FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCES: HOW LASALLIANS UNDERSTAND ASSOCIATION. A STUDY OF TESTIMONIES OF BROTHERS AND LAY PARTNERS IN THE USA/TORONTO REGION

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1 FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCES: HOW LASALLIANS UNDERSTAND ASSOCIATION. A STUDY OF TESTIMONIES OF BROTHERS AND LAY PARTNERS IN THE USA/TORONTO REGION 49 Br. Diego Muñoz, fsc Lasallian Research and Resources Service Generalate, Rome 1 ABSTRACT This article is the third of the reports produced from research on Lasallian identity and Association. Based on content analysis of the Lasallian Brothers and Lay Lasallians of the Regions of the United States and Canada (French speakers), are systematized participants' responses as to how to understand the Lasallian Association, what are the beliefs that underpin their Lasallian experience and what it relates that experience with their life plan. Key-words: association, convictions, process, personal life plan, journey. Introduction This current paper is the third in a series of studies about personal testimonies of Brothers and Lay/Partner Lasallians from all the Regions of the Institute, who were invited to give their personal view about their experience of association in the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This time, the insights come from the Region of the United States/Toronto and French-Speaking Canada. It would be good to recall that to come up with this study, each District was asked to invite five Brothers and five Lay partners to answer a survey of three questions, relative to: 1) their personal understanding of association; 2) the convictions that sustain their Lasallian experience, and 3) the relation between association and their personal plan in life. It was suggested that the invited Brothers and Lay Partners represent the differences in age and of services of the Districts. The survey was sent to the Brother Visitors and Lay Partners in February 2010; the deadline for gathering responses was May 31, 2010, although they continued to receive these until June 10 of the same year. This paper is an analysis of the contents of 41 testimonies received from two Regions of the Institute: the USA/Toronto Region, and the Region of French-Speaking Canada. [It analyzes 1 Translated into English by Br. Manuel R. Pajarillo fsc, Ph.D., from the original, entitled: Cómo comprenden los Lasalianos la Asociación desde su experiencia personal. Estudio de testimonios de Hermanos y Laicos de la Región USA/Toronto y Canadá francófono.

2 data from] 18 Brothers (12 Young and Mid-Life Brothers and 6 Senior Brothers) and 23 Lay Partners (13 men and 10 women). From the Districts and Sectors of these two Regions which participated in the study, responses gathered were as follows: San Francisco (14), Eastern North America DENA (9), Midwest (9), French-speaking Canada (8) and New Orleans Santa Fe (1). 50 This report is the output of a qualitative research grounded in a hermeneutic-symbolic paradigm. This means that the testimonies are analyzed from a method termed propositional analysis of discourse. It identifies the key ideas (nucleus-referents) and the propositions that it supports, in line with the methodology that Bardin (cf. 2009:234) 2 presents. The analysis was made possible through conceptual mapping for each type of response. With these elements categorized, a synthesis was then made, putting together the voices of the participants for each of the questions asked. The report has two sections after the Introduction: A synthesis of the testimonies of Brothers and Lay Partners, categorized through the nuclei-referents and the propositions; A listing of Inferences from the interpreted Data. The findings that the research offers have value as reference and it hopes to serve as an invitation for the subjects of the study to share their points of view on a theme that needs fraternal dialogue, a diversity of perspectives, and the creation of shared projects. From its perspective, a second part of the research will consist of asking feedback from those who sent testimonies, about the interpretation of the results, with the goal of generating a report where the participants validate or challenge the proposed interpretation, and they themselves become co-authors of the study. The Testimonies of the Brothers 3 1. How do you understand association? Young and Mid-life Brothers (younger than 65 years old) In the testimonies received from Brothers younger than 65 years old, we encounter four nuclei-referents: First, the Brothers take association as a vital process that forms part of their vocation as Brothers of the Christian Schools. The presence of the Brothers has been an essential and fundamental element in their vocation as Brothers. The corporate witness of the Brothers as an organization conveys a sense of togetherness for mission. In this way, the association among the Brothers has been identified as one of the greatest philosophical gifts that De La Salle 2 Bardin, Laurence (2009). Análise de conteúdo. São Paolo:Ediçoes In this study, the testimonies of Brothers younger than 35 years old are grouped with the majority group of Brothers younger than 65 years old.

