Generated through the energy from the 45th General Chapter and the Year of Consecrated Life, the Brothers in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) have been invited to participate in a pilgrimage, Together as Brothers, on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Brothers and young men in discernment from RELAN and the District of Spain will journey together July 13-23, 2015.
“When we were at the General Chapter in the spring, there was a special energy to renew, refresh and re-express the love we have for the charism and call,” said General Councilor Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC. “At the same time a question emerged: Is there something experiential we can do, even on an international level, to shine a light on the riches of our vocation?”
The pilgrimage along the Camino is an experience that will not only provide a powerful witness and be a formative experience to the Brothers who participate, together with those they accompany, but will also provide opportunity for intentional discernment, reflection and prayer.
“It’s all about accompaniment, and that is at the heart of this unique and ancient pilgrimage experience—as we walk and pray and celebrate together our shared brotherhood,” said Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, Visitor of the Midwest District, who is part of the planning team organizing the experience. “The Camino represents a special opportunity to walk together as Brothers during this Year of Consecrated Life. The fact that we can take advantage of our global network and join the Brothers and young men in formation from Spain makes this even more meaningful.”
The 10-day, 87-mile pilgrimage will begin in Piedrafita and finish in Santiago, Spain at the Shrine of the Apostle St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The 20-25 RELAN participants will keep a blog during the experience and provide resources so that the pilgrimage can be shared day-to-day.
“The Camino experience is an opportunity for Brothers to come together and celebrate their vocation in a special way,” said Brother Christopher Patiño, FSC, also part of the planning team. “I am excited by the possibility of sharing a prayerful experience with Brothers as we seek to give witness to our commitment as Brothers of the Christian Schools while inviting others to discern their own vocation.”