What's New in the Region

Hurricane Gustav Spares New Orleans

"De La Salle High School--New Orleans is fine," said the school's president, Ken Tedesco. "There are no major damages. The faculty, staff, and students and their families have evacuated and are all safe."

Hurricane Gustav slammed into the U.S. Gulf Coast on Monday, September 1, with less intensity than had been predicted. Strong winds and heavy rain hit New Orleans and much of southeast Louisiana, knocking down power grid lines and cutting off water supply. De La Salle expects electric power to be restored next week when school opens on Monday, September 8, as announced by the supervisior of schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Prayer During Hurricane Season.

Thank you letter from Ken Tedesco, President of De La Salle--New Orleans

(l-r) Brother John Luczkowski, Brother Chris Patiño, and Brother Peter Nguyen.

Three young men are successfully completing their novitiate year at Mont La Salle in Napa, California, and are preparing for the next step on their vocational journey. Brother Chris Patiño will made his first vows on August 9 in Napa. Brother Peter Nguyen and Brother John Luczkowski will make their first vows at the General Assembly of the Baltimore District in September. Brother Stanislaus Campbell, provincial of the San Francisco District, said, "Brothers Chris, John, and Peter are witnesses to the fact that there are young men still interested in and called to the Brothers' life. Our prayers and wishes for success go with them..."

The Brothers will return to a full-time teaching apostolate in the fall. Brother Chris will teach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, California. Brother John Luczkowski has been assigned to St. John's College High School in Washington, District of Columbia. Brother Peter Nguyen will teach at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of Lasallian Partners Attend Summer Formation Programs

Over three hundred Lasallian partners and Brothers participated in Regional formation programs conducted by the Christian Brothers Conference this summer. The programs include the Lasallian Leadership Institute, 177 participants; Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, 107 participants; and Lasallian Social Justice Institute, 41 participants.

The programs are designed to deepen and strengthen the commitment of participants to the Lasallian Mission and enhance their teaching and leadership skills. Brother Thomas Lackey is Director for Mission Formation programs in the Conference.

About the photo: Brother Peter Bray from New Zealand was the sole presentor at the Lasallian Leadership Institute summer program. His presentation provided participants with challenging insights and perspectives about leadership.