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Admin Wing
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Scene 3: Admin Wing 1. Painting of Brother Aimar
Location : Entrance Foyer to Principal's Office of La Salle College
Artist : Unknown
At first glance, Brother Aimar may appear pretty stern but with time, perhaps, he will appear less so.
The artist highlights Brother Aimar's long, white beard. Is this to emphasise his foresight and vision? In any case it is unlikely La Salle College would exist as we know it without Brother Aimar's guiding hand.
2. Mosaic Mural of Old School Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
Artist : Francisco Borboa
Our prolific artist, Mr. Borboa, is a renowned mural artist. He had this one done in 1979, ready for the opening of the new school.
The mural covers the south wall of the room and has an immediate and impressive impact on entry. The facade of the old school with its majestic dome, is lovingly depicted.
The Old Boys Room is surely a fitting home for this piece of art.
3. Roll of Past Presidents Location : Old Boys Room of La Salle College, First Floor
The starting date is given as 1949 but as early as 1939, according to Brother Cassian's diary, an old boys association was formed. The induction of members took the form of a three-day enclosed retreat!
Prior to the 21st July 1978, the La Salle Old Boys Association was unincorportated.
According to the roll, there are twenty-six Past Presidents, all stalwart men who devoted themselves to the well being of the Association and the College. Thank God many of them continue to be actively involved.
Here is the list:
1949-52 Mr. Kam Kwong Yee; 1952-54 Mr. K. S. Van; 1954-57 The Hon. Hilton Cheong-Leen CBE, JP; 1957-60 The Hon. A. de O. Sales GBM, CBE, JP; 1960-62 Mr. P. K. Chan; 1962-64 Mr. C. C. Pun; 1964-65 Mr. P. Antonio; 1965-68 Mr. Maximo A. Cheng; 1968-71 Mr. Michael S. H. Chan JP; 1971-74 Dr. Peter H.Y. Tang; 1974-76 Mr. Peter T. P. Tsang; 1976-79 Dr. Lawrence S. H. Chan; 1979-80 Mr. Michael C. C. Sze CBE, ISO, JP; 1980-81 Mr. Paul W. P. King; 1981-82 Mr. Frank C. Y. Cheung; 1982-84 Mr. Nicholas W. F. Ng CBE, JP; 1984-86 Mr. Dennis K. H. Chow; 1986-88 Mr. Alex P. H. Wong JP; 1988-89 Mr. Sam T.S. Chen; 1989-91 Dr. Bell S. S. Tse; 1991-93 Mr. Lester Huang; 1993-94 Mr. Colin S. L. Ngan; 1994-97 Mr. Joseph Lee; 1997-99 Mr. David T. Y. Mong, 1999-2001 Mr. William Wai-Lun Tong; 2001-03 Mr. William Yan; 2003- Dr. Robert Kar-Ngai Yuen
 Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
It looks old, probable is old, but we have no date or information of its origin.
Made of hard wood that has stood the test of time, the components of the badge are depicted in an array of colours: yellow, green, white, gold, grey, red.
5. Calligraphy by Dr. Lawrence Chan Siu Hung
Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
Calligrapher Artist : Dr. Lawrence Chan Siu Hung
This piece of Chinese calligraphy was commissioned by the old boys to grace its room in the College. Dr. Lawrence Chan is a well-known and respected calligrapher and was the President of the Old Boys Association from 1976-1979.
An attempt at translating the message goes like this:
Don't think there is no one to talk to,
The Spring Wind always brings old friends together.
The ex
6. The Douai Bible Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
This is the picture of Governor Chris Patten swearing on the Bible, witnessed by Dr. the Hon. Ti-liang Yang. In the background is the Governor's wife and daughter.
The story runs like this.
