Lasallians came together Saturday, November 17 for the final day of the Huether Lasallian Conference in Washington, D.C. featuring prayer, breakout sessions, and a keynote speech by General Councilor Brother Jorge Gallardo de Alba.
The Regional Vocations Formation Committee organized the morning’s prayer which included a reading from Circular 461 “Associated for the Lasallian Mission… An Act of Hope,” a reflection on vocation, and song. Participants then attended the final breakout sessions on topics such as fostering a mission spirituality in young people, implementing the Lasallian Education brand, immersion programs, global partnerships and more.
A keynote address by Brother Jorge concluded the morning’s program during which he shared stories of young people from all over the world who live in situations of abuse, neglect, violence, discrimination or other injustices, yet see their lives turned around because of the Lasallian mission. At the end of his presentation, Brother Jorge encouraged Lasallians to picture the faces of those whom they serve and think about how educators relay the message of “don’t be afraid.”
“Giving the story and a face to the story and seeing what people are going through. I just think that he did a really good job,” said Nichole Bullard from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY. “Making it a little more interactive and personal made it a really good talk.”
Saturday’s activities ended with banquet honoring seven educators with Distinguished Lasallian Educator awards and Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, with the Brother John Johnston, FSC award.