3 gave to the Brothers. So much so that we have it as the vow which has prime place within our wow formula. 51 The Brothers, aware of the richness of their experience, welcomed the Lay Partners at a certain point in their journey. From the beginning, it was a gratifying surprise to listen to their Co-workers speaking about the Founder and about their vocation as educators. Today, it is a shared conviction of both Brothers and Lay Partners, aware of the action of the Holy Spirit. I cannot conceive of my present vocation outside of the context of a greater Association beyond the Brothers ; in fact, each of our ministries has been blessed with a core group of men and women who are committed. Obviously, the Brothers feel that not all the Lay co-workers have lived the same commitment to the Lasallian mission. A Brother summarized this concern, saying, caring colleagues, yes; intentionally associated for mission, no. Second, the Brothers show that association has demanded from them a new awareness of their condition as religious in the encounter with the Lay Partners. Association has opened a new interplay of forces in their lives; they have had to share who they are and what they do. They feel the challenge keeps challenging me to deeper authenticity, to more selfless service, to a life lived for the sake of those we serve. In short, association has compelled them to live in sharp clarity our Religious Life. As a result, association has become, one of the sources of growth, support and mutual direction-giving, first, within the Brothers Community, and later, in relation to the presence of the Lay Lasallians. My vow of Association, first and foremost, is about relationships To whom and to what are you committed? I see and experience the vowed brotherhood as a vital component of Lasallian Association, both in my life as in the Lasallian World. The Brothers who participated in the study are aware that they are called to continue sharing with their colleagues, in the best way possible, the Lasallian heritage that they have received; I learn more about myself and our vocation as Lasallian ministers because of the relationships I have formed with my brothers and my colleagues. Another testimony: the presence of the Volunteers has been a key component of my Lasallian Association experience. Third, the Brothers are aware of a dynamism lived within a primary association, with the community of Brothers, and within the newness of a second association, in relations with Lay Partners. For the Brothers, association defines their daily relations with the Brothers of the primary community, i.e., with the Institute as the primary reference point of life. Everything I know about the experience of communal life, common values for mission, and who I am as a person has been shaped by my experience with the Brothers community. The Vow of Association bonds me in a special way to the apostolic ministry to my District, the Region and to the large Institute ; it is crucial

4 to maintaining the Lasallian character of the individual institution. From association, the solidarity among the Brothers gives support to the apostolic activity of the Institute (Rule 39a). 52 Without this primary association, it is not possible to understand the community dynamics of the Brother. This is what many testimonies show: the community of Brothers is a fraternally joyous group who appreciates the unique diversity of men who combine to share the common vision of our Founder. Hence, they come to be a group that enjoys being together. Despite our aging and declining numbers. On the other hand, association understood in the context of a shared mission has invited the Brothers to widen their horizon of understanding of what is Lasallian. These men and women deepened my sense of association. My understanding is shaped from the context of my collaboration with committed Lay Lasallians. Some have gone so far as to affirm, as the fruit of the shared mission, that the desire to learn about and embrace the Lasallian Heritage, Mission, and approach is greater now among our colleagues... Fourth, the Brothers indicate that association is creating a new face of the Lasallian community for the mission. Association-for is more important than association-with. The Brothers and the Lay Lasallians associate with one another, in spite of their diversity, to bring forward a common mission. Together they wish to live the Lasallian charism, the commitment to the mission, understanding this to mean, the human and Christian education of the poorest. The need for this Institute is very great ; today I believe that it is association that is the key to us being called The Brothers ; we will concur with that statement and acknowledge that our society still harbors too many young people who are far from salvation. Hence, I distinguish less and less [the ministry of education] between Brothers and Partners in association as time passes. Those who promote and embrace the mission are beacons of light for me, nevertheless, those who deny or resist change to a more and more dynamism ministry with the poor are viewed by me more and more as obstacles that need to be challenged. Certainly, an active participant in a club does not necessarily have his or her membership in that group as the top priority in his or her life. Senior Brothers In the testimonies of the Senior Brothers who participated in the study, we identified three nuclei-referents: First, association is the outcome of an experience, lived within the community and within the mission. Recalling their community experience among the Brothers, the survey participants remembered living in communities driven on by a living faith and an ardent zeal.

