Brother David Hawke FSC was born in New Zealand, where he was educated by the De La Salle Brothers, most of whom were Australian. He became very inspired by them because of how they related to the students.

“I thought, well, I might as well give the Brother’s vocation a go," he said. "I did and have been a Brother for over 50 years."

*Br David Hawke FSC PHOTO: Catholic Weekly.*

Being a De La Salle Brother has enabled him to work with young people, which he greatly enjoys. He has loved living in a community with the other Brothers and traveling worldwide, holding a number of international positions over the past 26 years. During this time, he became acquainted with Brother James Butler, the President of La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania, United States.

"Over 20 years ago, Brother James came to Australia to study, and that's when I first met him," Brother David recalled. "And then in 2014, he brought some students from La Salle to … Brisbane in Australia where we had a big youth gathering, and that's where I met him again [and] first met students from [La Salle]."

In late 2022, Brother James invited him to [move] to La Salle and help with campus ministry, and he visited twice in 2023.

"He [asked] me if I would like to come more permanently, so that's why I'm here now," Brother David explained.

He is now a member of the Mission and Ministry team at La Salle, helping plan religious retreats for various grades. In addition to being a member of Mission and Ministry, he also teaches religion to seniors.

"We go deeper into Lasallian spirituality, studying the principles of Lasallian education, [the] spirit of faith and zeal, and then we look at other religions," he described. "The seniors write an autobiography, which is very impressive."

He says that La Salle's students are some of the best he's ever worked with, as they are polite, responsible, and attentive.

"I just find them very open to relating to the Brothers and relating to me," he shared. "They're easy to have conversations with. [The students] always ask me questions about where I came from in New Zealand and Australia so that they can get to know more about me. I think I have a bit of a sense of humour, which seems to appeal, but they're very easy to relate to."

From traveling worldwide to working in the Mission and Ministry office, teaching religion, and even being involved with the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior retreats, Brother David has had quite a spiritual life. He has loved every second of it.

This article by Evan Donohue was published on the website of La Salle College High School, Pennsylvania.