Letter to my Friends
Manila, December 21, 2025
“Rejoice, a Savior is born for us!”
But how can we rejoice when the world is in such a state?
When brute force tramples on the rights of the weakest
When wars devastate many regions
When hatred replaces dialogue
When algorithms try to shape our thoughts and votes
When the righteous are imprisoned and tortured…
Rejoice nonetheless
For this Christmas, God offers us another path:
That of a newborn lying in a manger,
The path of fragility and trust,
The path of dialogue and tenderness,
The path of peace and service.
Yes, rejoice, for evil will be conquered.
Justice will prevail over the power of weapons and money.
But God needs our arms, our hands, our lips
To let rise the cry of the poor and of the exploited and plunderd earth.
Together, it’s possible!
Merry Christmas!
Dear Friend(s),
The New Year began in community on a beach in Batangas. After twenty years of living here, this will be my last year in the Philippines and in Asia. You probably remember that I wrote to you last year, that we had discerned that for the good of the mission in the Philippines, it was best for me to leave the country to allow the brothers to take over and exercise their responsibilities more freely, according to their own path.
The first six months, similar to previous years, marked by my various commitments in the community, in formation, at the language school, at Bayard-Philippines, and at Kaloob, have a particular taste of ‘a last time…
As a senior religious, it is also my role to support more delicate situations. Communities are not managed like businesses; in case of difficulty, we don’t resort to dismissal! The cultural and generational gap is an additional challenge: “blood is thicker than the water of baptism,” a Rwandan Bishop confided to me shortly after the genocide!
I also have less energy. Responsibilities are wearing, and events affect me more. Everything takes more time.
Two Getaways
At the end of January, I went to Rome for the Jubilee of Journalists and the traditional Saint Francis de Sales Days (usually held in Lourdes). It was the last meeting with Pope Francis. His message supported my reflection on the past year: “Share gently the hope that is in your hearts… I encourage you to discover and make known the many stories of goodness hidden in the folds of the news… It is good to seek out such seeds of hope and make them known.”
This stay in Rome (a city where I loved living for 12 years!) allowed me to make a trip to Paris, the Corbières with my family, and Nîmes. In Paris, with my superiors, I was able to more concretely plan my future.
In April, I am spending a few days in New Zealand, a little Switzerland in the Pacific (as far from Manila as Basel!). Father Paul, one of the last two Assumptionists (the only Kiwi in the Congregation) having passed away, it was good to spend time with Father John. After more than 60 years of presence in the land of the Maoris, this Dutch Assumptionist decided to spend the rest of his life where his friends now are.
Depressing news with signs of hope
Following the news is becoming an increasingly depressing exercise with the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Eastern DR Congo, Myanmar, between Cambodia and Thailand, tensions in the Western Philippines Sea, in Taiwan… the growing religious persecutions, the rise of anti-Semitism, the systematic suffocation of the Catholic Church in China… on top of that, the bombardment of messages from social media, “fake news”, algorithms…
I am reminded of Hannah Arendt’s clear-sighted analysis: “The ideal subject of a totalitarian regime is neither the convinced Nazi nor the convinced Communist, but those for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist.” (“The Origins of Totalitarianism”)
This is why I seek information on the use of artificial intelligence. During a UNESCO symposium I was invited to, I noted the importance and urgency of education in critical thinking.
The death of Pope Francis, which occurred after one last tour among his people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Day, was a shock. And the election of Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian priest whom I met several times during his visits to the Philippines, was a pleasant surprise. His first Apostolic Exhortation particularly reminds me of my commitment to the CCFD (Catholic Committee against Hunger and for Development). It is a fiery message for Christians: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, he continues to speak to us.”
Here, I am witnessing the rise of the Filipino people’s revolt against widespread corruption in this country. As a foreigner, I cannot participate in the large anti-corruption demonstrations organized by civil society and the Churches against a backdrop of rumors of a coup and calls for the resignation of government officials. The embezzlement of funds intended for flood relief and the blatant display of wealth by the children of those in power have pushed people to their limits. I personally lament the lack of organized opposition, the limited political education, and the absence of a credible alternative… This long-term work begins at a time when urgent decisions are needed.
In these difficult times, I find that we particularly lack – even within our religious communities places for exchange, debate, and discernment. It also seems to me that the patient work within collectives is undervalued and that we no longer know how to go about working together. The method of “the conversation in the Spirit” proposed by Pope Francis for the Synod on Synodality seems to me to be a possible path…
The Year of Four Retreats
Taking time for oneself, listening more attentively to the Word of God, rereading and discerning with others what is happening is therefore important. I do this in part by preparing and facilitating retreats. This year, I led four retreats.
