News of the Institute and Lasallian Family

Rome, July 8, 2003
Intercapitular Preparatory Commission meets in Rome: A preparatory commission has just finished drawing up the program for the meeting of Regionals, Visitors, Auxiliary Visitors, Delegates, and Presidents to be held May 10-22, 2004. This meeting has been organized in response to Proposition 12 of the last General Chapter, which calls for an evaluation of the degree to which the institutions of the District, Sub-District or Delegation contribute to the educational service of the poor.

In addition to the educational service of the poor, the program includes the following relevant topics: the renewal of community and spiritual life, association, re-structuring, the pastoral ministry of vocations, and the 2006 international assembly on mission and association .

Brothers Jacques d'Huiteau (France), Thomas Johnson (USA-T), John Fernando (India), Salvador Valle (N. Mexico) and two General Councillors, Brothers Claude Reinhardt and Victor Franco make up the commission. A seventh member, Br. Michel Messan (Gulf of Benin), was unable to attend due to visa delays.
(Br. Victor Franco)
Warmest greetings to the new District of Italy: On June 2, the last of the four sessions of the inaugural Chapter of the new District of Italy ended. This concludes the work of forming the new District from the previous Districts of Rome and Torino.

The new District of Italy has been born with a clear determination of responding in new ways to the urgent needs of the Mission in Italy.

Among the commitments that have been made by this Chapter are:
The creation of a Pastoral Team that will helps to energize the Youth and Vocational Ministries of the District while at the same time offering welcome and formation to all youth that wish to share in our Lasallian Mission or feel called to be Brothers.
The organization of a Lasallian Center for Formation that will offer Christian, professional and Lasallian formation to all of the members of the Lasallian Family, especially to educators and leaders in our Lasallian works.
The opening of a new community that will explore new means for evangelizing the poor.
The creation of two faith communities, made up of Brothers and collaborators, which can be a model for energizing educational works.

On June 14, Brother Superior, in a celebration held at Villaflaminia in Rome, appointed the four Brothers that will animate the life of the District during the next four years, and who are charged with implementing the proposals of the District Chapter during that time.

The Visitor of the new District is Br. Donato Petti. Collaborating with him will be three Auxiliary Visitors: Br. Pio Rocca will be responsible for the Educational Services of the District. Br. Stefano Agostino will be responsible for coordinating the work of the Lasallian Family. Br. Carlo Contri will be in charge of the area of the area of finance.

During the celebration, which took place on the eve of Trinity Sunday, Br. Álvaro spoke of our Consecration, and encouraged the Brothers of the District of Italy to truly associate and collaborate in the birth of the new District. At the same time he thanked them for the journey that they are making, and encouraged them to continue so that the new District will become a testimony for the whole Institute.

In the picture are Br. Álvaro with Brothers (left to right) Stefano Agostino, Donato Petti (Visitor), Carlo Contri, and Pio Rocca.
(Br. Juan Pablo Martin)
 
News from Faisalabad:

First Profession
: Congratulations to Brother Shafiq Yaqoob who professed his First Vows on Saturday, June 14, 2003 . His First Profession of Vows occurred as part of a Liturgy held at La Salle High School, Faisalabad.

Br. Norman Wray: Congratulations to Br. Norman Wray who celebrates his 80th birthday and his diamond jubilee of profession. Click here for a brief testimonial about Br. Norman and about the tremendous work he has done over the years.
(Br. Herman Nanayakkara)
 
News from Agüimes, Canary Islands:

Corpus Christi: On Sunday, June 22, the streets of Agüimes were decked out for the traditional Corpus Christi Procession.

From very early in the morning, a group of Lasallian Youth, along with other children and adults, worked to create the traditional "carpets of salt" that are used for the procession.

It was a day of labor, companionship, happiness and conversation. Various Lasallian and Eucharistic patterns adorned the streets. This year there was a noticeable increase in the number of carpets.

As is also the custom, the Lasallian Associates prepared the altar for the final station of the procession where the Blessed Sacrament was placed. Upon arrival at this altar, the Lasallians presented their petitions and prayed for all Lasallians: Brothers, associates, teachers, parents, students and alumni.

Trinity Sunday: On Sunday, June 15, the Lasallians in the village of Agüimes, Canary Islands, were thrilled to celebrated a day of. During the Sunday Mass, we renewed our commitments and celebrated the departure of Judith Rodríguez. This summer she will collaborate in a missionary project in Guatemala. At the celebration were her parents, María Jesus and Francisco, who presented her a Crucifix and a Bible on behalf of the whole community.

Besides the renewal of vows of the Brothers, members of the Lasallian Christian Community publicly expressed their commitment in which they manifested the desire to collaborate in the Lasallian mission of helping their fellow men and of praying, modelling their lives on the inspirational words of John Baptist de La Salle.

After the liturgical celebration we shared in a party and a meal together.
It was a day to remember in which we could live together our Spirit of Faith and of Zeal.
(Br. Fernando Manzanares)

Web Notes: Recent Reflections and a section which includes the MEL Bulletins have been added to the Publications section.
(Br. Donald Johanson)

If you have news notes that you would like us to consider publishing, please email us:lasallew@lasalle.org
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