Word has been received here in Rome that Brother Michel Sauvage died this morning at approximately 11 o'clock in hospital at Villeneuve d'Ascq. May he rest in peace!

Brother Michel was aged 77 years. He received the habit of the Brothers Sept. 13, 1939, made his first vows Sept. 14,1940 and his perpetual profession Sept. 5, 1948.

This first brief announcement will be followed soon by a more complete summary commentary on this outstanding figure of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

In the name of the Institute I give thanks to God for the marvellous gift that He has given us in Brother Michel. His person and his writings have marked and continue to mark for many Brothers and for other Lasallians the way of understanding the ministry of Christian education and their spiritual life. As I said in my first words to the members of the General Chapter, he it was who introduced me to the exciting journey of the Founder. I believe that I can add today that Brother Michel has helped us all to discover our origins better, and to urge us forward with new enthusiasm into the here and now of our history in the service of poor youth, and from them going out to all young people.

Brother Michel in the closing lines of his book Announcing the Gospel to the Poor has indicated for us the core of his understanding of the Founder and doubtless too of his own approach to life:

"The unifying principle of De La Salle's spiritual teaching, as it was of his own progress in the way of the Gospel, is not a theme or an idea. It is a living presence, an active transforming power: the presence and power of the Holy Spirit."

Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría
Superior General