From the time of its Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has been governed by 25 Superiors. Today, the Brother Capitulants of the 43rd General Chapter elected Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria, the current Vicar General, as the 26th successor to the Founder.

The morning began with Br. John Johnston, Superior General, leading the members of the Chapter in the singing of the Veni Creator Spiritus. Then, after a few words from Br. John, the Assembly paused for a few moments of silent prayer and reflection.

The Assembly Moderator then gave some instructions about the procedures of the election and the ballots were passed out. At the top of the ballot was a printed oath: "I swear before Jesus Christ, the eternal Wisdom, as witness, that I, Brother ______, will vote for, as Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the Brother whom I judge, before God, should be elected."

After reading the oath, each Capitulants wrote the name on the ballot of the Brother he thought should be elected. One by one, the Capitulants came forward and placed a ballot in the ballot box.

After all of the votes were placed in the ballot box and counted for accuracy, the ballots were read out loud, one by one. To be elected Superior General, a Brother must receive an absolute majority of validly cast votes. After all the ballots were counted and it was known that Br. Alvaro received an absolute majority, Br. John Johnston, the President of the Assembly, approached Br. Alvaro and asked him, "Br. Alvaro, do you accept the charge of Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools?" Brother Alvaro accepted and was given the official seal of the Institute, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility.

Br. Alvaro then took his place on the rostrum and addressed the Capitulants and assembled staff for several minutes. Following his address, the Brothers left the Chapter Hall and proceeded to the chapel. The Brothers of the Generalate greeted the Superior and joined the procession. Brother Superior took his place at the end of the procession, escorted by Brother Ronald Gallagher, the Secretary General and Brother Maurice Lapointe, the Coordinator of the Chapter.

A priedieu was positioned in front of the altar, and Br. Superior remained there while the assembly sang the Te Deum. After the Te Deum, Br. Superior, escorted by two Brothers bearing lighted candles, went to the reliquary of the Founder to pray for several minutes.

Brother Alvaro then descended the steps of the sanctuary and received the accolade from the staff of the Generalate, while the assembly sang the Magnificat.

Br. Alvaro comes from Costa Rica in the District of Centroamérica. He was born in San Jose, Costa Rica and graduated from Colegio La Salle, Panamá in 1959. He joined the District of Centroamérica in August, 1959 and Professed Perpetual Vows on January 31, 1968. Following his years as teacher, Director, Auxiliary Visitor, Vice President of RELAL and Visitor of the District of Centroamérica, he became Vicar General in 1993.

We wish Br. Alvaro all of God's blessings as he begins his leadership of the Institute as Superior General.

The next order of business for the General Assembly will be the election of the Vicar General.