5 In every community, we were both the designers and the workers of a common project that stirred us into action and that was adapted to the social milieu in which we found ourselves. The community was a space which made creativity and commitment possible. With my Brothers, I achieved things I could never have done alone. They realized that neither their initial formation as Brothers nor in their community experience was there reference to the vow of association. Nevertheless, this did not stop them from living association in their daily lives. The community experience trained me to practice every day kindness to all my Brothers. 53 From the perspective of mission, the testimonies were varied. Some remembered experiences We were, back in the early 60 s, already a Lasallian Family without the actual title being known or used. Dynamic and contagious Brothers were attracting the Lay teachers inviting them to live this experience in a new way. Others affirm that their experience as educators centered on middle-class youth who could pay for their studies, while others affirm that in the area of mission, they spoke little of the Conduct of Schools or the Meditations of the Holy Founder. Nevertheless however, «our pedagogy would find its inspiration in these texts and the Lasallian spirit would sort of seep from us. In all the experiences, «I share in our common wish to incarnate Christ the educator as consecrated persons or married Lay persons. Second. Association is for mission. It concerns a formal and deep sharing among our collaborators and the Brothers, for the specific work of evangelization of the youth. The history and experience of De La Salle is an inspiring element. For De La Salle, the vow of association made the Brothers focus on the helping of young people the least, the lost, and the last in society. Lay people, wishing to participate, fostered relationships with Brothers and with it, association. So that together, the Brothers and the Lay Colleagues have brought forward the mission of education as the goal for developing the Lasallian Family. But, even if the Brothers worked with the Lay, and they in turn, gave their 100 percent, neither lost his/her own identity. One has to take this into account. Third. Association is a strong experience of fraternity. The Brothers acknowledge that the first association has molded them: my bond of association is stronger with my consecrated companions. Thanks to the Institute and my Brothers, I have become a better man, a better religious and a better educator. But similarly, they recognize that today, there exists a new strong bond of association with those Lasallian colleagues working in the Lasallian educational mission who not only are close friends but are also well imbued with the Lasallian history. They carry out and work to further our common mission with commitment and joy. Hence, these are the people who also seek further association in participating in Lasallian programs in the District and in the Region. It is a fact of life ; about the presence of the lay, in time the role grew from useful to very helpful, to necessary to its current status, which I consider indispensable ; for me, association is the Vehicle presented to me and to all the evolving Lasallian Family, by the Divine Providence, in which we are meant to move

6 forward, together, the educational mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in the 21 st century What are the convictions that sustain your life as FSC? Young and Mid-life Brothers (younger than 65 years old) We identified four big groups of convictions that we classified into the following nucleireferents: First, We Brothers and Lay Partners are bearers and guarantors of the Lasallian charism. The Brothers recognize their responsibility before the entire Lasallian Family: we have an essential ongoing role with assuring the continued health and well-being of the Lasallian Heritage, Mission and Practices. But, we still need to vigorously resist complacency and falling into a subtle temptation to think, feeling, and exuding a notion that the Christian Brothers are inevitably becoming extinct and thus they simply turn over the keys to their colleagues. In the encounter with Lay Co-workers, they recognize that their presence has opened a new chapter in Lasallian history: our community has been so richly blessed by so many new vocations in the persons of Lay men and women. I have worked with and continue to work with many wonderful Lay partners who understand the Lasallian mission They have reinforced my own conviction that they are necessary for the work to continue. In the case of Canada, a Brother expressed himself like this: «As far as I am concerned, the fact that there are no young Brothers in Québec does not worry me excessively. I would rather panic if there were no competent and committed Lay associates. The Lay associates are ready to keep the Lasallian values here and to convey them to others. Faced with the future, different positions surface. It is clear that a Lasallian apostolate can thrive very well without a numeric dominance of Brothers... Will we possess the vision and courage to make the transformations necessary to allow the growth of the Lasallian Movement to continue before it extinguishes because of lacking commitment? This dynamic invites us to reflect on association from a vocation framework, as they explore ways they are already part of the Body of Christ, seek to become more fully church. In this sense, there is a need to develop processes of identifying, inviting and nurturing vocations to the Brothers community and to the Lay Lasallians; our colleagues will embrace the invitation and respond creatively : they are looking for a greater identification with the Institute, in the spirit of the Holy Founder ; they are becoming aware of living in the presence of God and show their zeal towards the most marginalized in society. It is what can keep the charism alive.

