Rome and the Generalate Mourn the Death of the Holy Father

I walked down to St. Peter’s Square just after midnight on April 2nd to say my own goodbyes to our Pope and to be with others who wanted to do the same. Even after midnight, the Piazza was awash with lights and filled with people. It was a very strange mixture of emotions. There was a quiet which was certainly not typical for Piazza San Pietro, but the quiet was not so much somber as it was prayerful and thankful. John Paul II certainly left his mark on the world and on the Catholic Church.

The Generalate is also filled to capacity during these times for a number of reasons. We have two commissions which will start meeting during the week of April 4th, the MEL Commission (Educational Mission) and the Association Commission. Also, Radio France is using several rooms here to broadcast news of the events in Rome. We are glad to be able to provide them some help during this time when space is at such a premium in Rome. Indeed, even the streets of Rome are one big communication studio. The street in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo is virtually a forest of satellite dishes.

I will not generally be posting any news of the events in Rome on our site because there is no need for us to be in competition with the international media which will do a very complete job. I will be posting our regular Lasallian news events and hope to keep you as up to date as possible about what is going on in our Lasallian World.
^{(Br. Donald Johanson)}

District of Vietnam: In March, 2005, five postulants received the habit in the District of Vietnam and six novices made their first vows. In the pictures, you can see the postulants [1] with their Director and also [2] in the chapel after having received the habit.

Also Pictured are [3] the six novices making their vows in the chapel.
^{(Br. Donald Johanson)}

Bethlehem University Faculty Member Receives Distinguished Film Award: The film “I am a Little Angel,” by Hanna Musleh, of the Bethlehem University Faculty of Arts, won the Golden Award for Short Films. 46 countries had participated in the Cairo International Festival for Children’s Cinema.

In the competition for the best film on children, 250 films competed from Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Sweden, Russia, Iran, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. Hanna Musleh’s film won first place. The film depicts the life of Palestinian children who suffered permanent disabilities in the on-going violence in the Holy Land. Also during the ceremony, prominent artists were honored including Samir Ghanem.

Hanna Musleh commented on the Award by saying: “I am glad to have received this, but I am especially pleased because I raised the name of Bethlehem University. Anyway, I am only trying to do something good for Palestinian children and to raise awareness about their plight.”
^{(George Sahhar)}

Celebration of the 135th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Boys School of Toamasina (Tamatave): On October 26th 2004 the 135th anniversary of the Community of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the opening of St. Joseph’s Boys School in Toamasina (Tamative) was celebrated. This celebration coincided with the pastoral visit of Br. Marc Hofer, General Councilor responsible for Madagascar. In the photo we see the present Prime Minister and former President of the Parents Association of this school, Jacques Sylla, Br. Hilaire, Visitor, and Br. Marc, General Councilor, greeting and congratulating the educators dressed in red, for their fidelity to Lasallian education work, in the presence of invited officials, parents of pupils and pupils. The second FSC school founded in the District, St. Joseph’s has a good reputation for academic results and a large number of civil and religious personalities have been educated there in the course of its existence. It is situated near the cathedral and facing the large harbor.
^{(Provincial Secretariat, Antananarivo)}

News of the Holy Family Institution of Mahamasina Antananativo: On February 4th 2005, eleven Lasallian educators from this college of more than 2,700 pupils, received, on their retirement, signs of gratitude for their long-service (over 25 years) and exemplary assiduity in the field of Lasallian education. They were decorated with the diploma and Lasallian star by the Br. Visitor of the District of Antananarivo during a Eucharistic ceremony in the College courtyard in the presence of many civil and religious personalities. The Mass was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Armand Gaëtan RAZAFINDRATANDRA, himself a past-pupil of the Brothers. It was at the same time the celebration of the postponed Feast of the College patron as well as the blessing of the renovated large chapel. Finally, after the Mass, some employees of the Brothers’ Workshop (Officers), a Brother (Chevalier) and a lady-teacher (Commander) received from the Malgache State honorary distinctions of the Malgache National Order.
^{(Provincial Secretariat, Antananarivo)}

Dr. Jorge Morales Felipe, Appointed Director of the San Juan Bautista de La Salle Educational Center, Homestead, Miami, Florida, USA: Dr. Morales majored in Economics and received a Doctorate in Education from Catholic University in Peru. He graduated from High School at the Academia De La Salle in Cuba in 1958 and studied Economics at the La Salle University in Cuba until its closing in 1961. Dr. Morales worked as a High School professor in several schools in Lima, Peru, primarily with the Jesuit priests, as well as an Economics professor at the International School of the SS.CC. He also taught at several missions. He leaves behind 40 years of experience, a school with over a hundred year-old history, two thousand pupils, many memories and many friends. Good luck to Dr. Morales in his new apostolate.
^{(Br. Donald Johanson)}

New link added: I have added a link, The Institute for Peace and Justice, to our links page. I found the site quite inspirational and helpful in these times when issues of Peace and Justice are so important. I hope you find the site helpful. There are a number of resources for educators. Especially interesting for me was the article "7.  Pray over these 12/04 reflections from Dianne Lee, an ISM volunteer." Thanks to Br. Frederick Mueller for suggesting the link.
^{(Br. Donald Johanson)}

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