in their communities and beyond. More information to follow!