7 Second. The importance of community. The human and Christian education of the poorest among the young people can be achieved only if I dedicate time and energy to those in need. This conviction implies that I cannot achieve this alone, but with the Brothers of my community. We consecrated ourselves to God and to each other [of the Brothers] through our vow of association. This is what sustains me. As a baptized Christian and a vowed member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools I am an individual who has chosen to commit my life to the human and Christian education of the youth, especially the poor, as a member of an intentional group within the Roman Church that exists for that purpose. 55 The community is the vital space «that will allow us to live and show a life of faith, of community, of service. People see us as united and together. They may not always understand our community life (do we?) but there is a life that they see that gives forces to the mission. The word Brother suggests a particular identity, and, at the same time, one shared by all: each day I leave my room, I realize that I go to do what The Brothers do. In this experience, prayer is essential; we are called to be men of prayer, who live a simple life focused on the education of young people, especially the poor. Prayer is very important because it allows the experience to mature, in order to have Jesus at the center of life. Community implies that we must listen together in the same direction. It is the function of obedience. In our community this means no one is subservient and no one is superior. We are an association and everyone s voice is critical to our success. For that reason, the community must make the effort to deepen the relationships within it, allowing those in it to listen to one another heart to heart, in the spirit of Jesus. Third. The human and Christian education of the youth, especially the poor. Reality invites the Brothers to be attentive to the new situations of poverty. Our children are wealthy in so many ways. At the same time they experience violence in their homes and on their streets. They experience discrimination in our society. They experience disenfranchisement by the systems that are supposed to nurture them. They experience economic poverty and a scarcity of educational opportunity. Faced with this reality, the Brothers affirm that education is salvific. Without forgetting, when it is possible to do so, to help the young people to integrate their faith in their way of living. And let them learn the truths of the world, and those truths of the world that are visible through the eyes of faith. Only in learning both of these may we come to see the great Truth which God reveals to us. But, it is communitarian education. Association is always linked to the mission and this will always be realized and whenever we consecrate our time and our energies in those who need these. In a communitarian way, we try to promote among others, the concern for justice and peace.

8 The fourth group of convictions centers on the relation: faith-spirituality. 56 Our Founder was open to the calls of God. Hence, he remained attentive to experiences of personal conversion throughout his life. This double attitude, of faith and flexibility, is what can help us to discern the new forms of Lasallian association. The emphasis is on living the two exigencies: when I am open and flexible enough to change my mind and to adapt myself to the new realities. The incarnated spirituality of the Brothers has been the greatest draw for my own finding of my vocation within the Institute. From the experience of the spirit of the Institute, faith and zeal, I discover day to day the mystery in the heart of the life that continues to move me and to call me. All this we do in a passionate way with urgency for the welfare of those entrusted to our care and life opportunity they might not have if we fail to serve well. Senior Brothers We also identified four big groups of convictions from the testimonies of Senior Brothers, which we have aggregated into the following nucleus-referents: First: the Vocation Experience lived together with Lay Partners. I have been strengthened in my vocation as a Brother, because of many reasons: one, their conviction and dedication to the Lasallian ideals ; another, because of their encouragements to me in my own teaching and my religious commitment to community life. I have always worked at the service of young people and have never been opposed to the seeing Lay people commit themselves in our apostolates. I have been witness to this: the Lasallian educators touch the hearts of their students. As a result, the students continue to be committed to works of service, even in their own professional life (later on). «As many of my confreres do, I support association, but I also get ready for God s last call». I continue to support our Lay apostles by encouraging them. But, as we don t have any young Brothers, will this association among lay persons be strong enough for this work of high apostolic quality to continue? Second. The presence of God in the process of change: No conviction of mine is stronger that the one that our Good and Loving God is fully present in the evolutionary processes taking place in religious life today. I enjoyed being one in an army of black-robed Brothers. Today, I am thanked for the increase and the effectiveness of our diverse family which shares the same mission through Lasallian association.

9 Third. Fraternity sustains association. We have to change the criteria for association, so that we can move from remunerated associates to living brotherhoods/sisterhoods, which are interesting, from a vocation perspective. 57 Fourth: the educational service of the poor: We need to ensure that the educational service of the poor gets to be a priority in the vocation work that is promoted among the generous young people of our schools. Perhaps with fewer Brothers working in our schools, our lay teachers must become leaders with the Brothers appointed for this work of recruitment. 3. What is the connection between Lasallian association and the personal life plan project of life of the Brother? Young and Mid-life Brothers (younger than 65 years old) In the testimonies of the Brothers younger than 65 years old, we identified three nucleireferents: The first had to do with the dynamics that Lasallian association triggers, for understanding the past and taking up the future of the Institute. De La Salle realized very early on that this work was best done in association with others. This necessarily demanded professional and spiritual formation. What was the genius of the Founder? To take the teachers under the same roof to inculcate in them, through word and example, the evangelical dimension of the Lasallian mission, understanding their role as ambassadors of Jesus Christ and administrators of his mysteries. The Brothers have experienced the wealth of association in their personal experience. I realize that my current ministry, and even my former ministries, would not be able to continue without the Brothers, lay men and women, clergy, and other religious working together in association. Community s spiritual, affective and fiscal components energize the members for the challenges of the ministry. For that reason, association is the crucial space proper to a minister who, being in direct service of the poor, requires a continuously renewed reservoir of faith and zeal. Association invites us to incorporate the Lay Partners into our experience. If our association as Brothers is real, we must recognize the need to include others. Our lay colleagues have a right to be full partners in the mission. This conviction is not shared by all: some Brothers have maintained this stance since it was last articulated in the preconciliar era ; some lay colleagues, on the other hand, consider that the Brothers are unnecessary for the fulfillment of the mission. Both attitudes do not help. In addition, extraordinary vigilance needs to be exercised to guard against the danger of a caste system