When the last colonial Governor of Hong Kong, Mr. Chris Patten, was to be sworn in he enquired whether his favourite version of the Bible, the Douai version, was available. The Government officials began the search but failed to unearth the quarry, even from the judiciary or the Franciscan Order! One official, however, the Director of Administration, Nicolas Ng Wing Fui, thought of his old school and the Brothers. He telephoned Brother Patrick Tierney and relayed the request of Mr. Patten.
Brother Patrick asked many Brothers and searched the house to no avail. As a last resort he inspected old Brother Austin's room and lo and behold there was a copy of the Douai version.
The cover was somewhat dog-eared, so Nicholas Ng had the Government printer rebind it in stately black, exactly to its original state. Chris Patten swore on this Bible in the ceremony appointing him Governor of Hong Kong.
Brother Austin has since passed to his reward. We pray he will put in a kind word with the Almighty on our behalf.
7. Diary of Brother Cassian Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
It will never be as widely known or read as the Diary of Anne Frank, but to those interested in the history of La Salle College Brother Cassian's diary is an invaluable find.
The diary is written in French and traces the story of the College from its beginnings in the 1920's to 1954. Brother Vincent Corkery, who works in Malaysia, kindly agreed to translate the main content and it is a beautiful translation.
Brother Cassian himself was a gifted teacher, became the second Principal of the College immediately after the 2nd World War and was a well known and loved figure in the public life of Hong Kong. He became a legend for scholarship.
His death on 31st October 1957 was unexpected and untimely. When returning from class on October 28th he was knocked down by a bicycle, suffered internal bleeding and a hemorrhage. Surgeons and doctors at St. Paul's Hospital fought hard to save his life.
Brother Cassian and his work will go down in the annals of La Salle College
8. Laudate Dominum (Praise the Lord) Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College Artist : Brother Patricius O'Donovan FSC
This is a book of Celtic art lovingly and painstakingly hand-done by the artist. It contains beautiful prayers, hymns and church liturgy all artistically written and embellished in the Celtic art tradition.
Brother Patricius taught in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. He was a self-made artist, musician and poet. This particular work was truly a labour of love. Brother spent many hours a day in his "studio" (his bedroom) composing and illustrating.
Laudate Dominum is Latin for Praise the Lord and that is exactly what the artist did.
9. First School Magazine, The Lasallite 1952 Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
Although this is the first official school magazine as such, its predecessor was called "Matric Chimes". Perhaps some of the "older" old boys have a copy?
Among other things, this first edition of The Lasallite contains fine full-page photographs of such founding stalwarts as Brother Aimar (Founder and first Principal), Brother Wilfred (Doyen of the College), Brother Patrick (Principal at the time), Brother Cassian (Assistant Principal), Brother Herman (Sports Master), Brother Martin (Prefect of Boarders) and Brother Casimir (Future Principal). There is of course a staff photo as well.
A photo of the Boarders indicates that there was 51 of them at that time.
It is worth mentioning that the Sports Master of the time, Brother Herman, is still alive and well and resides in La Salle College.
 10. Icon of St. La Salle, Founder Location : La Salle College, First FloorArtist : Brother William Woeger, USA
The position of the hands and fingers and what, if anything, they hold, often conveys the meaning of icons.
Here, St. La Salle holds a copy of the book entitled "The Conduct of Schools' in his left hand. Many of the principles and practices of Lasallian Schools are contained in this book.
In his right hand, you see a scroll with the words: "You are ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ." This is from one of St. La Salle's Meditations and indicates the exalted nature of the teaching profession.
Perhaps we can see in St. La Salle's face and eyes how he too was an ambassador and minister of Jesus Christ.
There is no signature to this work of art. In the icon tradition, God himself is regarded as the artist.
11. Stained Glass Windows Location : School Chapel, La Salle CollegeArtist : C. H. Champigneulle, Paris
This beautiful stained-glass window was commissioned by the Brothers for the dome-roofed chapel at La Salle College Hong Kong. The inscribed date is 1931. When the old La Salle College building was demolished in 1979, this was one of the heritage items preserved and it now graces the chapel in the new building.
