Visit to Malta by Br. Chris helps focus efforts on Culture of Vocations

The visit to Malta between March 1st and 5th, 2022 by Br. Chris Patiño, the Director of Vocations for the De La Salle Brothers in the San Francisco New Orleans District (SFNO), was an important occasion of reflection and testimony for the Maltese Lasallian community.

The visit helped the community to reflect on its efforts to promote a holistic Culture of Vocations as well as on the religious life of the De La Salle Brothers as still being relevant in today’s world.

Br. Chris started his visit by joining a large group of Sixth Form students from De La Salle College for a hike in the Majjistral Natural Park. The walk was a good occasion for our Sixth Formers to informally meet and speak to Brother Chris.

The following day, Brother Chris started his visits to the Lasallian Schools in Malta. During these visits he was accompanied by Joe Gilson, Director of Mission of our District, Brother Austin Gili, Brother in Charge of the Maltese Brothers’ communities, Stephen Cachia, Director of Educational Mission for the Lasallian Schools in Malta as well as other Brothers from the Maltese communities.

Over Thursday and Friday, Brother Chris visited all six Lasallian Schools at De La Salle College, Stella Maris College and St Benild. He met hundreds of students from the primary and secondary schools as well as from the Sixth Form. During a number of Q&A sessions, Brother Chris shared his experience of vocation and answered a number of queries from students.

In the evenings of both days, Brother Chris met different Lasallian stakeholders. On Thursday he met local members of Signum Fidei. On Friday, he addressed and took questions from a gathering of staff members from the Lasallian colleges in Malta as well as members of the Malta MEL Committee.

Brother Chris spent the final day of his visit at the Lasallian Pastoral Centre in Mellieha where he participated in a half day formation session for students from both colleges. Throughout his visit Brother Chris was also available to discuss with young men who wanted to learn more about the modern day life of a De La Salle Brother.

This was a very fruitful visit which the Malta Lasallian community is determined to build on in the future.