10 I see the continued development of Lasallian Association as the energizing force for the future of the Institute. The basic for each, Brother and Lay, may be different, but they join together to grow the mission of the Institute. There is certainly a concern for the future: I do not believe we are at a point where the Institute will survive without Brothers. Together there is much that can be done and needs to be done. This will not happen without associating with our Lay partners nor will it happen without the Brothers. 58 The second nucleus-referent centers on the importance that association has in the life plan of the Brother: I believe that Lasallian Association is part of my life plan. The notion of Association is key in that it is the network of profound relationship that seems to help hold life together in a meaningful way. The association will allow us to create, to renew or to diversify our works according to the needs of the social milieu and to make sure that a global and complete education be accessible to those who need it most. As far as I am concerned, the fact that there are no young Brothers in Québec does not worry me excessively. I would rather panic if there were no competent and committed Lay associates. But to associate with the Brothers has its own demands, which must continue to be studied and clarified. For example: they have to be individuals who manifest the desire to live a temporary commitment, with a minimum salary, within the demands of common life, aware of working on his or her growth in professional competence ; with a genuine interest in the educational problems of the economically poor youth, and with a clear commitment to children s rights.. The third nucleus-referent revolves around the vocation path needed to understand and to move towards Lasallian association: The vows of association and service with the poor and those at the margins is at the heart of my convictions that sustain my FSC vocation today. This notion is key to deepening the relations that help me to take up my whole life from a new perspective ; being in association for mission, I feel that the Institute needs to do more to empower our Lasallian Partners in their leadership and animation of the Mission worldwide. Association creates a new dynamic: an ambassador needs to spend time with other ambassadors, in addition to moments of reflection, meditation and enthusiasm, for what we are. I firmly believe that the future of the Lasallian charism lives in the dedication and commitment of so many interested young men and women who choose Lasallian Association as an important part of their lives. We Brothers are challenged to continue the push to live our religious lives with dynamism and with the sense of adventure that so characterizes our history. We must avoid the notion that we are simply turning over the keys to our colleagues. Our colleagues welcome and desire our presence as well as recognize the importance of our presence with them to the whole Lasallian tapestry. Perhaps we Brothers might do well to invite, insist, and encourage our more senior members to new and creative

11 ways of stewarding the sharing of authority and leadership. Perhaps, consideration of new ways of shepherding our initial formation as Brothers will yield opportunities for our colleagues to contribute more profoundly with the formation process and truly share in nurturing of Brothers for the Lasallian Mission and Institute much in the same way we ought to nurture our colleagues in ways appropriate to their state in life. This is a partial vision of our future Association as Brothers, men and women for the Lasallian Movement and Mission. 59 Senior Brothers We identified three nucleus-referents in the testimonies of the Senior Brothers who participated in the study: First, the relations they discover between the dynamics of association and their own plan in life: I would have to say that, at the present, the relationship between the concept of Lasallian association and my own life plan as a Brother is still an emerging one. At the outset, when I first became a Brother, we were separated from our families, given new names and warned against close personal relationships with anyone, even our own Brothers. Today however, there is no way I can think of my own life plan as a Brother today without a full awareness of my being in a community of persons [some vowed, some not] all committed to the personal challenge of living the Gospel and all contributing, together and by association, to the human and Christian education of the most needy, and, in those processes, of each other. «The aging process touches everyone and makes everyone s health weaker», but «I never fail to encourage the educators, to say hello to them when they arrive at the center, to support them as much as I can Today I cannot imagine how we as Brothers can operate any of our educational institutions without the collaboration with our lay colleagues. They have opened vistas hitherto unthinkable and, more importantly, have not allowed us to dream our dreams and bring these dreams to reality. Consequently, we have been able to increase our institutions in direct service to the poor and disenfranchised because our numbers have allowed us achieve these new works. Second. Educational service of the poor is the reason for Lasallian association. We need to ensure (work and pray) that service of the poor through Christian education as first among our reasons for being. Hence, it is important to be attentive to the service programs for the poor that are presently emerging in the Institute. The commitment of volunteers in programs where the Brothers serve the poor through education is worth noting in particular.