The window is divided into 3 main parts. To the left, as you view, is St. John Baptist de La Salle projected as leading Chinese children to God through prayer and education. To the right is St. Francis Xavier leading Japanese children to God through prayer and preaching.
The centrepiece depicts the Risen Lord triumphing over the Cross and waiting to welcome his children home.
The borders are decorated with angels, spirals and stars.
The title for the piece, written in Latin, is "Adveniat Regnum Tuum" translated to mean our desire that God's Kingdom will come into our world.
12. Calligraphy Mosaic Location : Under repair
Artist : Francisco Borboa
13. The Altar and Carving
Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This altar, made of hard wood, was transferred from the old school chapel.
Carved into a panel in the front is a beautifully depicted scene of the Last Supper. It would be seen to more advantage were the altar at a higher elevation.
The detail of the carving is interesting. Can you identify Judas?
14. The Tabernacle and Guardian Angels Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
Artist : Tabernacle - Francisco Borboa
Guardian Angels - Paris Firm
With colourful tiles the artist depicts a cross, 7 barley loaves and a chalice filled with wine. The tabernacle is dated 1979 and so was specially made for this chapel.
The tabernacle is guarded by 2 female angels each bearing the Chinese character è– translated as "holy" in English. These angels also guarded the tabernacle in the old school chapel.
The inscription at the base of the Guardian Angel Statues reads :
La Statue Religieuse
Paris
It was likely either Brother Aimar or Brother Cassian ordered them from France.
15. Statue of Blessed Brother Solomon Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
It is rare to find a statue of this Brother who was beatified on October 17th 1926.
The inscription is in French - LE BIENHEUREUX SALOMON. He is seen reading a prayer book and wearing the robe, mantle and calotte of the Brothers at the time.
Brother Solomon was the first Brother to be declared a martyr. In 1790 the French State took complete control of the Church and priests and religious were forced to take an oath to support the constitution.
Along with many others, Brother Solomon refused, and was killed by the sword on September 2nd 1792.
His feast day is September 2nd .
16. Statue of the Boy Jesus Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
This statue came from the chapel in the old school. The boy Jesus points upwards with his right hand.
There is an inscription as follows:
Arte Sacra, Francesco Rosa & C. Spa, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 239, ROMA.
This indicates that the statue was made in Italy and was presumably shipped to Hong Kong.
17. Statue of St. Joseph and the Child Jesus Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This statue also comes from the side-altar of the chapel in the old school. The child Jesus holds a cross to suggest the teaching he would later emphasise and the manner of his death.
There is an inscription as follows:
La Statue Religieuse
Paris
18. Our Lady of Lourdes Statue Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This is a lovely statue of Our Lady of Lourdes wearing her white dress, white veil, blue sash and a rose on each foot. A rosary is draped over her right arm. She holds her hands in prayer. The statue was originally part of the side altar of the old school chapel.
The story of Our Lady and Bernadette is well worth reading or perhaps you might prefer the film.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is now the most popular pilgrimage in the world, and numerous miraculous cures have been recorded.
The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes is 11th February.
19. The Chinese Martyrs Artist: Liu He Bei 劉河北
This Chinese-style picture features seventeen martyrs, three women and fourteen men. Of the men, three are priests. There is no date or indication of the time of the event.
One man carries a small crucifix, another a bible and another a rosary beads.
One man has his hands tied behind his back while his mouth appears to be gagged by his hair queue.
Two men have their “crime” tattooed on their faces, namely 天主邪教 that is that they belonged to the “heretical, evil Catholic religion.”
Intriguingly, a locked wooden box is placed on the ground near one of the kneeling figures. I wonder what the box contains!?
The surroundings are in the traditional Chinese landscape painting style which evokes a sense of peace and serenity. Strangely, this is the way many martyrs went to their death.
The picture is entitled ä¸è¯æ®‰é“之烈åƒ.
