Father Frans Thoolens is secretary of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation commission of the Superiors General. His office is next to Brother Noel's. Last week he published his annual report. Writing about my departure from the commission, he says that I have been the living archives of the commission. When you have become the living archives, it's time to leave!

During the first 21 years of my active life as a Brother, I had many different assignments: 3 yrs in one school, 1 in another, 2 years on the juniorate/novitiate staff, 1 year as Director of 45 scholastics (I was in my 28th year of age), one year as Director of our second scholasticate with 93 scholastics, 1 year in the second novitiate, 4 years as Director of a school, 1 year of theological study, ½ yr at CIL, 2 years as Director of Scholastics again, 4½ years as Visitor . . .

That varied experience proved to be very helpful in the second half of my adult life as a Brother - during which I experienced a new understanding of the vow of stability.

After my election in '86 and again in '93 I asked the capitulants not to expect any miracles - and there haven't been any. I promised to do my best - and I have tried to do my best. I think I know what has been accomplished and what has not been accomplished. I think I know also the strengths (positive qualities) the Lord has given me as well as my weaknesses, limitations, faults of character and temperament . . . But the Lord in his Providence chose me AS I AM. And AS I AM I have tried to let the Lord make use of me.

I have seen my role primarily as teacher. I have shared the fruit of my personal study, reflection, and experience, however imperfect and incomplete that fruit. In my pastoral letters, conferences, meetings with Brothers and with partners, I have tried to articulate a vision with as much precision and clarity as I could - always trying to avoid creating confusion concerning the vocation of the Brothers - but also with openness to ongoing developments.

I am very pleased with the centrality of association in this Chapter, association to make human and Christian education a possibility first and foremost for the economically poor, the marginalized, the excluded; association also to form all youth in their obligation to respond to the needs of poor people as their brothers and sisters, and to learn to be advocates for justice, peace, and integrity of creation. You surely know how pleased I am that the Chapter has decided that the defense of children be a major focus of LS mission.

It is a joy for me to know that we are moving gradually, prudently, but decisively towards a new, creative, and dynamic understanding of Lasallian Association; Association as an international community of Brothers, partners, associates, persons living the Lasallian charism in distinct ways and collaborating in Lasallian mission; an Association with its own appropriate governmental structures at all levels.

I appreciated immensely the contribution of our partners during the two weeks they were with us.
At the same time, however, the experience reinforces my conviction that we need new, creative structures, such as those we have chosen.

I am pleased that the Chapter has adopted a clear, unambiguous stance towards the identity of the Brother of the Christian Schools, while inviting ongoing discussion on our way of formulating and expressing that identity; and I'm pleased that the Chapter has urged us to live more authentically, to foster vocations, and to strengthen our programs of formation at all levels.

To my satisfaction also the Chapter has challenged us to a greater commitment to evangelization of our young people - and to all that is contained in that rich but complex word: witness, proclamation, dialogue, education in the faith, pastoral ministries, Lasallian youth, Lasallian volunteers, interreligious and ecumenical relationships, and more.

I thank God, therefore, for the very positive decisions that we are in the process of making. But one of you - our new Vicar in fact - said to me after the elections last Friday: John, our greatest gift to you is the spirit of communion of this Chapter. And he is right. So many of you have commented on the experience of community that we have lived. I thank God for that in a particular way.

During the forum at the beginning of the Chapter, I expressed my profound gratitude to the members of the General Council. I won't repeat now what I said then. But I want to thank also all the Brothers and personnel of the Generalate for their marvelous collaboration. I thank too the members of the other two General Councils with whom I lived and worked, some of whom are here with us. The experience of working together and by association for the development of Lasallian life and mission as a member of the Central Government of the Institute has been a grace.

I want to say explicitly how much I have appreciated the participation of our young Brothers in this General Chapter. Brothers, the Chapter would not be the same without you. You are making a very important contribution. Your presence, as convinced, dedicated, and proud Brothers of the Christian Schools, has enriched all of us. We invited you because we needed you and because we wanted you. Brothers, you have not let us down. I am personally very grateful to you.

Last November I received two birthday cards that touched me profoundly: the background of one card was a map of the world, and the message written across it was Happy Birthday, Brother. I appreciate this card because I have tried to be a universal brother, a brother to all . . . One of the most fascinating aspects of these years has been that of experiencing international brotherhood and sisterhood. To meet and to know so many wonderful people of diverse nationalities, races, cultures, languages, political/economic situations, and religions has been a marvelous experience, one that has changed my life. Many Brothers that I knew very personally God has already called to their reward.
Brothers that I first met as candidates, postulants, novices, and scholastics are now adults with many years of experience. Some of them are in this room today.

The second birthday card contained a personal note that said simply, Thanks for being brother to all of us. I haven't always succeeded, I know that. But I have tried.

I thank you, Brothers, and specifically those who have spoken as your representatives today. I thank all the Brothers and all other Lasallians. Reading the many messages I have received has been an overwhelming emotional experience.

Next year, with the blessing of my Brother Visitor, I'll be a member of the community at De La Salle, Chicago, where I taught more than 40 years ago. I will take some courses in scripture - but not for academic credit - at Catholic Theological Union, an outstanding theological consortium of religious congregations and societies of apostolic life. In addition I intend to explore ways that Lasallian schools can help to promote the culture of life and to oppose the culture of death: primarily in three areas: the defense of the rights of children on the international level and the promotion of gun control and elimination of the death penalty particularly on the national level. At the same time I hope to work a few hours a week as a volunteer at our San Miguel Middle School for children of Spanish-speaking families.

What the long-range future holds, only God knows. But I hope that I will be able to devote at least some weeks each year to retreats, conferences, and short courses for Brothers, associates, and partners throughout the world at all levels of formation.

Brothers, I make my own these words of Paul to the Christians in Corinth:

"So my dear Brothers, keep firm and immovable, always abounding in energy for the Lord's work, being sure that in the Lord none of your labors is wasted." (I Cor 15:58)

And these words of Moses:

"Yahweh, what we (I) will do through you will be awe-inspiring." (Exodus 34: 10)