A Decade of Dedicated Service: Farewell to Philippe Dulawan

After a decade of transformative service to the Lasallian Mission, Philippe Dulawan has announced his resignation as Associate Director of  Lasallian Mission Services, effective January 2025. His departure marks the end of a remarkable journey that began in January 2014, during which he has left an indelible mark on the Lasallian community across the District.

Philippe's Lasallian journey began through a serendipitous family connection—his sister Basilia, an Oakhill Alumni and former Lasallian Youth Minister. Philippe was drawn to the opportunity to empower young people in their journey. What sarted as a chance to pursue youth ministry full-time would evolve into a decade-long mission impacting thousands of lives across the ANZPPNG District and Global Lasallian family

Throughout his tenure, Philippe's leadership has been characterised by his unwavering commitment to creating spaces where people could flourish. His personal motto, "to empower people homeward," reflected his dedication to helping individuals develop deeper relationships with themselves, others, the , and their faith.

His impact has been particularly profound in the Young Lasallians' team, where he has helped establish a professional youth ministry programme that has become an integral part of school culture. Under his guidance, the team would encounter up to 8,000 students from the remote communities of Balgo to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, to the three communities in New Zealand and Lasallian Youth Gatherings in Pakistan.

In developing the renowned "Dream Team" culture within Young Lasallians, where Youth Ministers could thrive and young people could find their purpose.  Alongside fellow Young Lasallian Coordinators and Youth Ministers, Philippe always provided a positive energy and enthusiasm in his accompaniment of others.

During the challenges of COVID-19, Philippe's leadership particularly shone through his successful transition to digital platforms. He seamlessly integrated various technologies, including WhatsApp, GoToMeeting, Zoom, and Google Drive, ensuring team cohesion remained strong even in a virtual environment. This digital transformation extended to developing multi-modal resources for youth ministry, demonstrating his ability to adapt and innovate in changing circumstances.

Under Philippe's guidance, the Young Lasallians Team significantly expanded its reach and effectiveness. He cultivated strategic partnerships with Catholic Education Departments. He developed strong collaborative relationships with organisations such as the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults in the Archdiocese of Adelaide (COYYA) and the Diocese of Parramatta. These partnerships proved instrumental in extending the team's influence across the region.

His vision for programme development led to the creation of innovative retreat consultation services and comprehensive Lasallian curriculum materials. Under Phillipe’s leadership, integrating the Lasallian Volunteers portfolio demonstrated his ability to synthesise different aspects of mission work into a cohesive whole.

Philippe's influence extended well beyond his core role in youth ministry. In Adult Formation and Professional Development, his collaboration with Br John Cantwell, Director Emeritus Formation, led to innovative formation programmes that resonated with teachers and yourtown staff alike. His ability to facilitate professional development sessions and lead workshops demonstrated his versatility as an educator and mentor.

Having worked closely with Phillipe throughout his journey, Br John shares a personal reflection:

"I very much enjoyed being Philippe's colleague in Lasallian Professional Development. Philippe brought to working with adults a sustained experience of accompanying young people and leading Youth Ministers and Volunteers, as well as his own life experience. That, in turn, enabled him to talk credibly with teachers and with yourtown staff.”

He goes on to say, “A valuable and diverse background in marketing, education, theology, and Lasallian studies, as well as his vital and engaging personality, enhanced a very creative approach to facilitating groups of people. They also admired his ability to read their likely musical tastes and to play the right tracks during times of reading and reflection! Our work was enriched by Philippe's faith, his deep personal spirituality and his capacity for incisive reflection, sensitive listening, and effective communication. I'm grateful to have known and worked with Philippe. I'm confident that he will continue to make a responsive impact in the next phase of his and Melissa's life pilgrimage."

Philippe’s dedication to the Lasallian mission was a living example of the values we uphold within our community. As Br. David Hawke, former Brother Visitor, reflects, “In our Lasallian Family we speak often of adult Lasallians being older brothers and sisters to the young people entrusted to their care. Philippe has been an exemplar of this during his years of ministry in the District of ANZPPNG.” This sense of familial care and mentorship has been central to Philippe’s work, ensuring that the young people he encountered were not just guided but truly accompanied in their faith and personal growth.

Philippe's impact was equally significant in the broader context of Catholic Education and Formation. His contribution to the book "Discovering God and What it Means to Be Catholic" showcased his ability to make faith accessible to contemporary audiences. His presentations at major events, including the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, helped bridge the gap between Lasallian and broader Catholic education networks, creating valuable connections that enriched both communities.

As Philippe embarks on new adventures with his wife Melissa, he leaves a legacy of transformation and growth in the Lasallian Mission. His vision for the future centres on sustaining a vibrant ministry that effectively serves young people and those supporting young p, ensuring they have positive role models of faith who encourage authentic self-expression while nurturing their spiritual journey.

The impact of his systematic approach to leadership, innovative programme development, and spiritual guidance will continue to shape the Lasallian community for years to come. His hope that young people will continue to have positive role models of faith who encourage them to be fully themselves, embracing their humanity while nurturing their relationship with God, remains at the heart of his legacy.

As Philippe reflects on his decade of service, he shares, “Since January 2014, I have lived my dream job and, on a deeper level, my vocation within the Lasallian Mission. I have loved—and continue to love—the mission, the people, and have grown tremendously, with no small influence from you all. I could have never imagined where that initial two-year contract would take me.” His words underscore not only the profound impact the mission has had on him but also the deep affection he holds for the Lasallian community.

The Lasallian community extends its deepest gratitude to Philippe for his dedication, enthusiasm, and transformative leadership over the past decade. His impact will continue to resonate through the programmes he developed, the leaders he mentored, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.

We wish Philippe and Melissa every success as they begin their next chapter, knowing that his contribution to the Lasallian Mission will continue to bear fruit for years to come.

Source: Kate Mason, District Communications Manager