CIL day number 14

CIL 2010:  DAY 14:  THE END IS NEAR

We began our day with a clear realization that the first and most prominent phase of our CIL Gathering:  Understanding and Living Lasallian Association Today will conclude tomorrow as our Lasallian lay partners prepare to return to their homes an home ministries.  The immanence of this departure was captured in a moving morning prayer as each participant gazed into the eyes of another and gave a greeting of association and respect.
 
The process of creating a unified declaration or statement as a collaborative effort of each of the three language groups was nearing completion as final comments, suggestions and group documents were submitted to the “writing committee” to prepare a final draft which will be the focus of our discussion on the final day tomorrow.
 
The afternoon session allowed participants to share information about planned individual, group or District projects that will be some of the action steps that participants will take to their home ministries and which will continue the process of energizing the movement of Lasallian Association for Mission.
 
All participants, but especially those of us from the USA, were surprised to see a huge turkey (cooked of course) in the middle of the dining hall as we entered this evening for dinner.  So we did celebrate Thanksgiving here in Rome and it was a joyous event.

Support for the Sapling

The Second International Symposium of Young Lasallians took place here in Rome back in 2006.  I was privileged to attend the Symposium.  At one of the closing ceremonies, we presented Brother Alvaro Rodriguez, Superior General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, with a small tree to symbolize our time together and to thank him for his support.  It really wasn’t much of tree, kind of scraggly as I remember it, but Brother Alvaro accepted it with grace and we were all assured that it would be planted on the grounds of the Motherhouse.

Four years later, I had forgotten about that tiny sapling until I happened upon it behind the main house.  There’s a plaque, nothing fancy, explaining what the tree represents.  The sapling has grown, maybe quadrupled in size, but it is still nothing compared to some of the massive trees that line the property.  It actually still has a support pole holding it up.

What struck me was the growth.

In four years, that little tree has taken root.  It’s stretched its branches, weathered a few storms I’m sure, and has found a home in the landscape of the Motherhouse.  For me, it’s not different from the experience of many Young Lasallians and the Young Lasallian movement.  As Young Lasallians we have found a home in the Lasallian Family; a charism that gives meaning to us professionally, personally and spiritually.  As a movement, Young Lasallians have been given a place at the table to be part of the dialogue of Association for mission.

Yes, Young Lasallians may still need support poles, and yes, maybe we’re not as established and impressive as some of the trees that surround us, but we add something to the landscape of the family.  We offer another branch of Association for mission.  Joseph Gilson, International Coordinator of Young Lasallians, presented to the CIL group last week.  During his presentation he gave an overview of the Young Lasallian movement, an explanation of the groups’ specific gifts to the Lasallian mission and the challenges we face.

Over the last few weeks here at CIL we have been provided numerous opportunities to reflect on the past, learn about the present and dream big about the future.  One group that will bring new growth to the Lasallian mission will be Young Lasallians. It’s from new growth that the mission will thrive.  With the support of the entire Lasallian Family, who knows how high that tree will grow?    

Thanks,

Heather