from La Salle College High School (Wyndmoor, PA), to Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY), and to St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI) to speak on Institute history and share his insights on Lasallian Association.
2/22-24/2011 – Wyndmoor, PA; Riverdale, NY; Pawtucket, RI – TheDistrict of Eastern North America (DENA) was abuzz last week as Brother Gerard Rummery, FSC, made his way from La Salle College High School (Wyndmoor, PA), to Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY), and finally to St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI) to speak on Lasallian history and share his insights on Lasallian Association and the Institute’s Circular 461 on Association
Brother Gerard was hosted by the Philadelphia Area Lasallian Ministries (PALM), Lasallian Association of Metropolitan Area Schools (LAMAS), and Rhode Island Lasallian Association Group (RILAG). PALM, LAMAS, and RILAG are Lasallian Association groups in DENA that formed as grassroots efforts so Lasallian educators (Brothers and Lay Partners) could deepen their collective relationships in service of their shared educational mission. Brothers and educators throughout DENA engaged Br. Gerard during his presentations as he explained the Institute’s growing and changing understanding of the concept of Association among Brothers and their Partners. Lasallians present at any one of the gatherings had the opportunity to ask the prominent Lasallian scholar questions and were invited to share their experiences as educators from Lasallian ministries.
The Philadelphia Area Lasallian Ministries (PALM) association group hosted a packed house at La Salle College High School.
“I was reminded of what a brilliant teacher he is,” said Lois Harr, Director of Campus Ministry and Social Action at Manhattan College. “He addressed an audience that included men who have been Brothers for their entire adult lives – over fifty years in some cases – as well as women and men colleagues more recently committed to the Lasallian project – but committed nevertheless.”
Many expressed how it was such a special treat to have Br. Gerardshare his extensive knowledge with over 300 Lasallian educators during the course of his three day trip in the Northeast. “Each one of us felt included and touched by his presentation,” added Harr. “Br. Gerard’s depth and breadth of knowledge is full of good humor and gentle strength.”
A video of the presentation will be posted on the District website soon, and Br. Gerard’s powerpoint on Association and video file Life of De La Salle (A Heritage) are now available in the District’s “Resources” section.
Some of St. Raphael Academy’s staff and administration pose for a group shot with Br. Gerard after his presentation hosted by the Rhode Island Lasallian Association Group (RILAG).
Brother Gerard recently finished his latest book entitled “Brothers to One Another,” recounting the history of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Eastern Europe under Communist control after WWII and throughout the Cold War era. For more information, please visit in the Institute website.