With over 14 Countries from across the Asia Pacific Region and from across the globe represented, international guest speakers and local presenters from all walks of life, the 6^th Asia Pacific Lasallian Youth Congress (APLYC6) was deemed by all to be a huge success.

APLYC6 was a six day experience where delegates and presenters alike were invited to 'Enter to Learn and Leave to Serve', which was the theme of the Congress.

The 170 Delegates and visitors from across the globe were welcomed to the Congress, in Sydney Australia, with an Opening Ceremony comparable to that of the Olympic Opening.  With the traditional Aboriginal owners welcoming us with ceremonial dances and a traditional smoking Ceremony to a dance and drama spectacular with students from Holy Spirit College Lakemba. This welcome was designed to share with delegates and visitors to the Congress, the broad range and diversity of the Australian story in its many shapes and forms.

It was an inspirational week of reflection and action with presentations from our International guests Br. Alvaro Rodriguez, Br. Victor Franco and Br. Michael Broughton.  Many local presenters were also invited to share their wisdom about issues of social justice and service within their own environments and in the local region. Each participant was then invited to undertake a social justice 'exposure' experience within the local Sydney region. This allowed us to explore further the theme of 'Enter to Learn and Leave to Serve.' This was a true eye opener as we discover there are needs within all countries in the areas of social justice and service. We need to also educate ourselves about others situations in order to more fully understand our own.

Delegations, over the course of the week, were invited to share with the Congress in presentation form about their local situation, their country, their schools, how they are Lasallian.  These presentations were invaluable as they opened the eyes of all to the expanse of the Lasallian Family and its works across the globe.  Participants where also invited to spend time with each other in a more relaxed and creative way with Creative Workshops and Workshop presentations by young people from the Host District who are involved in many different aspects of the Lasallian Family.

It was a truly educational and inspiring week, one that will remain in the hearts and minds of all whom attended for many years to come.  We look forward to catching up with all at APLYC 7, 2003, in Hong Kong.

Editors note: Brother Álvaro, Superior, gave two presentations while attending APLYC 6: Greetings to the Lasallian youth and A Farewell Message.