Leadership Experiences of Previous La Salle College Principal in Hong Kong
Brother Thomas Favier, a respected member of the La Salle Brothers, was born in 1942 in Snugboro, County Mayo, Ireland, to a humble farming family. With 12 children, the family lived a simple life, rearing animals and selling milk and eggs to make ends meet.
Growing up, Brother Thomas Favier demonstrated a strong commitment to education and service. In Primary Six, he joined the Catholic La Salle order and embarked on a journey of preparation and spiritual formation in various La Salle institutions across Ireland, including County Cork and County Laois.
Brother Thomas Favier's career as an educator began in earnest in 1964 when he started teaching English, religious studies, and physical education in Hong Kong. He spent four formative years honing his skills as an educator, laying the groundwork for the impact he would later have on countless students' lives.
In 1969, Brother Thomas Favier was sent to Northern Ireland during the tumultuous period of riots. Despite the challenging circumstances, he continued teaching, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his vocation.
In 1974, Brother Thomas Favier became the principal of St Joseph's College in Northern Ireland, a role he would hold for 12 years. The students at the college, coming from a mix of middle-class and wealthier backgrounds, greatly benefited from his leadership. Many of them hailed from areas like Lion Rock, Diamond Hill, and Sham Shui Po.
After his tenure at St Joseph's College, Brother Thomas Favier was given the opportunity to travel to the Far East. He spent a year in spiritual formation before taking on the role of principal at La Salle College in Hong Kong. His principalship, which lasted from 2002 to 2014, was marked by a significant focus on extracurricular activities and athletics. Under his leadership, the school's sports teams, including football, swimming, and basketball, achieved multiple championships. Brother Thomas Favier was even personally involved as a football team leader during his tenure.
Following his time at La Salle College, Brother Thomas Favier pursued further studies, earning a degree in English literature and history from University College Dublin. His older brother, Thomas, also joined the La Salle Brothers, making them the second set of brothers in the order from County Mayo.
Throughout his life, Brother Thomas Favier has been a testament to the power of education and service. From his humble beginnings in Ireland to his illustrious career in the Far East, he has dedicated his life to shaping the lives of countless young people. His commitment to his vocation, his students, and his community is an inspiration to all.
In alignment with his humble beginnings, Brother Thomas Favier's dedication to education and self-development led him to pursue further studies, expanding his knowledge in English literature and history. His personal growth, nurtured by years of learning, has positively impacted the society, particularly the students he has mentored throughout his career.
