This morning the General Assembly met and elected Br. William Mann, Visitor of the Long Island-New England District, the Vicar General. The Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools describes the Vicar as the "first counselor of the Superior General." The Rule also says that he be given a significant area of responsibility, but this will be determined at a later date.

During the assembly, after some moments of reflection and prayer, the 5 capitulants who had been selected as candidates for Vicar General, as a result of the proceedings of the previous days, were invited to speak. Each spoke of the honor and affirmation that they experienced by being considered for the position of Vicar. Each spoke of the challenge that they knew came with the job and of the transitions that would be necessary if they were selected as Vicar. Each man has significant responsibilities that would have had to be taken care of by others in their respective Districts.

Following their remarks and a period of reflection, the members of the Chapter voted and Brother William Mann received the necessary majority. When asked by Br. Superior if he accepted the responsibility of Vicar General, he responded, "Yes."

As a reporter, it is difficult to put into words the emotional content of these last few days. At times I have found myself quite emotional and "choked up." Reflecting on my feelings, I can only tell you that the events of these days has allowed me to experience profoundly what it means to be a Brother. Seldom have I experienced a more fraternal, spiritual, compassionate, reverential and dedicated group of men, working together for the "human and Christian education of the young." So many times, when I have least expected it, I have felt the presence of God very deeply. The Chapter continues to have a wonderful spirit about it, a fraternity that it is so difficult to communicate to you. I hope, by my expressing these few words, you get a glimpse of the reality of this event.

Br. William Mann was born in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He joined the district of Long Island-New England in 1965 and professed his final vows in 1973. He has been a Teacher, Dormitory Prefect, Assistant Principal, Director of Campus Ministry, Assistant Provincial for Formation and Director of Pre-Novitiate Residency of the Long Island-New England District, Chair of the Regional Vocation and Initial Formation Committee of the USA/Toronto Regional Conference of DLS Christian Brothers, Director of Novices, International Secretary of Formation, Delegate of the Delegation of India, and since 1996 has been Visitor of the Long Island-New England District.

His diplomas include:
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, British Literature, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Literature, State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Master of Arts, Spirituality, Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
Certificate, Pastoral Counseling, Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center, Syracuse, New York, USA.
Doctor of Ministry, Family Ministry, Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, New York, USA.

He speaks English and French.

On Wednesday, the remaining five members of the Council will be elected. The Chapter members, meanwhile, continue their work in the commissions, with the final day of the Chapter scheduled for June 15.