One of the lines that I feel captures my understanding of the Lasallian mission as I experience it in the Philippines is, "walk by faith not by sight." Everyday brought forth a moment in which we were challenged physically and/or emotionally, just as the Founder said, "In the light of faith you see things quite differently." Those moments of challenge were turned into moments of growth. (SFNO Contact, 21) Last summer, I spent six weeks teaching summer school at two Lasallian schools. From the moment I opened the door at both schools, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I had visited De La Salle Academy previously with the purpose of moving forward as an Aspirant with the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Very quickly it was made clear to me, that this is truly God’s work and I was fortunate enough to be used as an instrument of God’s purpose. It was not difficult to see the presence of God in the children and staff. Working with the students at De La Salle Academy and San Miguel was nothing less than a gift, and as such, my way to appreciate this gift was to put it to good use. (SFNO Aspirant, 40) Volunteering at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center in the Philippines this summer was an incredible experience and opportunity. Being able to see the Brothers at work in
a different part of the world only reaffirmed what I had discovered in Haiti a year prior. The work, though different, shares the same spirit and zeal as the mission we carry out in the United States every day. (SFNO Postulant, 22)
Young Lasallian Summer Gatherings In addition to the programs geared toward young men open to discerning a call to join the Brothers, our District’s Young Lasallian programs provided Young Lasallians from around San Francisco New Orleans with opportunities to come together as a part of the larger Lasallian family. During the summer, our Lasallian Youth Assembly (LYA) and Lasallian Student Leaders (LSL) gatherings bring together hundreds of high school students, educators, and Lasallian Collegians to explore and grow in their understanding and experience of our Lasallian culture of vocation. Lasallian Youth Assembly is a one-week event at which students are engaged in prayer, reflection, service, education sessions around themes of social justice, and Catholic social teaching. After participating in the Assembly, Lasallian Youth are challenged to promote a 39