Founder’s Day service captures passion and energy of our District

The strength, enthusiasm and passion of the Lasallian Family in the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta was highlighted once again with a series of celebrations to mark Founder’s Day.

The official District Celebration took place on Friday May 12th with the Founder’s Day Service on Zoom which saw Lasallians gather for an inspiring and uplifting event.

The service was compered by David McArdle, from De La Salle College Dundalk, and featured contributions from Paul Johnson (St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy), Yvonne Joye (La Salle Retreat Centre Dublin), a Gospel reading from two students at Basildon De La Salle School, a reflection from Br. Chris Patino, and a message from Brother Visitor Ben Hanlon.

One of the highlights was when all in the District were invited to answer the question, “What do you have that the world needs?” Photographs showing individuals with the answer on a page were used to create a very touching video that was played during the service.

The wonderful sense of vibrancy in the District was reflected once again when participants stayed on at the end of the Zoom call to greet each and share in some impromptu dancing.

The service, was hosted by LS Media, also featured the draw for the Lasallian Awards, conducted by Sara Amarilas and Issy Cording from St Cassian’s Kintbury.

In total, there were 1,636 students who took part in the Awards this year, with the initiative including the Platinum and Youngest Lasallian Awards for the first time. The winning students were from Jersey (Bronze), Waterford (Silver) and St Gregory’s (Gold), while all six who entered the Platinum Awards received a prize.

This year, also saw the District celebrate 120 years of the De La Salle Brothers arrival to Malta and recognise the immense contribution that has been made to Catholic education in the name of La Salle.

A special ceremony was held in De La Salle College Malta on Monday May 15th and full details of that event can be viewed here.

In advance of Founder’s Week, a resource created by the District Vocation Team based on the theme of ‘Callings’ was shared with Communities, schools and centres. This resource was designed to provide a moment of prayer, offering insights from Brother Michael Curran, Brother David Caretti and Sara Amarillas, questions for reflection and a task that we would like to receive back.