 1. Painting of Brother Aimar
Location : Entrance Foyer to Principal's Office of La Salle College
Artist : Unknown
At first glance, Brother Aimar may appear pretty stern but with time, perhaps, he will appear less so.
The artist highlights Brother Aimar's long, white beard. Is this to emphasise his foresight and vision? In any case it is unlikely La Salle College would exist as we know it without Brother Aimar's guiding hand.
2. Mosaic Mural of Old School Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
Artist : Francisco Borboa
Our prolific artist, Mr. Borboa, is a renowned mural artist. He had this one done in 1979, ready for the opening of the new school.
The mural covers the south wall of the room and has an immediate and impressive impact on entry. The facade of the old school with its majestic dome, is lovingly depicted.
The Old Boys Room is surely a fitting home for this piece of art.
3. Roll of Past Presidents Location : Old Boys Room of La Salle College, First Floor
The starting date is given as 1949 but as early as 1939, according to Brother Cassian's diary, an old boys association was formed. The induction of members took the form of a three-day enclosed retreat!
Prior to the 21st July 1978, the La Salle Old Boys Association was unincorportated.
According to the roll, there are twenty-six Past Presidents, all stalwart men who devoted themselves to the well being of the Association and the College. Thank God many of them continue to be actively involved.
Here is the list:
1949-52 Mr. Kam Kwong Yee; 1952-54 Mr. K. S. Van; 1954-57 The Hon. Hilton Cheong-Leen CBE, JP; 1957-60 The Hon. A. de O. Sales GBM, CBE, JP; 1960-62 Mr. P. K. Chan; 1962-64 Mr. C. C. Pun; 1964-65 Mr. P. Antonio; 1965-68 Mr. Maximo A. Cheng; 1968-71 Mr. Michael S. H. Chan JP; 1971-74 Dr. Peter H.Y. Tang; 1974-76 Mr. Peter T. P. Tsang; 1976-79 Dr. Lawrence S. H. Chan; 1979-80 Mr. Michael C. C. Sze CBE, ISO, JP; 1980-81 Mr. Paul W. P. King; 1981-82 Mr. Frank C. Y. Cheung; 1982-84 Mr. Nicholas W. F. Ng CBE, JP; 1984-86 Mr. Dennis K. H. Chow; 1986-88 Mr. Alex P. H. Wong JP; 1988-89 Mr. Sam T.S. Chen; 1989-91 Dr. Bell S. S. Tse; 1991-93 Mr. Lester Huang; 1993-94 Mr. Colin S. L. Ngan; 1994-97 Mr. Joseph Lee; 1997-99 Mr. David T. Y. Mong, 1999-2001 Mr. William Wai-Lun Tong; 2001-03 Mr. William Yan; 2003- Dr. Robert Kar-Ngai Yuen
Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
It looks old, probable is old, but we have no date or information of its origin.
Made of hard wood that has stood the test of time, the components of the badge are depicted in an array of colours: yellow, green, white, gold, grey, red.
5. Calligraphy by Dr. Lawrence Chan Siu Hung
Location : Old Boys Room, La Salle College
Calligrapher Artist : Dr. Lawrence Chan Siu Hung
This piece of Chinese calligraphy was commissioned by the old boys to grace its room in the College. Dr. Lawrence Chan is a well-known and respected calligrapher and was the President of the Old Boys Association from 1976-1979.
An attempt at translating the message goes like this:
Don't think there is no one to talk to,
The Spring Wind always brings old friends together.
The ex
6. The Douai Bible Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
This is the picture of Governor Chris Patten swearing on the Bible, witnessed by Dr. the Hon. Ti-liang Yang. In the background is the Governor's wife and daughter.
The story runs like this.
When the last colonial Governor of Hong Kong, Mr. Chris Patten, was to be sworn in he enquired whether his favourite version of the Bible, the Douai version, was available. The Government officials began the search but failed to unearth the quarry, even from the judiciary or the Franciscan Order! One official, however, the Director of Administration, Nicolas Ng Wing Fui, thought of his old school and the Brothers. He telephoned Brother Patrick Tierney and relayed the request of Mr. Patten.
