Lasallian Youth
Link
An Official OSA publication
Volume 1
Issue 14
SEPTEMBER 2003
THIS MONTH
THE BROTHERS ARE COUNTING ON YOU!
THE LASALLIAN CHARISM
SONG
A THOUGHT
FEATURED WEBSITE
A SAINT FROM CUPERTINO
PRAYER
FINAL WORD
______________________________________________________________
--- THIS MONTH
______________________________________________________________
In this issue of the lasallian youth link we are featuring a very
important message written by the superior general Brother Alvaro.
It is specifically addressed to young lasallians and in what way
and in what areas the brothers are counting on young lasallians to
continue their mission.
As most of you are aware the international lasallian youth council has
been set up. In this issue one of these young lasallians tells us
how we can contribute towards determining the variety of ways the
Lasallian charism is being lived by different sectors of the Lasallian Family.
We hope you will share this issue with all your friends,
______________________________________________________________
--- WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU
______________________________________________________________
Message to young Lasallians from Bro. Alvaro
Dear Young Lasallians:
In the Final message, at the end of the last General Chapter, we said
that we count on you – on your creativity, drive and enthusiasm – to
bring to fruition in today’s world the Lasallian ideals of faith, fraternity
and service. Today, too, the Church also counts on you.
In this regard I would like to recall the insightful remarks of John Paul
II to the youth in Toronto: “…What humanity is moving towards, in the
midst of so much injustice and suffering, is a new civilization marked by
liberty and peace. To achieve this end requires a new generation of
“builders” moved not by fear or violence but by the urgency of authentic
love, a generation that knows how to build, stone upon stone, in the city
of mankind that is the city of God. Dear young people, allow me to
express my hope – these “builders” must be you. You are the men and women of
tomorrow. In your hearts and in your hands lies the future. God gives you
the difficult but thrilling task of collaborating with Him in the
creation of a civilisation of love” (Toronto, n.4, 27th July 2002).
During the month of May I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd
International Congress of Lasallian Former Students. It was a magnificent
experience in which many young people played important roles. The theme of the
Congress was “Called to Serve”. I would like to share with you now the same
commitments to service that I proposed to our Former Students a few weeks ago
and, in so doing, propose them to you too. All of these commitments, along the
lines indicated by the Pope, are directed to the creation of a better world in
which all of us can live as sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters
to each other.
Young Lasallians, we count on you to serve children by
defending their rights
Our Institute was born to serve children. Yet, we know that,
unfortunately, as much in the North as in the South, children are the
most fragile and vulnerable link in our societies. We can call to mind
child labour, street children, child soldiers and victims of armed
conflicts, displaced or refugee children, children who have been abducted
or sold, malnourished children, abused children, children without
education, children given over to prostitution, unwanted, unloved and
uncared for children. Young Lasallians, we count on you to make the
Defence of the Rights of the Child a flag of our Lasallian family. What
can you do? I think that you can do much - whether through direct service
as volunteers, or through an active participation in local organisations
that work to defend the rights of children, or by a respectful and friendly
treatment of those children with whom you are in contact.
Young Lasallians, we count on you to help other young people
to find meaning in life
As Lasallians in today’s world we are called not only to offer service to
young people, important as this may be, but even more to help them find
meaning in their lives. I am convinced that, in this sense, you can do
much for your contemporaries since you have the same experiences and
needs, and experience the same frustrations and hopes. Consequently, it
is important that you are attentive to the new forms of poverty that
emerge in the world of youth and that you respond wherever it is
necessary – helping those who are anxious about an uncertain future,
submerged by a technological world, overwhelmed by the imperialism of sex
and drugs, tempted by individualism and self-absorption, to move beyond
themselves to give their lives generously to the service of others,
especially to those who are most in need and in situations of risk.
I am also convinced that you, young people, are the best evangelisers of
other young people. You are on the same wavelength and you can understand
better their deficiencies, their projects and their ideals. In
consequence, I invite you to be witnesses of the Beatitudes helping other
young people to recognise that they are loved, valued and blessed. In a
society in which everything has a price, I invite you to be witnesses of
gratuity that enables us to develop the capacity to contemplate, to
thank, to be enthralled in the face of mystery and beauty. I invite you to make
visible through your lives the invisible God whom we can know better through
human love.
Young Lasallians, we count on you to serve the poor and the
marginalized
In order to do this it is necessary to know the situation of the poor and
to be sensitive to it. The poor exist and they are the majority - three
quarters of humanity or, in other words, 4,000 million people. This
situation has worsened rather than improved in the last 20 years. The prospects
for improvement are not good given the international pressures that force
governments to implement policies that limit social expenditure.
We have to see the poor with the eyes of the God of Jesus, the Father of
life, and hear their cry. We know that the mission of the Son of God in
history, a mission of compassionate solidarity, emerged from God’s
contemplation of the world. Our challenge is to be compassionate as our
heavenly Father is compassionate. This is a compassionate solidarity through
which we allow ourselves to be affected by the sufferings of others, acting
against avoidable sufferings and assuming the task of finding solutions that
bring hope and transformation.
