What's New in the Region

Brother Kevin Stanislaus Mackey, FSC, joined his creator on August 22.

Brother Ephrem Hebert, FSC, joined his Creator on August 13, 2008.

World Youth Day 2008: A Transformative Experience

Brothers with Lasallian youth at World Youth Day 2008 in Australia.

'"It was a wonderful, intense experience of both church and community--one that was in many ways transformative. During our two weeks together, it was a privilege to form community with young people who were serious about their faith life and appreciated their Lasallian formation. They sort of reminded me of myself during the later years of high school. Being able to seriously pursue your faith life within a community of like-minded individuals is a real grace, and I think that despite the little problems and challenges along the way, we grew to appreciate one another to a degree that would not have been possible if this had been simply a camping trip or a tour or even a class. This was a pilgrimage and we were blessed by being pilgrims together. As time goes on, I am certain that each of us will recall different things. But all will recall the quality of our time together and the multiple ways that God's grace came to be discovered along the way. Those seeds will grow more deeply with time and will bear fruit in ways yet undiscovered. It was an experience of the theme for WYD 2008: 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.' Acts 1:8 '"--Brother George Van Grieken

(l-r) Brother John Luczkowski, Brother Chris Patiño, and Brother Peter Nguyen.

Three young men are successfully completing their novitiate year at Mont La Salle in Napa, California, and are preparing for the next step on their vocational journey. Brother Chris Patiño will make his first vows on August 9 in Napa. Brother Peter Nguyen and Brother John Luczkowski will make their first vows at the General Assembly of the Baltimore District in September. Brother Stanislaus Campbell, provincial of the San Francisco District, said, "Brothers Chris, John, and Peter are witnesses to the fact that there are young men still interested in and called to the Brothers' life. Our prayers and wishes for success go with them..."

The Brothers will return to a full-time teaching apostolate in the fall. Brother Chris will teach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, California. Brother John Luczkowski has been assigned to St. John's College High School in Washington, District of Columbia. Brother Peter Nguyen will teach at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of Lasallian Partners Attend Summer Formation Programs

Over three hundred Lasallian partners and Brothers participated in Regional formation programs conducted by the Christian Brothers Conference this summer. The programs include the Lasallian Leadership Institute, 177 participants; Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, 107 participants; and Lasallian Social Justice Institute, 41 participants.

The programs are designed to deepen and strengthen the commitment of participants to the Lasallian Mission and enhance their teaching and leadership skills. Brother Thomas Lackey is Director for Mission Formation programs in the Conference.

About the photo: Brother Peter Bray from New Zealand was the sole presentor at the Lasallian Leadership Institute summer program. His presentation provided participants with challenging insights and perspectives about leadership.