Mags GarganThe Irish Association for the Lasallian Mission (De La Salle) held its AGM in Castletown, Portlaoise recently. Fifty school principals, teachers and others spent time together to review and plan for how best to promote its mandate of “human and Christian education”. Its president, Tom O’Neill, Waterford welcomed the gatherings from all over Ireland and outlined the good work that is done in schools and retreat centres. He outlined the theme for the coming year: Unity in Community.
Bro. Finbarr Murphy made a strong plea for practical help for the accommodation and education of migrants in our houses and schools, reminding those present that there are De La Salle houses and schools in Eritrea. Bro. Tommy Walsh told of the work of Irish volunteers over 30 years in summer projects in India and Ethiopia, and appealed for more volunteers to work with and for the poor. Bro. Stephen Deignan gave input on the education of the poor – or lack of it – in France in the 17th/18th Century, during De La Salle’s time. Bro. George Whyte suggested a revival of the DLS National Pilgrimage to Knock.
Presentations were made to former chairpersons of the Irish Association for Lasallian Mission: Mary Guthrie, ex Downpatrick and Brendan Ryan, ex St Johns, Balkyfermot.