CHARISMATIC ENERGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO RELAN Coming to North America
The Brothers opened Ste. Geneviève Academy in a limestone Federalist-style building located on the highest hill overlooking the town of Ste. Geneviève.
The Lasallian mission in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) traces its historical roots to 1819 and Ste. Geneviève Academy in Ste. Geneviève, Missouri, the first school operated by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in the United States. The school operated only until 1822; it wasn’t until 1837, when Brother Aidant and three Brothers debarked in Montréal, that they established the first permanent foundation of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in North America. Alighting from those ships were men imbued with a charism and vision that would transform the educational landscape in its day.
Inspired by De La Salle The Lasallian charism traces its roots to Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the first communities of Brothers. The grace and gift of the Holy Spirit filled them with an energy to associate together for the educational service of the poor. This charismatic energy expressed itself in three integrated and dynamic ways: in gratuity, founding and justice. Nearly two hundred years later, this charismatic energy continues to find expression in the countries of Canada and the United States. Today, as in our origins, this energy brings the living love of Christ into the teacher-student relationship and transforms the educational center into a redemptive and saving place.
Charismatic Dynamism in Action This Bulletin offers a tour of the Lasallian Region of North America and the many expressions of the charismatic dynamism that Bulletin 260 | RELAN | 2
