Five Lasallian Regions of Europe look at Multi-cultural and Multi-faith Situations: In response to what is perceived as increasingly important developments in Europe, a Colloquium on “the Pastoral Response of Lasallian Schools to Multi-cultural and Multi-faith Situations” took place at the Casa Generalizia, from October 29th to November 1st 2005. The Meeting was organized by five of the Lasallian Regions of Europe.

Some of the topics covered were: an analysis about present multicultural situation in Europe; Multi-faith situations in European education; seven different workshops led by various Lasallian partners from Europe; some insights into the practical realities, opportunities and difficulties of the Lasallian work in the Near East; and the worldwide Lasallian experience of working with multi-faiths and multi-cultures.

It was through informal discussions, liturgies and celebrations, as much as in the formal discussions and conferences, that we learned to think more clearly about the issues and challenges which the multicultural and multi-faith situations present to us. We left Rome, encouraged motivated and empowered to address these new challenges. We feel supported by the network of people and resources which is the Lasallian family, determined to work with our own Lasallian colleagues, staffs, students and parents in our home schools and Districts.

A short report like this can offer little more than a hint of the richness of what was shared. For those wishing for further information about the material of the Colloquium a fuller report, with the papers and conclusions, will shortly be available in English French and Spanish, from Br. Jose-Angel Arrizabalaga, jaarrizabalaga@lasalle.es.
^{(Br. Benedict Foy)}

Vocation Camp 2005, Mannar, Sri Lanka: In July 2005 Brothers Augustine, Christy, Mervyn, Pravin and Santhi visited schools in the Mannar diocese in order to invite to and generate interest in an October Lasallian Vocation Camp. Traveling by motorbike and negotiating the various checkpoints was not easy. On an early visit it was somewhat frustrating to find that after riding for 50 kilometres along difficult roads, there were only a handful of senior boys at the school. Displacement because of the war means that many boys are no longer attending school.

The Brothers visited 12 schools and spoke to more than 350 students. Knowing the good work being done in the Mannar diocese, the Principals, staffs and students were happy to receive the Brothers and asked that they visit them more regularly. About half the students expressed interest in knowing more about the Brothers! Of these, 49 boys have continued correspondence with Brother Christy and were invited to participate in the Vocation Camp at St. Xavier’s College, Mannar from October 28-30, 2005.

The theme for the Vocation Camp was “Forming and Transforming Lives with Human and Spiritual Values”. The Mannar community gave great support to the venture and looked after the task of accommodating, feeding, and hosting the 41 boys.

The camp activities included talks by the Brothers and lay partners, group sharing, time for prayer and meditation, short films and discussions, games, meals etc. Time was set aside for a personal interview with each boy.

A highlight on the second evening was the common dinner and variety show that the participants had with the guests and the Brothers. Brother Reginold was named the local Michael Jackson. The boys added their own songs, speeches and dramas.

Brother Christy has identified 10-15 boys as prospective candidates for the Aspirancy. In December he will visit their families and in January invite some to join the aspirancy at St. Joseph’s Aspirancy House, Mannar.
^{(Br. Christy Croos)}

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