“The vocation of the Brother is part of the answer God gives to the absence of Brotherhood which is wounding our world.”
In our first meeting in April, Br. Bob Schaefer FSC, then Coordinator of the Secretariat for Formation, shared this insight from the document, “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church”. These words provided inspiration and context for Young Brothers all over the world to join the Lasallian Family in prayer and discernment as the Institute prepared for the 46th General Chapter.
God’s call for more passionate witnesses of fraternity has never been stronger in these past few years given the challenges of the pandemic and its adverse impact to the lives of people. Despite the hindrances, the Young Brothers proved their passion and hope as they whole-heartedly participated in the online and on-site halves of the 2nd International Young Brothers Assembly.
After 5 online meetings since April 2021, the 36 delegates have finally met in Casa Generalizia from November 7 to 21. The PARC delegates were as follows: Lewis Harwood, Moon Atif, Roshan Dias, Aikee Esmeli, Edmon Viroomal, Vince Paildan, Justine Nge Bo, Arul Panneer and Brinesh Villavar. The first week was dedicated to reflecting on the 46th General Chapter documents and Fratelli Tutti and getting to know our fellow Young Brothers. Through our language groups and discernment groups, we were able to begin our process in crafting responses and initiatives. The second week was dedicated to interaction and working together with the delegates of the International Symposium of Young Lasallians and finalizing our proposals. In between weeks, we were able to visit the town of Assisi and prayerfully retrace the steps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. We were also able to see a bit of Rome with our small groups and participate in the General Audience of Pope Francis.
The Young Brothers and the Young Lasallians ended in deep prayer and hope for the future of the Institute. We came home with new Brothers and new young partners ready to be passionate witnesses of fraternity and cooperate in building new pathways for transformation. (Text & Photos: Br. Aikee Esmeli FSC)
