Washington, DC – On Saturday, April 25, 2020, over 140 Lasallian Volunteers, Alums, Brothers and friends of the program gathered together virtually to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lasallian Volunteers and Brother Ed Phelan, FSC, and Brother Lawrence Goyette, FSC.
This virtual toast was held in light of postponing the 30th Anniversary Mass and Gala, which was to be held on April 25 at Manhattan College. LV Director Kathleen Swain, LV 09-11, shared at the beginning of the celebration, “While we gather together to celebrate, we also carry with us the weight of the pandemic as it unfolds in our lives and the impact it has had on so many people—those on the front lines, those suffering financially and through food insecurities and in so many other ways. As Lasallians, we carry with us the care of the person and supporting those in need during this time.”
Catherine Calogero, LV 10-12, who chaired the 30th Anniversary Mass and Gala committee, also offered words of welcome, recognizing that in that moment we gathered as a family, a Lasallian family.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Lasallian Volunteers had planned to honor Brothers Ed and Lawrence for their longtime commitment to the LV program. They were to receive the Dorothy R. Hopkins Lifetime Association Recognition at the in-person gala. For now, they were honored virtually.
Heather Ruple Gilson, LV 01-03, shared a reflection on the impact Lasallian Volunteers has had on those who served, those impacted by the service of an LV and the experience of community. She also shared a toast to Lasallian Volunteers, Brother Ed and Brother Lawrence. Heather shared, “And the greatest gift of this program, and it is greatest gift and legacy of the Founder, was the precious gem of the Lasallian community we were a part of. This community was not only the lived community of our homes or ministries, but also the Lasallian community formed among our fellow LVs. It was the community, our support networks and those who walked and are still walking with us. And, while so many people have been those supports and have had such an impact—we choose tonight to celebrate two of the greats: Brother Ed and Brother Lawrence.”
Lasallian Volunteers looks forward to scheduling a new date and celebrating the 30th anniversary and recognizing Brothers Ed and Lawrence in person.
A note to Brother Ed Phelan: Brother Ed I would petition you to ask one of your communities to request benefaction to the Brothers for Jim Casey who has done so much for the Windows and for the Signum Fidel community. I approached Bro Lee about this but he said one of the communities would have to do so. thanks.