Mission Assembly highlights the passion and energy that fuels our District
The enthusiasm, energy and sense of community that fuels that passion for the Lasallian Mission in the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta was evident in abundance at the second District Mission Assembly in Malta.
After three days of productive and positive discussions, the delegates produced an exciting and innovative pathway for the future that will ensure we sustain and develop the Mission into the future.
Following 18 months of preparation and hard work, it was little surprise that the highlight was an emotional ceremony that saw seven completed Direction Statements presented to Br Visitor, Ben Hanlon.
It was an uplifting end to a process that began in the San Antonio Hotel on Monday February 6th when Br. Ben in his welcome address 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.
The delegates began very well prepared for discussions having had time to digest the Horizon Statements from the three thematic groups. Over the course of the Assembly, those statements were discussed and amended where required, before each group then developed the Direction Statements which were overwhelmingly endorsed by the attendees.
Following words of congratulations and encouragement from guests, Tomeu Martorell, representing RELEM, Br. Chris Patino, General Councillor, and Br. Joel Palud, General Councillor, Heather Ruple (Co-ordinator of Mission Initiatives) introduced the handing over of the Direction Statements to Br. Ben by Sam Cantillon, representing the wisdom of youth, and Br. John Deeney, representing the zeal of the journey. She asked him to take the work to the District Chapter to share with the Brothers the hopes and wishes of the Lasallian Family.
The Mission Assembly reached a fitting conclusion when Director of Formation and Vocation Ministry, Jo Millea, called on each school and pastoral centre to accept the new District flag from Br. Ben as a symbol of unity present in Ireland, Great Britain and Malta.
Br. Ben thanked all who had contributed to make the Assembly a positive and productive process, particularly Director of Mission, Joe Gilson, and the Office of Mission team of Heather, Ruple, Jo Millea and Communications Officer, Eunan Whyte, for their efforts in planning the Assembly
The celebrations continued in the evening with a special banquet which was followed by wonderful entertainment provided by teachers from Stella Maris College, and the evening certainly reflected the energy, passion, unity and sense of fun that will ensure the Lasallian Mission will thrive in the future.
It was also an opportunity for Joe Gilson to offer thanks to Br. Ben Hanlon on behalf of the District for his wonderful leadership, dedication and vision at such a crucial time for the District.
The District Leadership Team
Other highlights included the passionate and inspiring keynote address delivered by General Councillor, Br. Chris Patino, who 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.
Day two also saw a productive discussion on updating the Lasallian Identity Framework (LIF) and it was agreed that the Office of Mission with the direction of the District Mission Council and MEL Committees will convene a District-wide representative group that will consider all feedback to produce an updated LIF in time for the District Lasallian Ministry Leadership Conference at 2024.
The Assembly was jointly chaired by Aideen Cassidy and Stephen Cachia with Joe Gilson acting as Secretary.
