Lasallian Global Women’s Symposium
Auckland, New Zealand

What an awesome experience to be in the presence of so many Young Lasallians that are on fire with the zeal of the Holy Spirit in their commitment to the Lasallian mission. The awesome work that these young women do to promote Lasallian vocations offers a bright and shining “Lasallian star” to guide us all into a future filled with hope!

Brother Bob Schieler, in his opening remarks reminded us all, that we “the women of the Lasallian family” play a special and unique role in promoting vocations and to be bold in that role and to actively participate in inviting others to this Lasallian vocation especially young men to consider the vocational call of religious life as fulfilling and life -giving. The women of the mission are “great agents of influence.”

Our day morning session was conducted by Tracy Adams, OURTOWN, Australia. Tracy, energized the room with her clear, concise and well researched presentation regarding the current “status” of women on the Lasallian family today. It is clear from her research that there are areas of challenge which of course translate into areas for opportunity.

Of significant consensus was that as an Institution we have to model what we say we believe are important values. On a very practical level that means if women “make up over 50% of the Lasallian family” then we need to have equal representation in the areas of conversation and influence. Brother Bob Schieler, reminded the group that  for many of the particulars we are discussing the “Brother’s structures” don’t fit and he reminded is that we are in a time of transition but the transition is one of renewal and it is life-giving because we are moving beyond our own borders in fidelity the Spirit.

As Tracy concluded we must be people of courage and act with courage to move to where the Spirit is calling us!

A participant’s intervention: In our discussion and planning we must be explicit in our faithfulness first and foremost to the Lasallian mission and we must take into consideration and honor our Lasallian texts- the rich documents that reflect the prayerful discernment of hundreds of Lasallians from across our global Institute. In particular, the documents of the Second International Assembly, the Symposium of Young Lasallians, the gathering of Young Brothers (all prior to the 45th General Chapter) and then the Acts of the General Chapter in addition to key Circulars such as Circular 461: Associated for the Lasallian Mission…an act of Hope and Circular 470: Towards the Year 20121: Living together our joyful Mission.

In the afternoon, we visited the Auckland Museum that gave us a lens by which to view the cultural history of our hosts in New Zealand. The evening was a great celebration of many of the cultures of the Pacific through song and dance. A very special moment of embracing the vast diversity of our Lasallian family!

One God…One Lord…One Spirit… all are welcome into the Lasallian family…

ALL ARE WELCOME!