From 31 March to 6 April 2025, Young Lasallian leaders from different countries from the 5 Regions of the Institute gathered in France; they visited Paris, Reims and Parmenie, in a meeting that seeks to strengthen the global connection and collaboration in the Young Lasallian Movement.
This event has been a space for networking and team building, where participants have shared their experiences and best practices, and reflected on the strategic direction of the Movement.
The first day of the meeting took place in Reims, the city where Saint John Baptist de La Salle was born on 30 April 1651. There the participants retraced the Founder’s footsteps, delving into his history and the impact of his legacy. During the meeting, the vision and plan of the Commission on Youth was discussed, with the aim of consolidating a “glocal” platform that fosters leadership and active participation of young people in the Institute.
One of the key moments was the intervention of Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General, who with an inspiring message motivated the young people to “dream with audacity” about the future of the Movement. Brother Joël Palud, General Councillor, shared the history of the Young Lasallian Movement, while Brother Claude Reinhardt, former General Councillor, spoke about interiority and the relevance of Parmenie in Lasallian history; besides, Brother Brice Hein spoke about the development of the Youth Movement in France.
On the fourth day, Br Chris Patiño, General Councillor, presented the proposed way forward for the General Council after the 46th General Chapter, addressed concerns and raised challenges. In addition, participants had the opportunity to discuss the results of the latest research from Springtide Research Institute in the United States on Generation Z and their current needs.
On the fifth day, in Parmenia, a meaningful place of the beginnings and of Lasallian spirituality, the presentation of the plans of the Commission on Youth continued, generating a space for working together to gather insights and define future actions.
Finally, on 6 April, the Assembly concluded in Paris with a Lasallian tour of the first Lasallian schools founded in the city, reaffirming the identity and commitment of the youth to the Lasallian Educational Mission
It should also be recalled that in the context of the Jubilee of Youth to be held in Rome from 28 July to 3 August 2025, Young Lasallians are invited to take part in the International Gathering of Young Lasallians to be held on 31 July, organised by the Institute’s Office of Vocations and Volunteer Ministry and the Commission on Youth.
