To be a true Lasallian is to embody a vibrant spirit of faith, service, and community, committing oneself to the holistic development and "integral liberation and salvation" of all, especially those most in need.
The Essence of Being Lasallian
At its core, being a true Lasallian means believing in a God of profound goodness and compassion. This belief inspires a deep-seated commitment to making God's "saving compassion a living and effective reality" in the daily lives of people. It is a call to be a person of faith and zeal, actively engaged in nurturing human dignity and striving for justice through education and service.
Key Pillars of a True Lasallian
The Lasallian identity is built upon several interconnected values that guide actions and decisions:
1. Faith in the Presence of God
A true Lasallian recognizes God's active presence in all aspects of life – in oneself, in others, in the community, and in daily experiences. This foundational belief in a God of goodness and compassion fosters a spirit of gratitude, hope, and trust.
- Practical Insights:
- Cultivate a personal spiritual life through reflection, prayer, or meditation.
- Recognize and affirm the dignity of every individual as a reflection of God's image.
- Approach challenges with faith, seeking divine guidance and strength.
- Understand that one's work, especially in education and service, is a participation in God's saving work.
2. Zeal for Service and Compassion
Zeal, in the Lasallian context, is an energetic passion and dedication to fulfilling God's will through service to others. It is the drive to "make the saving compassion of God a living and effective reality" for all, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable. This involves a proactive and selfless commitment to the well-being and "integral liberation" of humanity.
- Practical Insights:
- Actively seek opportunities to serve others, especially the poor and forgotten.
- Respond to human suffering with empathy and concrete action.
- Advocate for social justice and human rights.
- Engage in outreach programs, volunteer work, and community service initiatives.
3. Commitment to Quality Education
Lasallians value education as a powerful tool for transformation and human flourishing. The commitment is not just to impart knowledge, but to "educate and form persons of faith and zeal" who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and live purposeful lives. This involves fostering intellectual, spiritual, moral, social, and physical development.
- Practical Insights:
- Strive for excellence in academic pursuits and personal growth.
- Be a lifelong learner, open to new ideas and perspectives.
- Use knowledge and skills to address societal challenges.
- Mentor and support peers, contributing to a positive learning environment.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity and intellectual honesty.
4. Spirit of Community
The Lasallian mission is a shared one, built on the "Spirit of Association." True Lasallians foster strong, supportive relationships, working collaboratively towards common goals. This community spirit emphasizes mutual respect, understanding, and collective responsibility.
- Practical Insights:
- Participate actively in school or organizational activities and initiatives.
- Support and collaborate with fellow students, colleagues, and community members.
- Cultivate inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Resolve conflicts constructively and promote harmony within groups.
5. Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Inspired by the founder St. John Baptist de La Salle's dedication to the disadvantaged, true Lasallians demonstrate a profound concern for the poor and a commitment to social justice. This means working towards the "integral liberation and salvation of all" by advocating for equity, challenging systemic injustices, and promoting human dignity for every person.
- Practical Insights:
- Be aware of social issues and their impact on vulnerable populations.
- Speak up against injustice and discrimination.
- Engage in initiatives that promote fairness, equality, and human rights.
- Use one's talents and resources to empower the marginalized.
- Support fair trade, sustainable practices, and ethical consumption.
Living the Lasallian Values Daily
Embracing the Lasallian way is a continuous journey that influences daily choices and interactions. Here's how these values manifest in action:
| Lasallian Value | How to Live It |
|---|---|
| Faith in God's Presence | Cultivate a spiritual life; see God in others and in daily events. |
| Zeal for Service | Actively help others, especially those in need; put compassion into action. |
| Commitment to Education | Pursue knowledge, strive for excellence; share wisdom; foster holistic development. |
| Spirit of Community | Collaborate, support peers; build inclusive environments; work towards a common mission. |
| Concern for the Poor | Advocate for justice; serve the marginalized; promote human dignity for all. |
Continuous Growth
Being a true Lasallian is not a static state but a dynamic process of lifelong learning, reflection, and action. It involves constantly striving to deepen one's faith, broaden one's compassion, enhance one's knowledge, strengthen one's community ties, and tirelessly work for a more just and humane world. For more information, explore resources from Lasallian educational institutions or the global Lasallian network.
