Rome Formation

In 1719, St John Baptist De La Salle passed away with just 100 Brothers devoted to the care of the newly founded schools and concern for the salvation and education of the poor boys in France. He probably never imagined that 300 years later a group of students and teachers would make the journey to Rome, in his name, to learn more about our Founder and to strengthen their leadership qualities ready to serve in the Lasallian 1719 Society, a Year 11 senior prefect role.

 

 

 

24 students form the Society, which is made up of five strands; leadership, communication, chaplaincy, student support and extra-curricular, took part in the visit. In preparing for the trip students were led in workshops based on the founding story, leadership and vision/ mission activities relating to the Society by Heather Gilson, Co-ordinator of Mission initiatives within the Lasallian network. This reflective and inspiring start to the trip ensured that students begun their leadership journey with an open heart and mind ready to embrace their new role.

 

 

 

Whilst in Rome, we all stayed at the Mother House (Lasallian Generalate) and had the pleasure of meeting Br Bob Schaefer, Br Aidan Kilty and even a chance encounter with our Superior General Br Robert Schieler. Sessions were based around knowing your own story, the importance of recognising that we are each in control of how our story develops and how this relates to the work of De La Salle. Sessions also covered an assessment of leadership skills and qualities; what vocation means and how we can live a life with purpose; Lasallian service projects led by Nora and Laura from Rome; a planning session looking to the future and finally our days were framed with beautiful reflective moments of prayer leading us to feel extreme gratitude for the time we all spent together.

Of course, when in Rome, you must see the sights and sample the cuisine, so we ventured in to the city to see the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps and the Vatican and enjoyed pizza/ pasta/ ice cream and the last of the sunshine before heading back home to serve at the first big event which was Open Evening. I think people slept very well that night!

 

 

Well done 1719 Society, you gave of your all, you did everyone proud and we are excited to see how your work and ideas develop over the next few months. Watch this space!