Brother Patrick asked many Brothers and searched the house to no avail. As a last resort he inspected old Brother Austin's room and lo and behold there was a copy of the Douai version.
The cover was somewhat dog-eared, so Nicholas Ng had the Government printer rebind it in stately black, exactly to its original state. Chris Patten swore on this Bible in the ceremony appointing him Governor of Hong Kong.
Brother Austin has since passed to his reward. We pray he will put in a kind word with the Almighty on our behalf.
7. Diary of Brother Cassian Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
It will never be as widely known or read as the Diary of Anne Frank, but to those interested in the history of La Salle College Brother Cassian's diary is an invaluable find.
The diary is written in French and traces the story of the College from its beginnings in the 1920's to 1954. Brother Vincent Corkery, who works in Malaysia, kindly agreed to translate the main content and it is a beautiful translation.
Brother Cassian himself was a gifted teacher, became the second Principal of the College immediately after the 2nd World War and was a well known and loved figure in the public life of Hong Kong. He became a legend for scholarship.
His death on 31st October 1957 was unexpected and untimely. When returning from class on October 28th he was knocked down by a bicycle, suffered internal bleeding and a hemorrhage. Surgeons and doctors at St. Paul's Hospital fought hard to save his life.
Brother Cassian and his work will go down in the annals of La Salle College
8. Laudate Dominum (Praise the Lord) Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College Artist : Brother Patricius O'Donovan FSC
This is a book of Celtic art lovingly and painstakingly hand-done by the artist. It contains beautiful prayers, hymns and church liturgy all artistically written and embellished in the Celtic art tradition.
Brother Patricius taught in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. He was a self-made artist, musician and poet. This particular work was truly a labour of love. Brother spent many hours a day in his "studio" (his bedroom) composing and illustrating.
Laudate Dominum is Latin for Praise the Lord and that is exactly what the artist did.
9. First School Magazine, The Lasallite 1952 Location : Heritage Centre, La Salle College
Although this is the first official school magazine as such, its predecessor was called "Matric Chimes". Perhaps some of the "older" old boys have a copy?
Among other things, this first edition of The Lasallite contains fine full-page photographs of such founding stalwarts as Brother Aimar (Founder and first Principal), Brother Wilfred (Doyen of the College), Brother Patrick (Principal at the time), Brother Cassian (Assistant Principal), Brother Herman (Sports Master), Brother Martin (Prefect of Boarders) and Brother Casimir (Future Principal). There is of course a staff photo as well.
A photo of the Boarders indicates that there was 51 of them at that time.
It is worth mentioning that the Sports Master of the time, Brother Herman, is still alive and well and resides in La Salle College.
10. Icon of St. La Salle, Founder Location : La Salle College, First FloorArtist : Brother William Woeger, USA
The position of the hands and fingers and what, if anything, they hold, often conveys the meaning of icons.
Here, St. La Salle holds a copy of the book entitled "The Conduct of Schools' in his left hand. Many of the principles and practices of Lasallian Schools are contained in this book.
In his right hand, you see a scroll with the words: "You are ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ." This is from one of St. La Salle's Meditations and indicates the exalted nature of the teaching profession.
Perhaps we can see in St. La Salle's face and eyes how he too was an ambassador and minister of Jesus Christ.
There is no signature to this work of art. In the icon tradition, God himself is regarded as the artist.
11. Stained Glass Windows Location : School Chapel, La Salle CollegeArtist : C. H. Champigneulle, Paris
This beautiful stained-glass window was commissioned by the Brothers for the dome-roofed chapel at La Salle College Hong Kong. The inscribed date is 1931. When the old La Salle College building was demolished in 1979, this was one of the heritage items preserved and it now graces the chapel in the new building.
