The purpose of this letter is to contact you regarding the different steps in process of preparation for the 2nd International Symposium of Young Lasallians that will be held in Rome from July 25 to 31, 2006.

The process of preparation is a tool by which we want to reach the Symposium in Rome with some reflection already having been done and, in this way, be able to maximize that time that we will spend together.

But we are not starting from zero, we continue along the lines of the 1st International Symposium of Young Lasallians that was held in Quebec in 2002, and based on that, the International Council of Young Lasallians was established. This Council has been reflecting on the conclusions that came from the last Symposium. At the same time, meetings of young Lasallians have been held on the continental, Regional, and District levels to raise awareness of the need to consolidate the Young Lasallians Movement on the international level.

The purpose of this second Symposium is to help us share our commitment to the Lasallian Educational Mission from different perspectives:

• Our Lasallian identity.
• Our commitment to the needy.
• Our connection to the Institute from the point of view of Association.
• Our response to educational challenges.
• Our word at the International Assembly on Association for Mission.

Under the motto "Mission Possible: A Shared Dream" we want to gather together the aspects already highlighted and begin this Way of Preparation that we have announced to you. This will consist of four parts that correspond to each of the words in our motto.

A. Mission: Educational challenges.
B. Possible: Lasallian identity today based on the Mission.
C. Dream: The Lasallian Youth Movement.
D. Shared: Young people, Brothers, Teachers, Associates.

Each one of the documents in the process of preparation will consist of three parts:

• An inspirational text.
• Personal and group activities.
• Prayer.

The material that we will provide will serve not only for participants in the Symposium, but also for all young Lasallians the world over who want to share this reflection with us.

To share this reflection, which is very important for everyone, we have available to us a web site, whose address is:

www.lasallesymposium2006.org

On this site, you will have available to you all the official information concerning this Second Symposium. In addition, we will enable a forum in which you will be able to share your thoughts with other persons who are participating in this same process. This site is intended to be a meeting place for all young Lasallians.

To be able to use the forum, you will need to register on the web site. You can do this at the lower left-hand side where you see: "No account yet? Create one," where you must fill in some data on the form provided. It is very important that you provided a valid e-mail address, since this will be the only way to contact you.

We think that the success of the Symposium depends not only upon the participation of people during the time it is to be held, but upon the prior reflections of all those who feel united to the Lasallian world. We encourage you, therefore, to begin this Way of Preparation with us and the with young Lasallians in your area.

Your participation is very important! We are counting on you!

In De La Salle,

Txus Sánchez
Daniela Massotti
Hno. José Ángel Arrizabalaga
Fr. Matteo Mennini

LIVE, JESUS, IN OUR HEARTS!