After a warm welcome from Lasallian students from La Salle School, a
school that sits behind the Motherhouse, our opening ceremonies continued in
the Chapel. A moving dance performance by local Lasallian students from San Giuseppe College,
set the tone and gave life and breath for our theme for the Assembly; the
movement of the four seasons. Brother Charles Kitson explained, “…We [will]
welcome you into the movement from [season to season] from spring to summer,
from dreams and visions, to the hard work of making them all come true. This
will be our community’s life… dance… for the next eleven days. Listen to its
rhythm, feel its beat, and dare to become one with the Mission, the Lasallian
Mission.” We accepted his invitation.
Moving from the Chapel to the Aula Magna (our main work
space and “home” for the next two weeks), we concluded the opening ceremony
with drumming and cheers, all trepidation dissipated, ready to begin the work
before us. We were welcomed by the President of the Assembly, Superior General
Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, FSC and, Co-Chairs Mr. Steve Byrne of
Australia and Ms. Carmelita Quebengco of the Philippines. Brother Álvaro in his
address laid out our charge and set the stage for what we would focus on during
the Assembly. Other activities of the day included a workshop given by Brother
Michael French, FSC about understanding and working in a multi-language,
multi-cultural reality. Nothing breaks down cultural barriers better than
Brother Michael leading us in song!
In the afternoon, Regions set up their displays and
delegates were given an opportunity to spend time learning about and gaining a
better appreciation for the breadth and depth of the Lasallian Family and the
diversity of Ministries that exist around the world. Regions were also afforded the opportunity to
share their Regional reports to the entire Assembly. Dr. Maggie McCarty, Mr. Alan Weyland and Mr.
Jim Logan, beautifully expressed the accomplishments and challenges facing the
Mission of RELAN (and came in under time!).
It has been an amazing first day. To be in the Holy presence of so many
Lasallians, coming from different realities, but working towards the same goal,
ready to dream, and vision, and plan together was truly a life giving
experience. So we enter the dance,
boldly, Together and by Association, trusting always in God’s Providence and
carrying the Mission with us.
Live Jesus in Our Hearts… Forever!
Heather Ruple
District of San Francisco
You are all doing an amazing job of keeping us in your loop (and Heather you are rockin' those bangs!)
ReplyDeleteI have told so many people - and many of you - that the First International Assembly had the most significant affect upon my life, so much so that it will be one of my deathbed memories. I rejoice that you are - each of you and all of you together - representing us and doing this great work the second time around! We have a petition for you each day in our Prayers of the Faithful here at SMU and we shall do so throughout the duration of the Second International Assembly.