From 11 to 13 March 2024, the Commission on Association met in Rome at the Generalate. This Commission is part of a group of six others (in total there are seven Commissions) whose purpose is to consider proposals and issues relating to the Lasallian Family in order to offer insights and guidelines for the future.
The Commission on Association is comprised of Edith Touvi, District DILAO (RELAF), Heather Ruple District ofIreland, Great Britain, Malta (RELEM), Chair of the Commission, and Brother David Garcia, District Mexico Norte (RELAL).
The Commission, established in October 2023, met for the first time in-person at the Generalate in Rome.
The three members of the Commission reviewed their mandate and met with the Offices of the Generalate, as well as some members of the General Council.
The Commission also reflected deeply on the Synod process on Synodality and the implications for the Lasallian Family’s journey of Association. Data from a recent survey of Districts on the structures of Shared Mission and Association were also examined.
In leaving Rome, the group set out again to continue to listen deeply and carefully to the needs of the Association and to learn, support and accompany effective structures and strategic plans to promote Lasallian identity and the development of intentional communities.
The Commission will also seek to engage in collaboration with other Charismatic Families in the Church, regarding lay leadership, to understand how these structures can empower and promote radical availability to those on the peripheries, through The Leavening Project.