In June, I stepped in at the last minute for a brother who had to cancel his trip to the Philippines. I prepared and led the annual retreat for my brothers on the theme of the parables of the Kingdom, connected to the life and vision of our Founder, the orientations of our recent Chapters, and the challenges of our time.
Fr. Bernard preparing to depart the Philippines after nearly 20 years of service.
In July, I took a week-long personal retreat with a spiritual director to experience a time of letting go in a serene and fruitful way.
In November, I led the annual retreat of a group of senior religious from the Order of Saint Augustine in Cebu: “Pilgrims and Witnesses of Hope with Saint Augustine” in five themes: interiority, fraternity, love of the Church, the common good, and mission.
In early December, I led a short Advent retreat for nuns on the signs of God’s presence within us, in society, and in the Church.
The Steps of Ending a Mission
At the beginning of June, taking advantage of friends moving to France, I prepared 12 boxes of books. The preparation of my departure is becoming more tangible. Here are a few steps.
On July 1st, Father Joseph Le Thien (Vietnamese) replaced me as superior and formator of the Pavel community, which runs our language school. After nearly 20 years as superior – which is against our rules! – this was my first handover.
It coincided with the return from France of Brother Ethiel Roxas (Filipino), who had been my assistant for several months.
I was then beginning my final term as director of our language college…
Fr. Bernard to depart the Philippines after nearly 20 years of service.
The new team will take on, with a fresh perspective and more energy, the challenge of new teaching methods, the changes in the language education market due to offers related to artificial intelligence, gadgets, the financial crisis of the Congregations, border closures, and armed conflicts in the region. Just before Christmas, the Bureau of Immigration informed us that it recognized ALC as an international school capable of receiving foreign students with a student visa.
On July 30, I received my letter of appointment: “You are assigned to the community in Nîmes. Your main mission will be: sabbatical time and support for the archives in Rome. This appointment takes effect as of February 1, 2026.”
In August, Brother Ariel Vidanes (Filipino) was also returning from France. After a two-year stay in Paris to learn French, complete an internship at Bayard, and be ordained a deacon, the transition at Bayard Philippines could begin. Brother Joseph Son (Vietnamese), having completed his theological studies, also joined the team as a graphic designer. Here too, a new team was taking shape. It would have to navigate, in particular, the shift from print to digital in a country that is the biggest user of social media, while the effects of the global press crisis spare no one at the Bayard Group.
In mid-September, I participated for the last time in the Manila International Book Fair. For just two days, to say goodbye and thank you to our partners, collaborators, and competitors.
Moving: I’m leaving the school
On September 20th, I leave Pavel’s community and the language school where I had spent for over 30 months! I was moving from a community of 5 brothers to one of 12: Toan, Son, and Cuong from Vietnam, Ariel and Christian from the Philippines, Aken and Andreas from Indonesia; Blaise from Benin; Honoré from Burkina Faso; Moïse from the Congo (DRC), Damiano, a novice from South Korea, and an Alsatian. I get a large room to accommodate my boxes of documents and at the same time provide some storage and filing space.
While getting settled, I need to leave the country to change my missionary visa into a simple tourist visa that must be renewed every month!… It’s also an opportunity for one last visit to the brothers in Saigon and to a few friends, including a former companion from CIDSE.
A Busy Final Quarter
The final quarter is marked by the meetings of various Boards of Trustees of which I was often a member in several capacities. One has to submit resignation letters, elect, appoint and initiate successors, change signatories, assess what has been done, plan budgets… pass on the baton! These numerous tasks took more time and energy than I had expected. Sometimes with surprises, some unpleasant…
At the beginning of October, I therefore start a new phase of life, not yet as a retiree, but with less responsibility, less stress… a time to learn to let go… to start walking again…
If asked, I still attend a few meetings, such as the session for young priests and deacons from the Philippines and Korea. I am then asked to share my journey of nearly 60 years as an Assumptionist religious in a Congregation, a Church, and a world that have experienced so many changes and transformations. I always take joy in participating in the commitments of brothers within the Congregation and in their ordinations, but I no longer make the journey to attend their thanksgiving Masses in their home diocese.
I am also passing on the baton in various Commissions, such as those for Formation and Communication. At the international level, I am leaving the General Secretariat for Formation of the Congregation. But I remain available for reflection on the “fundamentals” of consecrated life today (particularly the practices and meaning of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience) and language learning. Now, we just need to find someone to take over as Formator of our Asia-Oceania Vicariate…
I also need to organize and file documents accumulated over 20 years, including some from Rome that I had brought here.
