In his remarks at the Opening Liturgy, Brother Álvaro quoted a text from the Pope's address to Argentinian young people during World Youth Day. The focus of the text was the responsibility one has as a Christian to "go out" and serve one another, especially the least among us. Brother Álvaro's words challenged the Brother Delegates to not focus on themselves during the assembly, but to look outward and leave ready to "go out" and serve.
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| Brothers David Caretti, Anwar Martinez, Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Peter Nguyen, and Christopher Patiño |
Fast forward 10 days and Brother Álvaro (during his closing remarks to the delegates) says that during these 10 days he has seen an "evolution" take place. The assembly moved from a time very focused on our dreams and concerns to developing propositions to a moment of taking ownership, of committing ourselves to "go out!" This commitment is articulated in a set of commitment statements. The statements are introduced by a set of collective convictions we hold about the Institute and its future followed by making it clear that the Young Brothers are prepared to lead "together and by association" and respond to the needs of the time.
The assembly has allowed us to experience holiness! It has challenged each of us to look towards the future with eyes of faith by recalling the gift of our consecration, our being rooted in Christ.
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| Bro. Chris (center) |
The assembly has been a time of fraternal joy! It has allowed us to see the many gifts we have to share, especially the gift of community. We not only want to be Brothers to those we serve, but also commit ourselves to deepening our sense of brotherhood with one another.
The assembly reminded us of the need for the mission! It has been made clear that the young, especially the poor need the Lasallian mission and that we need to find ways to ensure we are responding to the poor. We recognize that young people evangelize us as much as we may evangelize them.
A message to the Institute will be published in the next 24 hours and will help capture the richness of the International Young Brothers Assembly. The Preparatory Commission looks forward to submitting a complete report to the 45th General Chapter.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Live Jesus in our hearts!
