News of the Institute and Lasallian Family

Rome, October 31, 2006
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The Lasallian Region of Europe (REL) will begin to exist on November 1st, 2006, on the basis of the Statutes adopted in Angers (France) by all the Brothers Visitor of the European Districts and approved by Brother Superior General and his Council on October 14, 2006.

This is the conclusion of the reflection process that began in Leeds (United Kingdom) two years ago, regarding the need of forming one united Region out of the current Lasallian Regions: REBIM, ARLEP, FRANCE, RELEC and ITALY.

The establishment of the Region “expresses the willingness of the units that compose it to cooperate with one another and so benefit by the added vitality that comes from acting together.” (Rule 127)

The Statutes of the Region express the following objectives:

1. helping the Brothers Visitors in animating their Districts both in regard to the life of the Brothers and in regard to the Lasallian Mission.

2. sharing dynamic and effective methods of animation and of close relations between Districts while respecting subsidiarity and interdependence, as for example the initial formation of the Brothers, the ongoing formation of Lasallians, community life, help with managing property…

3. promoting the animation and development of traditional or new works for the young, with the help of suitable means.

Brother Joan Carles Vazquez, from the District of Catalunya, has been appointed Regional Coordinator.

The District of Proche-Orient has formally applied for membership in the REL. Its integration could occur in May 2007.

This sign of unity put at the service of the Lasallian Educational Mission in Europe is a joy for the whole Institute.

(Br. Claude Reinhardt)

MADRID - SPAIN -BR. JOAN CARLES VAZQUEZ, new Regional Coordinator of REL (Europe)
Br.Superior General has appointed Br.Joan Carles Vásquez of Spain as Regional Coordinator of REL (the new Region of Europe). His mandate is for a period of 4 years, starting tomorrow, November 1st 2006.

The European Conference of Visitors, which is presided over at present by Br.Ismael Beltrán of ARLEP, in its last working session between Sept. 21st and Sept. 25th in Angers, France approved the setting up of REL (European Lasallian Region).

The ‘inspirational ‘ text which will soon become known in the different Districts of Europe will take up the “what “ the “how” and the “why” of the new European Lasallian Region.
The Statutes of REL envisage that the Regional-Coordinator of Europe will not be a Visitor, and that he will form a team with the Executive Secretary General of REL as well as two European Visitors and four animators for the following areas of service:

1. The Life of the Brother
2. Pastoral Ministry
3. The Lasallian Education Mission
4. Finances

For its functioning it will have its own budget for expenses.

Br.Joan Carles Vásquez belongs to the District of Catalunya, where he has held important posts in animation and governance. He knows the reality of Lasallian Europe as a result of his presence on the Commissions for Education and the Missions and Assedil and his involvement in other international events. His wide range of languages will facilitate his personal relations and access to various European institutions.

The Lasallians of ARLEP congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success in this service which has been entrusted t0o him for 4 years.
(Br. Nestor Ferrera - Executive Secretary General - Spain)

PARMÉNIE - FRANCE - PROFESSION AT PARMÉNIE:
Joy for the District of France at Parménie on September 9th 2006: End of the Novitiate and First Vows for Brothers Matthieu Hétroit and Vincent de Léglise and renewal of Vows by Brothers François Penned and Josselin Tricou.

Families and close friends as well Brothers from France and from the formation community of Griñon were present on this sunny day to accompany our young Brothers in their commitment. The beautiful chapel of Parménie lent itself very well to the moments of interiorization and prayer such as those of the hymns of thanksgiving. Those assembled then gathered for photos and a fraternal meal. An occasion of joy for the District.

Let us continue to pray that it will happen again! See:www.lasalle-fec.org
(Br. Claude Reinhardt)

Phnom Penh – CAMBODIA - THE LASALLIAN FAMILY CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE BROTHERS IN CAMBODIA: A hundred years ago the Brothers opened our first school in Cambodia in the town of Battambang.  Unfortunately the school did not flourish, but a second school named after Bishop Miche, a Frenchman, opened soon after in the capital, Phnom Penh.  A school for the poor was attached to this school. 

The Brothers left Cambodia in the 1970’s when the country’s political turmoil forced them to withdraw.  Today the Miche school has been converted into a university campus by the Cambodian government.

          The simple Eucharist to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Brothers in the Cambodia was celebrated in the newly-built Brothers’ residence in Phnom Penh attended by Brothers and a group of about 30 Vietnamese-American youths and adults under the aegis of Br. Phong of California. Some 15 Vietnamese Brothers crossed the border to the Kingdom of Cambodia for the occasion.

          After an absence of about thirty years, the Brothers are now back in the country.  At present three Brothers have taken up residence in Phnom Penh and are assiduously studying the local language.  Among the future ministries under consideration are a center for HIV-infected and abandoned children, a language school for English and French, and a primary school offered to the Brothers by the Bishop of Battambang.  With almost half of its population illiterate, the Cambodian government offers free reign to those who wish to assist it in the field of education.
(Br. Victor Franco)

Freeport – USA - New Website to visit: Welcome to a newcomer in the Virtual Lasallian Family, the De La Salle School in Freeport, NY (one of the Miguel Schools in the LINE District) now has a website. The address is www.DeLaSalleSchool.org.

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