Fratelli Maristi
Piazzale M. Champagnat, 2
00144, Roma, Italia
39 (06) 54 51 71; SSammon@fms.it

May 10, 2007

Brother Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria, FSC
Fratelli Delle Scuole Cristiane
Via Aurelia, 476
00165, Roma, Italia

Dear Alvaro,

Brothers, and all assembled in Chapter,
Be assured of our prayers during these important days for your Institute and our Church. I say that on behalf of your Marist brothers here in Rome as well as those in so many countries around the world as well as our lay partners. 

A Chapter is a precious gift in the life of any religious Institute. For such a gathering gives us time not only to reflect upon the past but more importantly to plan for the future. And after the upheaval and turmoil of the last half century, many of us are only just now in a position where we can begin to make serious plans, plans that will have important implications during the years ahead.

As brothers also we struggle still with our invisibility among the People of God. /and yet the spirit of fraternity that we strive to live is so desperately needed in some quarters of our Church today.  I pray that your time together serves to deepen your understanding and appreciation of your identity as brothers and lay partners together living in the tradition of Jean-Baptiste de la Salle.

Our founder, Marcellin Champagnat, borrowed in his day more than a few ideas and practices from your brothers in France. Indeed, the story is told that he in fact borrowed—with their agreement of course—some candidates who were apparently on their way to your novitiate. One later became Brother Jean-Baptiste Furet, Marcellin’s first biographer. So, we share many common traditions. We stand ready once again to learn from you and the decisions that you will make these days as we plan for our own upcoming Chapter in 2009.

May the Spirit of God who was so alive and active in your founder and early members live and breathe in each of you with equal daring and creativity during these Chapter days. And may Mary, the mother of Jesus and our sister in faith, be among you in powerful and evident ways. Know that all of you are close in mind, heart, and prayer.

Blessings and affection,

Brother Seán D., Sammon, FMS
Superior General