In a special way, I invite you to be attentive to the situations that
were indicated in our 42nd General Chapter of 1993. That was 10 years ago
but, unfortunately, those situations have only worsened: “…migratory
movements, racism, urban violence, terrorism, drug addiction, loss of
basic human values, crisis of faith, refusal of religious education,
attraction to sects, unemployment, AIDS, hunger, illiteracy, street
children, homelessness, contempt for life, broken families, school
dropouts…” (Circular 435, p.22).
At a European level, it seems to me that we must pay special attention to
the phenomenon of emigration and racism. You, young people, have less
prejudice than adults. Help us, through your free, open and tolerant way
of dealing with differences to always have an open heart and to look for
the best solutions for those who are obliged to leave their homes,
friends, environment and country as they seek to begin a new life of dignity
and work.
Young Lasallians, we count on you to create community
One of the experiences that has made the greatest impact on me during my
visits in the Lasallian world is the experience of fraternity that I met
in each of our schools. Particularly during my visit to South East Asia in
January and February of this year, I was able to see our centres as places of dialogue,
respect, tolerance, and coexistence between people of different cultures and
religions. I was very impressed by the manner in which the young people in
these schools are capable of overcoming differences and living in fraternity.
I would like to share with you an experience of fraternity that has
profoundly affected me. I was lucky enough two years ago to participate
in a Congress of Young Lasallians of the Asia-Pacific Region and I was
very impressed by the fact that, when one of the representatives of the
group “Brothers in Action” from New Zealand was overcome by emotion as he
presented one of their service projects, his whole delegation got up and went
over to him to support and be with him in his experience. It was a marvellous
experience. And I think that it was a sign that spoke more loudly than words of
the quality of their friendship and great solidarity. Personally, I interpreted
this as an extraordinary expression of the value of fraternity that inspires us
Lasallians. If we are moved to the service of others our commitment is
reinforced, and becomes more effective, when we feel supported by others in
these service projects for those who most need us.
Young Lasallians, we count on you to be builders of peace in
a divided world
I believe that we are living in a graced moment in which there is a
growing awareness on the one hand, that war has never been and never will
be a solution and, on the other, that we must create and develop a
culture of peace. Our option must be for peace, for the poor, and for
those who suffer. I like very much the English term “peacemaker”. I think that
it defines very well the attitude that we must permanently adopt. “No” to war
must be translated into a “Yes” for life, and for life in its fullness. A similar
invitation was given to young people this year by John Paul II in his Message
for the 17th World Youth Day in presenting to us the dead and resurrected
Christ as the victor over evil and death: “…At this time, threatened by
violence, hatred and war, you must witness to the fact that He, and He alone,
can bring peace to people’s heart, to families, and to the people of the world.
Strive to seek and promote peace, justice and fraternity and don’t forget the
words of the Gospel: Blessed are those who work for peace for they shall
be called sons of God” (Mt 5:9).
Young Lasallians, we count on you in our desire to promote
the unity of the human family through ecumenism and interreligious
dialogue
A powerful experience that I had during my recent visit to South East
Asia during the months of January and February was to see how Lasallian
values can be incarnated and be a source of inspiration in different
cultures and religions. The witness in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia
of young Lasallians of different religions united in the same ideals was
a real revelation for me. I experienced something similar in the meeting
of the Young Lasallians of the Asia-Pacific Region that I mentioned
earlier where I saw how young people of so many different cultures and
religions were capable of living a profound experience of fraternity and
identifying themselves through common values.
For you, as young Christians, this does not imply a renunciation of
evangelical values capable of purifying and enriching every culture. The
person and the message of Jesus – of affiliation, fraternity,
unconditional love, and pardon without limits – are the greatest riches
that we can give to others in their relation with God, with others and
with the world. However, from a profound experience of faith, you must
continually open yourselves to an ecumenical and interreligious dialogue
that will enable you to be builders of a society that is more just and
fraternal and in which diversities are accepted and respected.
Conclusion
You, Young Lasallians, with your open and tolerant spirit must help us
live with greater intensity our charism, spirituality and communion in a
life of faith that discovers God in all things in the light of the Scriptures
and, for people of other religions, in their own sacred texts. We are called to
translate this faith into fraternity because beyond our differences we
recognise ourselves as brothers and sisters. And this fraternity becomes
transformed in service in order to create a world that is in greater solidarity
and more human - so as to be builders of peace and reconciliation, so that the
poor are able to have what is necessary to enable them to live with dignity,
and in which creation will be respected, created and loved.
I conclude with John Paul II’s words to young people for the 2003 World
Youth Day: My dear young people, you are more or less the same age as John and
you have the same desire to be with Jesus. Today, it is you whom Jesus
expressly asks to receive Mary "into your home" and to welcome her
"as one of yours"; to learn from her, the one who "kept all
these things, pondering them in her heart" (Lk: 2.19), that inner
disposition to listen and the attitude of humility and generosity that
singled her out as God's first collaborator in the work of salvation.
______________________________________________________________
--- THE LASALLIAN CHARISM
______________________________________________________________
(A message from Yanick C Richer)
Dear young lasallians !
