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 News of the Institute and Lasallian Family
Rome, May 6, 2004
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 New Lasallian Museum Inaugurated in Rome: On April 7, 2004, the
anniversary of the death of St. John Baptist de La Salle, our new
Lasallian Museum was opened to the public. The museum is composed of a
series of spaces that are organized chronologically beginning with
exhibits about St. John Baptist de La Salle and concluding with the
Lasallian world today.
 The
focal point of the entrance to the museum is the official portrait of the Founder
which was cleaned and restored for the Lasallian Museum
by staff who do work for the Vatican Museum. Called "The Leger" it was
painted in 1734.
Another highlight is a cassock of the Founder along with vestments that
he used. The museum includes three audiovisual presentations: "The Life
of John Baptist de La Salle" and "A History of the Institute"
by Br. Donald Johanson, and "I Am Lasallian" by Mr.
Scott Gibb, originally created for the 43rd General Chapter and
funded by the District of San Francisco.
The museum was designed and produced by Br. Donald Johanson, in
coordination with Mr. Diventura who was the engineer for the project.
We hope to have the final exhibits in place in time for the meeting here
in Rome of the Visitors and Auxiliary Visitors which takes place at the
Casa Generalizia beginning May 10.
In the final section of the museum is a display of pennants from various
schools throughout the Institute. If you would like to have your school
represented in this display, please send a pennant to Br. Donald at the
Casa Generalizia here in Rome.
(Br. Donald Johanson)
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 Commemorative
plaque dedicated to Frčre Gabriel Drolin: In the presence of the ambassador to the Holy See of France,
representatives of the Superior General of the Institute and a large
public crowd, on Wednesday April 7 Maria Pious Garavaglia, Vice Mayor of
the city of Rome, dedicated a commemorative plaque in honor of Brother
Gabriel Drolin, sent to Rome by St. John Baptist de La Salle I 1702. The
Placque is located on Via dei Cappuccini near the Via Veneto and Via
Sistina, a few steps from Piazza Barberini.
The Honorable Vice Mayor spoke of the many reasons why the City's
Leaders wished to grant this important recognition to the Brothers.
Three hundred years ago the first school of the Institute was opened in
Rome. This plaque "implies a rightful homage to the whole Congregation
of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for the praiseworthy work that
they have done in education for three centuries and continue to do in
this city with six schools of great prestige."
Then Brother Rodolfo Meoli, Procurator and Postulator Generale of the
Institute, spoke of Brother Gabriel Drolin, a brave and dedicated
disciple of De La Salle that, in the midst of enormous difficulties and
in painful loneliness, he succeeded in "planting the tree of the
Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in the shade and
under the watchful eye of the Successor of St. Peter."
The Visitor of the District of Italy, Btother Donato Petti, then thanked
the city Authorities for the great honor granted to Brother Drolin and,
in honoring him, also honoring so many religious that have worked for
over three hundred years for Roman youth.
Finally, Ambassador Pierre Morel, Ambassador of France to the Holy See,
responded that it was a great honor for France that one of its noble
children was honored in such a way.
(Br. Rodolfo Meoli)
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 International
Council of Young Lasallians; Answers to questions from Poland 2003:
Last summer, young Lasallians from Europe had their gathering in Poland.
The International Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL) was part of this
important event. During this shared time, ICYL had an opportunity to
make a short presentation followed by a series of questions to clear the
doubts young Lasallians, Brothers, and lay partners had about ICYL's
work. Although some questions could not be answered at the time, ICYL
made the commitment to have the answers as soon as possible.
The International Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL) is made up of 16
members, from different Lasallian regions all around the world. Our
mission as ICYL, is to assist and advise Superior General Brother Álvaro
Rodríguez and the General Council. One of our goals is to strengthen the
existing relationships between Young Lasallians worldwide.
Linked here are the questions, from last summer (we thank everyone who had
questions). Through the answers given, the Council hopes to further
unite all Lasallians and their mission.
(ICYL)
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 The "Associated for the Educational Service of the Poor" Commission held its annual meeting in Rome from April 23 - 27. The first two days
were spent together with the MEL (Lasallian Educational Mission)
Commission to prepare for the 2006 International Assembly which is
entitled "Associated for the Lasallian Mission." The two Commissions
agreed on several key points that needed clarification, such as: What
type of authority will the Assembly have? What should be the criteria
for electing participants? How many delegates should be afforded each
Region and District? Other topics included how to organize the Assembly
and what working methods to use.  All
of this will be presented to the Visitors' (Intercapitular) Meeting in
May.
The "Associated" Commission then discussed the document entitled "Lasallian
Identity" whose writing had been entrusted to a group of Lasallian
experts. The Commission will suggest that this document be used with
various Lasallian groups throughout the world, Brothers, Associates and
colleagues, as an aid in holding a reflection workshop on Lasallian
identity during the course of 2005. The Commission also prepared a
report on New Forms of Association which the Lasallian charism is
bringing about and this report will be presented at the Visitors' (Intercapitular)
Meeting.
(Br. Antonio Botana) |
 A
group of 60 missionaries from La Salle University in Bogota:
A group of 60 missionaries from La Salle University in Bogota, Colombia,
accompanied the rural communities of Yopal Casanaré, Sasaima and Alban
Cundinamarca during Holy Week.  This
group included chaplains from the University, professionals from the
office of Promotion and Human Development and student volunteers. There
was advance planning and spiritual preparation for these days of joyful
sharing with families in these areas.
(Br. Edgar Figueroa Abrajim) |
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