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Dear Roxanna,
Last month, we hosted our Annual Lenten Prayer Service where our 8th grade young men, reenacted the Stations of the Cross. Through the reenactment and the narratives of the Gospels that provide details of our Lord's passion, our students were able to understand the sufferings our Lord endured for our redemption. Our young men were able to better understand the ultimate act of God's love for us was when He sent Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.
But we are an Easter people and the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus, shows that suffering, disappointment and death can be transformed into new life. Death could not hold Jesus, and after his crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected. Jesus’ resurrection represents his victory over death and the promise of eternal life for us.
Just as Easter symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness, your contributions have illuminated pathways of opportunity for those in need. Through your kindness, we have been able to provide essential resources, uplift spirits, and foster positive change of the young men entrusted to our care.
On April 7, Lasallians all over the world celebrated the Feast of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, our founder. We celebrate Saint John Baptist De La Salle’s obedience to God in answering the call to educate the poor. More than three centuries ago, Saint John Baptist De La Salle was called on by God to care for the poor children of Rouen, France. During this time, poverty was widespread in France, and few families could afford to educate their children. John Baptist De La Salle felt the best way to approach this problem would be to establish a community of brothers devoted to the education of children, regardless of their ability to pay. In 1694, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools was established and now more than three hundred years later the Lasallian charism has spread across 80 countries.
Last week we welcomed Brother Peter Nguyen, FSC from The LaSalle Educational Center, Homestead. The LaSalle Educational Center is a Catholic community center which follows the traditions of The Brothers of the Christian Schools of serving low income families who work in the agricultural fields of southern Miami-Dade County. The goals of the center are to increase the educational level of our program participants, by facilitating an integral education, developing skills and abilities in order to build self-confidence and hope during the process.
It was a pleasure to hear, feel and see Saint John Baptist De La Salle’s mission in action in Brother Peter. He shared why he became a Christian Brother and shared the mission of spreading our Lasallian charism all over the world.
Just as Saint John Baptist De La Salle answered God’s call to care for his people, so has Brother Peter and so have you answered the call. Thank you to Saint John Baptist De La Salle, Brother Peter and you too for saying YES MY LORD.
During his season of renewal and hope, we are reminded of the profound impact that acts of compassion and generosity can have on the world around us. Your selfless giving embodies the spirit of Easter, and Saint John Baptist De La Salle’s mission of inspiring hope and spreading joy to those who need it most. We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity. Your commitment to our cause has been instrumental in enabling us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young men we serve. Thank you once again for your invaluable support and partnership. Together, we are making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
“I will continue O’ my God to do all my actions for the love of you.”
St. John Baptist de La Salle
Mrs. Roxanna De Peña-Elder
Executive Director
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