How are you dear friends? I often remember each moment of Quebec 2002,
and I thank the Lord for his Spirit that was -that is- burning in each of
us, among us.
This Spirit continues to unite us and light us on in our work, in our
will to build the Civilization of Love.
The International Lasallian Studies Commission is collecting
reflections on Lasallian charism. The purpose of the personal
testimonies is to provide readers with a sense of the variety of
ways the Lasallian charism is being lived by different sectors of
the Lasallian Family. If you are interested to participate to this
study, you must send me your 2-3 pages reflection before the 5th October.
I am sure each of you has a lot to say, a lot to share...
I think it would be interesting we continue using the Quebec 2002 e-group
to
share good news, projects and other "afters" to Quebec 2002.
For
example, I've just uploaded some pictures of an excellent gathering
we've just had last week-end for all French-Canadian lasallian
family. I am sure you will recognize quite a few people. I will
remove the pictures by the end of the month to let space to other
stuff.
Finally, I remind you that a team has been put in place after
Quebec 2002 to help the Young Lasallian movement. Do not hesitate to
ask questions, send your support and ideas to the team. The Council
can be reached at [email protected]
And if you want to write me a
personnal message (and send me your reflection on lasallian
charism), you can do so at [email protected]
Big hugs and kisses.
WE ARE ONE,
Yanick C Richer
______________________________________________________________
--- THIS MONTHS' SONG
______________________________________________________________
Black Eyed Peas - Where The Love Is
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Badness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Nigga, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love
It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With the ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love
I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' in the wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
______________________________________________________________
--- THOUGHT
______________________________________________________________
The most ten words are:
1. The most selfish one-letter word is
"I" - avoid it.
2. The most satisfying two-letter word is
"WE" - use it.
3. The most poisonous three-letter word is
"EGO" - kill it.
4. The most used four-letter word is
"LOVE" - value it.
5. The most pleasing five-letter word is
"SMILE" - keep it.
6. The most spreading six-letter word is
"RUMOUR" - ignore it.
7. The most hardest working seven-letter word is
"SUCCESS" - achieve it.
8. The most eviable eight-letter word is
"JEALOUSY" - distance it.
9. The most powerful nine- letter word is
"KNOWLEDGE" - acquire it.
10. The most essential ten-letter word is
"CONFIDENCE" - trust it.
______________________________________________________________
--- FEATURED SITE
______________________________________________________________
http://www.peacemakers.ca/leadership/
Peacemakers Trust is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to
research and education on conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
The website includes an overview of what this organisation is all about
and it has resources and research papers for all those interested in
peacemaking and international disputes. It also has links to a
number of workshops about this topic.
______________________________________________________________
--- A SAINT FROM CUPERTINO
______________________________________________________________
St . JOSEPH of Cupertino
Memorial 18 September
Joseph's father, Felice Desa was a poor carpenter
who died before Joseph was born. Creditors drove his mother, Francesca
Panara, from her home, and Joseph was born in a stable. Starting at age
8, Joseph received ecstatic visions that left him gaping and staring into
space. He had a hot temper, which his strict mother worked to overcome.
Apprenticed to a shoemaker, at 17 Joseph applied for
admittance to the Friars Minor Conventuals, but was refused due to his
lack of education. He applied to the Capuchins, was accepted as a
lay-brother in 1620, but his ecstasies made him unsuitable for work, and he was
dismissed. Abused by his family, he continued his prayers, and was accepted as
an oblate at the Franciscan convent near Cupertino. His virtues were such
that he became a cleric at 22, a priest at 25. Joseph still had little
education, could barely read or write, but received such a gift of spiritual
knowledge and discernment that he could solve intricate questions.
His life became a series of visions and
ecstasies, which could be triggered any time or place by the sound of a
church bell, church music, the mention of the name of God or of the
Blessed Virgin or of a saint, any event in the life of Christ, the sacred
Passion, a holy picture, the thought of the glory in heaven, etc.
Yelling, beating, pinching, burning, piercing with needles - none of this
would bring him from his trances, but he would return to the world on
hearing the voice of his superior in the order. He would often levitate
and float (which led to his patronage of people involved in air travel),
and could hear heavenly music.
Even in the 17th century, there was interest in the unusual, and Joseph's
ecstasies in public caused both admiration and disturbance in the
community. For 35 years he was not allowed to attend choir, go to the
common refectory, walk in procession, or say Mass in church. To prevent
making a spectacle, he was ordered to remain in his room with a private
chapel. He was brought before the Inquisition, and sent from one Capuchin
or Franciscan house to another. But Joseph retained his joyous spirit,
submitting to Divine Providence, keeping seven Lents of 40 days each
year, never letting his faith be shaken.
______________________________________________________________
---PRAYER
______________________________________________________________
Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino (for success in Examination).
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God
the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew,
obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now
preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be
invoked.
Through Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.
Amen.
______________________________________________________________
--- FINAL WORD
______________________________________________________________
Hope all of you enjoyed this edition of the Lasallian Youth Link.
We welcome any suggestions, comments or articles and experiences
you would like to share.
If you are going to change your e-mail address kindly inform us of
your new details.
Regards
Ivan , Mark and David.