IALU/AIUL Cuernavaca V Conference: From October 27-30, 2004, the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU/AIUL) hosted its fall conference at Tetela Cuernavaca, Mexico. Through the generosity of Universidad La Salle, México, facilities were made available for this, the fifth in an annual series of global Lasallian conferences.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Mission-centered Leadership,” captured the participation of 36 representatives from 29 different institutions in 9 different countries. Principally designed for Academic Vice Presidents, attendance included Presidents, Provosts, Assistant Provosts, and Deans.

The meeting was successfully initiated by Br. Raúl Valadez, Rector of Universidad La Salle, Mexico, who welcomed the group to Cuernavaca. The two keynote speakers were Dr. Frank Lazarus, President of the University of Dallas, and Br. Bill Mann, Vicar General of the Institute. Dr. Lazarus spoke about leadership for mission in the context of global higher education, especially Catholic, emphasizing the leadership traits of integrity, perseverance, and creativity. Br. Bill highlighted the Lasallian educational mission, describing its various characteristics and relating by way of personal stories how he, as Vicar General, has seen first hand the manner in which the Lasallian mission is lived out in various Lasallian tertiary institutions throughout the world.

Regional trends in current higher educational issues were presented by speakers representing Mexico and Central America, the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. In each case, the presenters provided some background on the educational institutions in their respective regions, and then presented some significant challenges in higher education that their region faces. Time was provided for both large group presentations and small group discussions. As always, the hospitality and talent of the staff from Universidad La Salle, México, made the event successful and smooth running. Dr. Joan Landeros was responsible for on-site arrangements, and her expertise and competent staff made the event both enjoyable and productive.
^{(Br. Craig J. Franz, FSC)}

First Regional Lasallian Volunteer Community Workshop: Directors of communities with Lasallian Volunteers (LV) gathered from across the United States-Toronto Region for a weekend workshop at Dunrovin, Christian Brothers Retreat Center, Minnesota, from October 21-23.

Careful listening was given to the stories of each of the communities, beginning with the oldest to the most recent. Participants described how the community arose as a pragmatic response to the challenges of providing Lasallian outreach to the poor in each setting. The directors shared both the problems they had to face as well as the blessings they experienced. Each one testified to the personal and spiritual growth that came to each of the members.

Many directors stated that their ministry would not have been possible without the full participation of Lasallian Volunteers. With these volunteers so fully integrated into the community and the work, directors were not surprised that in the past five years half the number of volunteers return for a second year and many remain connected in Lasallian ministry in other ways today.

Some blessings the volunteers bring to us include the energy and enthusiasm brought to the community, the friendships that have come, the support for ministry and the gratification from passing on the Lasallian tradition to young people who are hungry for it.

This year, there are 38 Lasallian Volunteers serving throughout the Region and in the District of North Mexico. These volunteers share community with fifty-eight Brothers and eighteen Lasallian Partners.
^{(David Kasievich, Director of Lasallian Volunteer dkasievich@cbconf.org)}

A Visit to the District of Bilbao: During October, Br. Bill Mann, Vicar General, made his first visit to the District of Bilbao in Spain.

The District sponsors 23 ministries, with thirteen of these ministries having lay leaders. There are approximately 8,500 Lasallian students in these Lasallian institutions. The excellent spirit of collaboration among Brothers and lay Lasallians, the model of “extended leadership teams” in the educational centers, and the extraordinary investment of time, personnel, and finances in quality Lasallian formation programs were great signs of encouragement.

The concern of the teachers and Brothers for the families and for the local socio-geopolitical environment within each institution was quite remarkable.

A concern for the education of the poor and education in service of justice and peace was evident. Each school is required by the government (which pays the salary of the teachers) to accept the students from its surrounding area. Noteworthy are the number of “special education teachers” in the schools, the inclusion of “autistic children” in the schools, the after-school training of unemployed and immigrant persons in the professional schools, etc.

The pastoral ministry programs of the educational centers were, also, quite impressive. However, the radical alienation of the young from the Church and from Church-related activities was rather perplexing.

Lasallian and theological formation has been a main priority of the District during these years. There are presently 60 teachers following a program of theology courses. The Directors of the schools follow a nine-week Lasallian leadership course. There are 40 teachers following a two-year Lasallian formation course. Three people attended the recent CIL program of “Formators for the Lasallian Mission.” Eight people attended the European Lasallian Formation Session in Rome at the beginning of November 2004. Forty-five university students participate in a two-year pastoral formation course sponsored by the District.

Also notable was a visit to the three centers of the “insertion community” of Izangai in the city of Biblao where the homeless, drug addicts, immigrants, HIV-patients and others are cared for by a dedicated group of lay persons. Three Brothers participate in this work. The link that exists among (a) this “insertion community” of Izangai, (b) the “Christian Community” that is associated with Colegio La Salle in Bilbao, and (c) Colegio La Salle in Bilbao itself provided a marvelous experience of what of the Lasallian Family as the living expression of the Gospel in the world today.
^{(Br. Bill Mann, Vicar General)}

If you have news notes that you would like us to consider publishing, please email us:lasallew@lasalle.org