Inspiring and productive opening to 2nd District Mission Assembly
The second District Mission Assembly began in Malta on Monday February 6th, with the San Antonio Hotel, Bugibba, hosting what proved to be a very busy but productive day.
After opening prayers led by John Biggins, Brother Visitor, Ben Hanlon, the President of the Assembly, welcomes all delegates and guests to a gathering that he described as making a reality of a shared mission.
Br. Ben reflected on the journey since the first Mission Assembly in Kintbury which provides evidence that we are all One Lasalle. He also pointed out that the ideas of our Founder are still as relevant today as they were over 300 years ago and although the challenges are different, we still require the same courage to meet them.
Br Ben reminded the delegates that education is the greatest weapon in facing challenges and that we have the power to change the world, particularly when it comes to looking after our planet.
Following his address, Br. Ben proposed Aideen Cassidy and Stephen Cachia as Co-Chairs of the Mission Assembly, before Joe Gilson was elected Secretary.
The Assembly continued with a reflection on the achievements of the past four years and how the decisions and aims have become a reality in our District. Joe Gilson (Director of Formation), Jo Millea (Director of Formation and Vocation Ministry), Heather Ruple (Co-ordinator of Mission Initiatives) and Eunan Whyte (Communications Officer) outlined the many achievements that have helped maintain the Lasallian Mission in our District.
General Councillor, Br. Chris Patino, then delivered an inspiring keynote address that which he began by recalling the quote “Master, to whom shall we go?” from John 6:68 soon after The Bread of Life discourse, as one that was very appropriate for a Mission Assembly.
“Let us recall that the word mission comes from the Latin missio meaning “sent” or “to send.” We gather here not for the sake of gathering but to be sent”, he explained.
He reminded delegates that the recent General Chapter invited us to new life by asking us to consider new pathways to transform lives, which is something that was reflected in the Horizon Statements.
Br. Chris also asked what implications does “to whom shall we go?” have for the District of Ireland, Great Britain, and Malta? Where are we being invited to consider new life by seeing anew, shifting our perspective, or allowing for renewal to take place?
In searching for the answers to these questions, he acknowledged that there would be challenges, but reminded the gathering that Lasallians don’t fear challenge, as was the case for our Founder, St John Baptist de La Salle.
He continued to point out that the response to these challenges is The Leavening Project and he spoke about the seven key points which are:
Making room for the Holy Spirit
Renewing the Lasallian Mission
Empowering every Lasallian
Walking together as One La Salle
Integrating and connecting, not multiplying
Leveraging our fragility
Transforming our world
Following lunch the three thematic groups presented the Horizon Statements, which were overwhelmingly endorsed by the delegates.
The first day concluded when groups them met individually to discuss the feedback that has been gathered over recent weeks as they worked towards finalising the statements.
