Lasallians gather for Founder’s Day Service
Lasallians across the District celebrated Founder’s Day in a variety of ways, with the official celebration seeing many coming together on Zoom for the annual Founder’s Day Service.
This service took place on Friday May 10th and once again proved to be an inspirational event that highlighted the wonderful work being done across the District to nurture and share the Lasallian values.
The service, compered by Cian O Naraigh, from De La Salle College, Dundalk, saw Brother Visitor Ben Hanlon welcome all in attendance and lead the opening prayer. Introducing the service theme of leavening, Br Ben reminded all of the need to make a contribution to humanity and to transform the world.
Meanwhile, Superior General Br. Armin Luistro, had a special message for the Lasallian Family in the District, as he called on everyone to remember the challenges that are facing the world today and to take inspiration from St John Baptist de La Salle in how we can make a difference.
Another special guest, Mourad Barsoum, Director of Volunteers and Vocation Ministry, who, in referring to The Leavening Project, reminded everyone that by small acts of kindness we can change the world.
The service, co-ordinated by Heather Ruple and Jo Millea, was hosted by LS Media, and also featured the draw for the Lasallian Awards, conducted by Issy Cording and Sara Amarillas from St Cassian’s Kintbury.
It was announced that a total of 1,717 students earned awards this year, and that included - 969 Bronze, 192 Silver, 85 Gold, 15 Platinum and 456 Youngest Lasallian.
The draw was conducted during the service and the prize winners were from the following schools: Bronze - St Margaret Ward; Silver - St Gregory’s; Gold - St Gregory’s; Platinum - St Margaret Ward; Youngest Lasallian - Br. Miguel Class at St Benild School, Stella Maris.
Images and video clips of how students across the District displayed God’s love to the world by living the Five Core Principles were also shared on screen.
The service also featured the official launch of The Lasallian Leavening Fund by Director of Mission, Joe Gilson. The Fund is the result of a call made at the Second District Mission Assembly held in Malta, in February 2023. Taking inspiration from the parable of leaven, the initiative will help Young Lasallians to be the agents of change that will bring about a better world.
All schools and pastoral centres in the District are invited to apply for funds for a project that is aimed to be of benefit to students or Young Lasallians, and provides an opportunity to embrace the current District and Global strategy of the Lasallian Mission.
One of the youngest Lasallians, Nicholas from St Benild School in Malta read the closing prayer to bring the service to a conclusion.
