Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, who has served for the past seven years as General Councilor for the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN), was elected Superior General at the 45th General Chapter on May 20, 2014. He is the 27th successor of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Brother Robert was elected as General Councilor for RELAN in 2007 after serving as Visitor of the Baltimore District from 2001-2007. Before becoming Visitor, Brother Robert was the Director of Education for the United States-Toronto Region. He also served as Executive Secretary for the Regional Education Board and College Presidents Association. Prior to these roles, Brother Robert served for seven years as Assistant Visitor and Director of Education for the Baltimore District
A missionary to the Philippines for 11 years, he has served in a variety of administrative positions from Assistant Principal to Superintendent of Schools. A delegate to the 44th General Chapter in 2007, he also attended the 43rd General Chapter in 2000 and the 42nd General Chapter in 1993. He sits on several boards, including Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Bethlehem University. He is a graduate of La Salle College (now University) in Philadelphia, PA, where he has also served on the Board of Trustees.
A Brother for 46 years, Brother Robert took the habit on September 1, 1968, in Ammendale, Maryland. He was first introduced to the Christian Brothers as a student at West Catholic Boys High School (now West Catholic Preparatory High School) in Philadelphia, PA. The Philadelphia native holds masters’ degrees in European History (Notre Dame) and Asian Studies (University of Philippines) as well as a doctorate in Educational Administration (University of Pennsylvania).
Effective immediately, Brother Robert is now leading the largest order of religious Brothers in the Church dedicated to education. He follows Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, FSC, who served as Superior General for 14 years.
Brother Robert, who is from the District of Eastern North America, is the third American Brother to serve as Superior General. Brother Charles Henry Buttimer, FSC, became the first American Superior General in 1966. Brother John Johnston, FSC, became the second in 1986.
Please keep the new Superior General and all the delegates in your prayers as they continue the important work of the General Chapter.
More coverage:
- Complete Superior General election coverage >
- Initial announcement from the Institute >
- Announcement from the District of Eastern North America >
- Brother Robert’s first video message as Superior General >
- Reflection from Brother Timothy Coldwell, Visitor of the District of New Orleans – Santa Fe >
- Reflection from Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor of the Midwest District >
- More on the General Chapter >