12 Third. the question of the future of the Lasallian mission. 60 Like my confreres I am concerned about the fragility of our current structures, thinking about the future. I know the work could not go on without the Brothers. The role of the leadership which the Lay Partners exercise in the District is a richness produced by the dynamics of Lasallian association. It is our shared ownership and responsibility in association with each other that give me the assurance that the Lasallian mission will continue. The Lay Partners perspective on reality relative to their families need not necessarily be lost; how could our Lay partners commit themselves more without neglecting their families? The District has involved them, but on their own, they will not be able to financially sustain a work which demands considerable amounts of money. Are they convinced enough to commit themselves financially as well? Testimonies of the Lay Partners 1. How do you understand Lasallian association? Lasallian Educators (Females) From the testimonies received from female Lasallian educators who participated in the study, we can identify four types of nuclei-referents: First. Association understood in terms of identity and commitment. Lasallian association defines not only who I am within my working hours but also who I am in my daily life. My time, many significant friendships and life style are dedicated to promoting the Lasallian mission. It has been the product of a process of formation that has helped me personally, professionally and spiritually. My commitment has taken to me to sacrifice family and friends, [but] who support and accommodate my work life. This commitment permeates my teaching ministry and my personal spirituality. There are three convictions that ground this experience: I live a relationship with Jesus Christ that provides a deep belief in Divine Providence ; an attempt to live the Gospel message with zeal inspired by the Spirit of Pentecost and thereby being courageous in my continued commitment to Association ; and, a ministerial commitment to evangelization/catechesis and the education of the poor. Second. Association implies a strong sense of community. Lasallian association gives meaning sense to the ministerial community and further strengthens the bonds of the familial community. I live in a Lasallian community. With my Lasallian community, we break bread together, talk about work, pray for each other. Relationships that have

13 developed because of this association seem to have a stronger foundation because of the Lasallian core principles we share. Furthermore, my friends who are not within the Lasallian world have a pretty strong understanding of what I do and why I do it, just through the things that I have shared with them. 61 My family is my center ; «for me the Lasallian association has become a call to live the Lasallian mission as a spouse, as a mother, as an educator, or to put briefly : in all the areas of my life.» My educator parents firmly believed in the power of education ; during professional formation my psychological studies prepared me to embrace individual differences ; I feel the Holy Spirit led me to an open a call to service of the poor with a community of people all working for the Common Good ; hence, we built healthy schools where all students can thrive. Lasallian association is tremendously significant. It is something that quickly became my own. Thanks to my family experience and my professional preparation, I did not take long for me to feel welcomed. My passion for the work and specially my students grew exponentially. I think the job was very soon a ministry. Third. Lasallian association is an experience that helps me to integrate my life. Lasallian Association strongly influences my personal life : being part of a community, working collaboratively, serving others, knowing the people around me on a personal level, accompaniment- walking together, praying together, experiencing spiritual growth as a result of my day to day living, and having a strong sense of family. There is a true integration of the experience of life. Lasallian Association is part of my personal life, my relationships, my work and my family. For me it is all inter-connected. Lasallian Association is central to my heart, my life, my faith, and it does not stop growing and transforming me. I have a difficult time separating my personal and professional lives in the sense that my core values are intertwined in everything I do. A nun who participated in the study gives testimony in the same vein: Association has invited me to mesh the two in my own vocational calling and to partner with others throughout the world who are living the same gospel mission. Fourth. Association fosters a sense of belonging. I have chosen to be and to remain in association with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the charism and ministry of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. I choose to have this reminded at any moment and wherever I find myself in my day, my week or my life. The association is a total experience that fills me with pride wherever I go ; the mission motivates us in our daily lives and through our vocation and it continues to challenge us to find a better way to accomplish that mission in the future. I feel connected in a very deep and powerful way to something bigger than myself, larger than my own individual life. This is meaningful in making a true difference in