On October 2nd, during a Mass, I hand over the leadership of our language school to Ethiel Roxas. On October 6th, we learn of the appointment of our Provincial, Father Fabien Lejeusne, as Bishop of Namur (Belgium). We were consulted to find him a successor. At the same time, we were invited to an evaluation of our Asia-Oceania Vicariate after five years of operation, with a view to its elevation to a Vice-Province and a gradual detachment from the mother Province of Europe. The challenges are numerous, such as transmitting the charism in very different cultures, forming leaders and formators, and learning a common communication language.
The month of November passes like a gust of wind.
At Kaloob, I am passing the baton to a new director full of energy, Father Joseph Le Thien.
Starting in January, he will be assisted by a volunteer from the DCC (Catholic Delegation for Cooperation).
In the middle of the month, I take advantage of my stay in Cebu, the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines, to visit the families of the victims of the terrible typhoon that hit the region.
Thank you to those of you who were able to support Kaloob’s solidarity program.
This December is also quite busy with many celebrations: Advent celebrations, birthdays (including the 20th anniversary of our parish with which we have grown), Christmas parties that started as early as November…
So many moments to see partners and friends again, remembering about good times, and announcing my departure from the Philippines.
On December 7, after 17 years of service, I am passing on the leadership of the French-speaking Catholic community in Manila. This year, it has kept me even busier, with preparations for baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, and supporting a team of couples, as well as an evening on “Jesus as Seen by Historians.”
Friendships are formed. They persist beyond seas and years…
By the middle of the month, half of the brothers of the community join their families for vacations and various activities. The small remaining community prepares for the Christmas celebrations, especially the Christmas meal open to isolated foreigners we know. These are quiet days to finish writing this “Letter to My Friends” and to send it to you…
Fr. Bernard to depart the Philippines after nearly 20 years of service.
My return to France postponed
While the program for my last weeks in the Philippines was set, and my plane ticket to Paris was purchased for January 27, our Provincial Vicar (who unexpectedly had to take over from our Provincial appointed as Bishop) asked me to extend my stay in the Philippines, in order to accompany, on his behalf, certain specific aspects related to the mission and the life of our communities in the Philippines. The decision was made quickly in good consultation. I thus have a little more time, with less pressure, to organize my files…
Towards the New Year
From there, the whole program for the new year takes a different turn! I was thinking of leaving brothers, sisters, and friends to reconnect with others and also meet new ones… We’ll have to wait a bit… God’s plans – coming through unexpected events and human interventions – are not our plans! This kind of decision has always been a source of enrichment and growth for me… We can continue to learn and grow… even at 78 years old!
The only events currently on the agenda are:
- the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Assumptionist foundation in the Philippines on January 24, and
- the priestly and diaconal ordination of Ariel and Son on January 26.
Happy New Year 2026!
Thank you for your support, your wishes, your prayers, and your friendship.
I look forward to hearing from you.
See you soon, then.
Best regards.
Bernard
“The future of humanity is not only in the hands of politicians, great leaders, or large corporations. Certainly, they bear immense responsibility. But the future, above all, is in the hands of those who recognize the other as a ‘you,’ and themselves as part of the ‘we.’ We all need each other.”
(Pope Francis, in his video message to the 2017 TED conference in Vancouver, Canada)
For Christmas, please help us help the victims of the typhoons in Cebu (Philippines)
In early October 2025, Cebu, the capital of the Visayas (in the central part of the Philippine archipelago), experienced a terrible earthquake, and in early November, a devastating typhoon. Typhoon Kalmaegi, nicknamed “Tino” here, ravaged the region, leaving nothing standing. This 12th typhoon of the season was one of the most violent and deadly in recent years, leaving 288 dead and 113 missing.
On November 21, in Mohon (a district of Talisay), I was able to meet 25 families of victims.
They have lost everything. They are sheltering under tarps beneath a highway bridge.
Please help us help the victims of the typhoons in Cebu (Philippines).
Thanks to its emergency fund, Kaloob, our NGO, modestly supports this effort by contributing to the purchase of tarps for temporary shelters in case of rain, as well as blankets and kitchen utensils.
But now, houses and the environment need to be rebuilt…
In the meantime, to make Christmas a happy celebration, Kaloob will provide toys for the children. They will know that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for supporting us, if you can.
Our Bank Details: Indicate : Typhon Cebu
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Kaloob Development Office Foundation, Inc.
Bank of the Philippines Islands Katipunan Avenue Corner, Escaler Street, Loyola Heights, 1100 Quezon City
Euro Account Number: 3084-0528-08
Peso Account Number: 3081-1160-58
Dollar Account Number: 3084-0527-94
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
IN THE STATES
Assumption Guild
330 Market Street
BRIGHTON, MA 02135
