This Institute is very necessary.
Brother Pierre Ouattara wanted to take this often repeated phrase, typical of the conviction of Jean Baptiste De La Salle and the first generation of Brothers, to reflect on something which is at the heart of this need. A culture of attention is his proposal. Because societies need the presence of our Institute but not in any form, not simply
as a network of schools. There is something in our identity that is implied in this offer for that need.
With this MEL Bulletin, we also celebrate the Tercentenary of the Bull of Approbation of the Institute. The last General Chapter wanted to bring together this remembrance with Lasallian spirituality. From this collection we will try to offer some materials that can help us in formation. And the General Council also wanted to join in the celebration of the ‘Year of Catechesis’, requested by the Young Brothers in their Assembly, underlining the fact that our spirituality is nothing other than apostolic.
We pray that the readers who approach these pages may find them alive in them by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Br. Santiago Rodríguez Mancini
Director of the Office of Lasallian Heritage and Research