14 the lives of others. The association is expressed in terms of a shared vocation: How blessed am I to have brothers and sisters around the world who are inspired and live in association with the same charism as I. 62 Lasallian Educators (Males) In the testimonies received from male Lasallian educators, we identified up to six nucleireferents in relation to their understanding of the Lasallian association: First, Lasallian association has to do with a process of personal integration from a faith perspective: Lasallian Association cannot be separated from my personal life or from my professional life. My profession today has become and is my life vocation. I don t turn it on or off when I come to work it is who I am and who I have become. There is a unifying experience that positively affects all life: the values that we lived within the classroom are the same ones that we must model outside. That unity in life is the one that they also wish for their students; hence, to know the students outside the classroom is as important as to know them inside. For me, association means that we, the associated Brothers and Lay men and women, are called to be the heart and the hands of Christ the educator in today s world It also means working with the lasallians, for the human and Christian education of the young people, especially the poor. Association suggests that we are all part of something: a network of relationships that doesn t simply exist on our own campus or in our ministry. Association suggests collaboration, cooperation, networking, and a common cause. These are skills attributes that can be put to good use anywhere. Secondly, Lasallian association implies an attention to the signs of the times with the purpose of developing the capacity to respond and to change the world: The participants in the study give account of a very rich lived experience in education: the children grow, mature and enjoy the school ; young people are recognized as persons ; the educational process makes the young person the center of the experience ; all this has taken some to feel [they are] part of a spiritual community. Where do these convictions come from? The Lasallian family s legacy is to know to read the signs of the times and respond to them through ground-breaking efforts to create new models for achievement and new standards of excellence. As Lasallians, we are agents of change for our youth and families that we come to care for. We have the opportunity to save them fully. The Lasallian mission plays and will continue to play a key leadership role in the struggle to raise up better, greater people and heal a broken world. In that same spirit, one of the participants remembers a phrase of Gandhi: We must become the change we want to see.

15 Thirdly, association is grounded on the experience of the Lasallian charism. Association is a message of hope that is based on Gospel values. To live association is to deepen in the Lasallian spirit with the purpose of giving better witness. Our message of faith, service and community is being lived out by Christians everywhere and we see a deep yearning in young people to belong to something bigger. This charism can be understood in all the cultures by its capacity to inspire young people and adults. 63 Fourth. Lasallian association is grounded in a community commitment to the educational service of the poor. We Lasallians are an intentional community, generated by the heavenly Father/ Mother, engendered by the Word, sustained and inspired by the Spirit ; consequently, to live association is to be Christians committed to the Church. De La Salle provided a deeply religious meaning to community; we understand the term together and by association when we refer to the vows on Trinity Sunday, the quintessential feast of the community from whom all individuals come into existence as Christian Brothers. Association, as a communitarian experience, prepares and makes one available for the service of others. For that reason, we renew our educational institutions: «Together and by association we revitalize our institutions, paying specific attention to the service of the poor, to the promotion of social justice and to pastoral ministry in our diverse apostolates. It is the public commitment that I make repeatedly. Altogether, the experience that integrates community and mission was a stroke of pedagogical genius of La Salle; it was not only about being simply good teachers. There cannot be any Lasallian education mission without a real community supporting it. Thus, I am lucky because I am capable of working in an academic community that organizes and affirms the absolute value of each of its members. I am a product of a community that has built genuine relationships among its members, taking into consideration a fundamental transcendent value. It is what has given coherence to the entire process. Fifth. Lasallian association is sustained in an experience of God that touches the hearts. The Lasallian call to Remember we are in the Holy Presence of God is the guiding principle in all I try to do with my students whether it s in my classroom, on retreat or in the hallways. My hope is that at the end of the day those who have come into contact with me may know more deeply the Holy and Loving Presence of God. Thanks to this experience, thanks the teachers formed in the spirit of La Salle, I have experienced the loving presence of God. When I was a student, I discovered that I was taken care of by my teachers as a person. I developed the belief from a young age that part of my calling in life was to be of service to youth both by model and service. Now, as a teacher, I live to take care of those in my care and to help other teachers to also discover this value in their

16 lives. Further, as a teacher, I know that there is a history behind the face of every student. From our service, we have the responsibility to recognize these stories and situations and to respond. For this, we need to take a more holistic and pastoral approach to the way we address these students. 64 To touch the hearts and minds of our students must be a reality and the goal of my work with students. This challenge continues to have a profound impact on my life. For that reason, I must share it with others and ensure that the school I lead and its employees do the same. Sixth and final point. Association only has sense in relation to the human and Christian mission of educating the youth. Our students have complex backgrounds : some students are often plagued with family-related problems, financial issues and concerns, physical and mental health ailments, need to work full time jobs while attending school, or, caring for loved ones or family members. For that reason, the students entrusted to our care need to receive the proper tools for their integral salvation. We must work with the conviction of responding to their needs. This conviction has turned my work into a vocation. The mission of the Brothers is to provide human and Christian education to the youth, especially to the poor people. This mission goes on, more and more with the support of the Lay Partners. Consequently, it is important to give value to the shared mission. The need for this Institute is very great. The world continues to be a place that, as in De La Salle s day, eats its young. Our work as mentors and pastors of youth must guide them towards the creation of spaces of security, dignity and integrity. 2. What convictions sustain your life? Lasallians Educators (Females) In the testimonies received from female Lasallian educators, we identified five strong convictions that we present through the nuclei-referents that we describe next: First, the Lasallian community as a space for life, relationships and mission: It is important for me to live the association with a family, with a community that shares the Lasallian mission, a community whose members pray and celebrate together. So I feel I am associated in the mission with the Brothers and the Lay partners, who help each other, listen to each other, pray and work together for this mission to actually be fulfilled. This is my motivation to continue to live as a Lasallian woman every day. My experience of community has been just as essential to my vocational journey ; also central to the sustainability of my Lasallian vocation today is my great blessing

