Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, has appointed Brother Cledes Antonio Casagrande, FSC, as Visitor of the Brazil-Chile District for the period from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030.
Born in 1978 in Rondinha, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Brother Cledes first came into contact with Lasallian education whilst studying at secondary level at Colégio La Salle Xanxerê, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It was during this time that, at the invitation of a Brother, he took part in a vocational gathering which sparked his interest in religious life. In 2001, he took his first vows and joined the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, beginning his journey as a Lasallian Brother.
Throughout his ministry, he has served as an educator in various educational communities within the La Salle Network, in both primary and higher education, including undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes. He has also held management roles as a headteacher and Director of Mission in the Brazil-Chile District. At Universidade La Salle in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, he served as Vice-Chancellor for 13 years and, since 2023, has been the institution’s Chancellor.
His academic background includes undergraduate Degrees in Philosophy and Pedagogy from Universidad La Salle; a Master’s Degree in Science Education and a major in Education: Educational Policy and School Management from the Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Unijuí); and a PhD in Education from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). He also undertook postdoctoral studies at Universidade La Salle in Canoas. His career encompasses experience in teaching, research, educational management and service to the Lasallian Mission.
We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Brother Cledes on the new responsibility entrusted to him by the District and the Institute. At the same time, we express our gratitude to Brother Olavo José Dalvit for his dedication and generous service to the Brazil-Chile District, as his term as Visitor draws to a close. May Saint John Baptist de La Salle continue to intercede for the Brothers and for the entire Lasallian Family in Brazil and Chile.