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 News of the Institute and Lasallian Family
Rome, 12 April 2002 |
 An update about Bethlehem University: Early in the morning of 6 April, the one hundred or so Israeli soldiers who had occupied the university since 2 April evacuated the campus. The Brothers of the university community are doing well. On the afternoon of the preceding day, an armed vehicle with representatives of the United States and British Consulates had come to the Brothers' residence and met with each US and British citizen individually, offering them the opportunity to be evacuated from the campus to Jerusalem. Each Brother, however, chose to remain at the university. For further information, check the web sites for Bethlehem University (www.bethlehem.edu) or for the USA/Toronto Region (www.cbconf.org).
Although there are some vestiges of residual damage at the university, in general the campus and buildings were left in decent condition. Considering the extensive destruction of so many places in Bethlehem, Bethlehem University is most fortunate.
The Brothers of Bethlehem University want to communicate to the Brothers, Partners, and countless friends and benefactors from around the world their profound gratitude for the outpouring of support and expressions of care and concern during this difficult time.
We keep in prayer the Lasallian Family in the Holy Land and around the world during these challenging days: All of our Brothers who are living or working in the Holy Land - Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jaffa - would seem, at the present time, to be fine. However, we remain very mindful of so many Lasallian partners, colleagues, and friends in the Holy Land who suffer the consequences of the present violence.
Furthermore, we remain united in heart and in prayer with all of our Brothers and the Lasallian Family in so many other countries of the world today where violence, ethnic clashes, and economic strife are a daily reality.
The 100th birthday celebration of "the dean" of the Institute: The present dean of the Institute, Brother Crescenziano Quattrocchio of the District of Turin, celebrated his 100th birthday on 8 April. Brother Vicar General represented the Institute at the Turin District's celebration on 7 April of Brother Crescenziano's birthday.
Sesquesentennial of the arrival of the Brothers in Asia: On 7 April, the Delegation of India gathered for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival in Asia of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Brother James Kimpton, originally from Great Britain, was honored for his 50th anniversary of ministry in Asia and for the heroic manner in which he has reached out to the poorest of the poor in India. The Archbishop of Madurai joined the Brothers and Lasallian Family for this celebration.
The first Brothers to arrive in Asia did so on 29 March 1852. The six Brothers came to Singapore from ministries in France and in the United States of America. Consequently, the Brothers and Lasallian Family in Malaysia and in Singapore will gather for a 150th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass on 10 May at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore.
On 11 May, the President of the Republic of Singapore and the Brother Vicar General of the Institute will be the guests-of-honor at the 150th Anniversary Dinner of St. Joseph's Institution of Singapore. For further information, check the web site for St. Joseph's Institution (www.sji.moe.edu.sg).
Current pastoral visit of Brother Superior in Africa: Brother Superior and Brother Councilor Yemanu Jehar are presently on the second phase of the pastoral visit to Africa. Last week they were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This week they are in the Ivory Coast. Next week they will be in Burkina Fasso.
The celebration of the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome: On18 May, the Lasallian Family of the District of Rome and the District of Turin will gather with Pope John Paul II at a special audience in the Vatican. This is part of the yearlong celebration of the District of Rome commemorating the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome and the beginning of Lasallian Mission and the Lasallian Family in Italy. For further information, check the web site for the District of Rome (www.fscroma.pcn.net).
 Two new publications, which have appeared to commemorate this event that is so important in the history of the Institute, were written by Brother Rodolfo Meoli of the District of Rome and by Brother Alfred Calcutt of the District of Great Britain. Brother Rodolfo's book is in Italian. Brother Alfred's book is in English; and for information about it, check the web site of the District of Great Britain (www.delasalle.org.uk/books.htm).
 Continuing preparation for the international symposium for Young Lasallians in Quebec: The District of Bilbao will host a "work session" for European Young Lasallians to prepare for Quebec 2002 (http://quebec2002.tripod.com) on the weekend of 20th and 21st of April. The District of Madrid will host a meeting of the Spanish delegates to Quebec 2002 on the weekend of the 27th and 28th of April. Yanick Chamberland-Richer, a member of the Canadian team that has worked long and hard to prepare this important gathering of Young Lasallians from all around the world, will be present at both meetings in Spain.
 UMAEL (World Association of Lasallian Alumni): The Executive Committee of UMAEL held its yearly meeting April 6 and 7, 2002 in Strebersdorf (Vienna - Austria). The fraternity of the Brothers and members of the alumni association was excellent.
Among the agenda items discussed were: the web page of UMAEL (www.umael-lasalle.org) and the continuation of the preparation for the next General Assembly of UMAEL that will take place in MEXICO CITY from May 15 to 18, 2003. PULSA (Université La Salle), Mexico City will welcome the Congress participants. |
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