The window is divided into 3 main parts. To the left, as you view, is St. John Baptist de La Salle projected as leading Chinese children to God through prayer and education. To the right is St. Francis Xavier leading Japanese children to God through prayer and preaching.
The centrepiece depicts the Risen Lord triumphing over the Cross and waiting to welcome his children home.
The borders are decorated with angels, spirals and stars.
The title for the piece, written in Latin, is "Adveniat Regnum Tuum" translated to mean our desire that God's Kingdom will come into our world.
12. Calligraphy Mosaic Location : Under repair
Artist : Francisco Borboa
13. The Altar and Carving
Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This altar, made of hard wood, was transferred from the old school chapel.
Carved into a panel in the front is a beautifully depicted scene of the Last Supper. It would be seen to more advantage were the altar at a higher elevation.
The detail of the carving is interesting. Can you identify Judas?
14. The Tabernacle and Guardian Angels Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
Artist : Tabernacle - Francisco Borboa
Guardian Angels - Paris Firm
With colourful tiles the artist depicts a cross, 7 barley loaves and a chalice filled with wine. The tabernacle is dated 1979 and so was specially made for this chapel.
The tabernacle is guarded by 2 female angels each bearing the Chinese character è– translated as "holy" in English. These angels also guarded the tabernacle in the old school chapel.
The inscription at the base of the Guardian Angel Statues reads :
La Statue Religieuse
Paris
It was likely either Brother Aimar or Brother Cassian ordered them from France.
15. Statue of Blessed Brother Solomon Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
It is rare to find a statue of this Brother who was beatified on October 17th 1926.
The inscription is in French - LE BIENHEUREUX SALOMON. He is seen reading a prayer book and wearing the robe, mantle and calotte of the Brothers at the time.
Brother Solomon was the first Brother to be declared a martyr. In 1790 the French State took complete control of the Church and priests and religious were forced to take an oath to support the constitution.
Along with many others, Brother Solomon refused, and was killed by the sword on September 2nd 1792.
His feast day is September 2nd .
16. Statue of the Boy Jesus Location : 5th Floor, La Salle College
This statue came from the chapel in the old school. The boy Jesus points upwards with his right hand.
There is an inscription as follows:
Arte Sacra, Francesco Rosa & C. Spa, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 239, ROMA.
This indicates that the statue was made in Italy and was presumably shipped to Hong Kong.
17. Statue of St. Joseph and the Child Jesus Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This statue also comes from the side-altar of the chapel in the old school. The child Jesus holds a cross to suggest the teaching he would later emphasise and the manner of his death.
There is an inscription as follows:
La Statue Religieuse
Paris
18. Our Lady of Lourdes Statue Location : School Chapel, La Salle College
This is a lovely statue of Our Lady of Lourdes wearing her white dress, white veil, blue sash and a rose on each foot. A rosary is draped over her right arm. She holds her hands in prayer. The statue was originally part of the side altar of the old school chapel.
The story of Our Lady and Bernadette is well worth reading or perhaps you might prefer the film.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is now the most popular pilgrimage in the world, and numerous miraculous cures have been recorded.
The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes is 11th February.
19. The Chinese Martyrs Artist: Liu He Bei 劉河北
This Chinese-style picture features seventeen martyrs, three women and fourteen men. Of the men, three are priests. There is no date or indication of the time of the event.
One man carries a small crucifix, another a bible and another a rosary beads.
One man has his hands tied behind his back while his mouth appears to be gagged by his hair queue.
Two men have their “crime” tattooed on their faces, namely 天主邪教 that is that they belonged to the “heretical, evil Catholic religion.”
Intriguingly, a locked wooden box is placed on the ground near one of the kneeling figures. I wonder what the box contains!?
The surroundings are in the traditional Chinese landscape painting style which evokes a sense of peace and serenity. Strangely, this is the way many martyrs went to their death.
The picture is entitled ä¸è¯æ®‰é“之烈åƒ.
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