Br. Jose Lazaro Rodriguez FSC, the Lasallian Animator of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ), recently celebrated his Silver Jubillee of the Reception of the Holy Habit last September 15, 2012 at the Our Lady of the Star Chapel in the DLSZ campus. During the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Rev. Msgr. Rufino Suplido (DLSZ Chaplain) and Rev. Msgr. Jun Perez (DLSU-Dasmariñas Chaplain), Br. Lazaro renewed his perpetual vows with Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC (Visitor of the Lasallian East Asia District) and Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC (Sector Leader of the Philippines)  in attendance.  Also present were around 36 La Salle brothers from the different communities in the Philippines including Br. Thomas Lavin FSC (Auxiliary Visitor of Lasallian East Asia District), Br. Martin Rocha Pedrajo FSC (Visitor of Antillas and Mecixo-Sur District), Br. Andre Labelle FSC (Community Director of Lasalle Hakodate, Japan), Br. Ruben Rodriguez FSC (President of La Salle Schools, Leon, Guanajuata, Mexico),  representatives from the DLSZ Alumni Association and the Parents Association, and several Lasallian Partners from DLSZ and other La Salle schools.
At the end of the mass, a video-tribute to Br. Lazaro was shown followed by his response speech where he expressed gratitude in his usual candor and humor. At the reception in the CPA Lobby, the DLSZ Chorale under Ms. Marites Panaligan serenaded him with beautiful songs before the guests were treated to a sumptuous Spanish dinner buffet with latin music in the background courtesy of the DLSZ Music teachers. Bro. Lazaro went around distributing to each of his delighted guests a souvenir of mini-brother-doll key chain with a one-decade rosary ring.
Now on his third year as the school’s Lasallian Animator, Bro. Lazaro first came to DLSZ in 2009 where he taught Christian Living to Grade 3 students. He has also spent some of his time making illustrations for the liturgical and formation materials.  After the earthquake disaster in Japan, he spearheaded the Moshi! Moshi! Let’s Help Japan Campaign that raised funds for the Sendai victims.
Prior to his assignment in the Philippines, Br. Lazaro  has spent fifteen years in Japan where he painstakingly learned Nihongo and became adept with Kanji and Katakana, the Japanese scripts. His fluency in the Spanish and Japanese languages became handy during the UMAEL Congress which was held in Manila in October 2011. He gamely translated speeches for his non-English speaking compatriots and made them feel at home.
As Br. Lazaro begins his next 25 years as a La Salle brother, the entire academic community of DLSZ wishes him well and is one with him in his mission of teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives wherever he may be assigned next.
Animo La Salle, Brolaz!