17 and ability to work among so many dedicated Brothers and Lasallian Partners who are most talented, creative and faith-centered and student-centered. 65 Together and by association is the phrase that blankets my experience in Lasallian education. In my day-to-day life, when I prepare my work, I ask myself: Does this or how does this activity serve the students entrusted to our care? My experience with these people has changed my life so much for the better. Through conversations and through collaboration, I have learned from other Lasallians, both near and far. As a product of all this experience, Knowing and working with them has made me a better educator and person because I know that my work has value and together we are working to build the Kingdom of God. If the students take up their education to advance in life and to learn to serve others, we will have fulfilled our mission. Second, Lasallian association positively affects the identity of Lasallians. Lasallian association gives identity to me as a catholic Christian. I make an effort to live the message of the Gospel in the Lasallian spirit. Doing so also enables me to offer to others encouragement and understanding of our experience and the responsibility to live the Mission. Conscious of my commitment, I understand that I must be a model for my students. The daily experience, working with students, being a model for them, has been a strongly positive experience for me. I feel that I am in a position where I can be a positive influence in the life of the others. Thirdly, Lasallian association is rooted in the Faith. My association with the De La Salle Christian Brothers and other Lasallian Partners is a continuing conversion experience. I believe that God is love ; from that conviction, I learn new ways to love and express this love through education as social justice. Association has deepened my faith in Jesus Christ. It has provided me with a rich connection to Church that is lived out in a particular way through the life of a faith filled educational community. Association has been for me a foundational element in my vocational journey : the presence of God in my life is more and more clear, through the people who I know and the events in which I am committed. Lasallian association defines who I do, what I do, and how and why I do it ; it is absolutely central in my convictions and sustains my Lasallian vocation. Fourth, Lasallian association translates into an invitation to work for social justice: I can honestly say that I know of no other way to be in the world except to be involved in social justice work on a daily basis. As a Lasallian, I believe that education is a form of social justice it gives people who don t have other social capital the means with which to see their own situation and to improve the world for themselves and for others.

18 In association with my colleagues, I feel the power of the Lasallian charism that binds us and know we are part of the solution of the world s problems. We can break the circle of poverty through education. Knowing how the Brothers work in other places [of extreme poverty] keeps me focused on what I feel the real mission means: the students and their betterment through education, even when local politics can pull me away. 66 Fifth. Association is inspired by the person and charism of De La Salle. My participation in formation programs offered by the Institute has left me the beneficiary of a rich Lasallian spirituality provided me with moments of affirmation and moments of change. Thanks to association, I have been looking for a place where I could combine my passion for working with the poor with my skills for teaching. The charism of the Founder is a source of inspiration for us. Some convictions: the importance of trying to have an active prayer life ; the constant presence of God, to have Jesus living in my heart and to consider the intercession of the saints ; to become a model of a community of life, being an active member of a faith community. The life of the Founder provides me an inspirational example of life. Association has provided me a connection to a model of Church that is truly reflective of the People of God ; consequently, I am committed to promoting the inclusivity of the Lasallian movement that embraces the small catholic c as universal with the big C Catholic as Church. The words of the Founder have provided me a guide and hope in my role as an educator. I continue to be inspired by the importance of touching the hearts of young people entrusted to my care. Do I have the courage to trust where God is leading me? Lasallian Educators (Males) We also identified five great convictions in the testimonies received from male Lasallian Educators, which we present in the following: First, the experience of Lasallian association has shaped the personal identity of the Lasallian participants of the study. My Lasallian experience has transformed my concept of myself. What is clear is that this association is largely responsible for who I am today, both in terms of how I experience myself and also in terms of how I experience the world. It has influenced me professionally: my association with the Lasallian mission inspires me to a level of performance that presumes profound personal responsibility to others for the quality of everything that I do. I am aware that my commitment as an associated member is not only a stage in my own story, but that it is also part of the history of the Lasalian Family. The experience of association has helped me to make a personal synthesis. I cannot separate my personal and professional life. Hence, my profession today has become, and is, my personal vocation. However, I continue to be me inside and outside of