Young Brothers gathered in Philadelphia from October 29-31 for a semi-annual retreat which focused on overseas apostolate. Participants included two Brothers in temporary vows, five novices, and four postulants.
Bro. Chris Patiño, who is in temporary vows and teaches at his alma mater, Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, believes these events are important to keep the young men from getting caught up in their individual lives. “To realize we are part of something bigger here and we are support for each other,” he said. “I think it’s just this idea of coming together to check in, to support each other, to pray together, and just really to share with each other where we’re at twice a year.”
General Councilor Brother Robert Schieler presented an overview of the Institute’s overseas apostolate and joined a panel of Brothers sharing experiences of serving outside the U.S. Brother Stephen Caplice from La Salle Academy in New York City; Brother James Dries, Vocation Director of DENA; Brother Paul Joslin from St. Raymond’s High School in Bronx, NY; and Brother Leo Smith from St. Gabriel’s Hall in Audubon, PA also participated in the panel.
As a college student, Bro. Chris worked in the Philippines for two summers at a youth center for incarcerated boys, which helped him relate to the Brothers’ experiences. “It was great to see the impact it had on their vocations-from the Brothers who spent a year or two overseas to those who have spent almost their whole time as a Brother overseas,” he said.
The retreat was also a preparation for the Assembly of Young Brothers of North America, which will be held in Cuernavaca, Mexico, December 31, 2010-January 4, 2011.
Two initial formation retreats are held each year.