Fifty years ago seven De La Salle Christian Brothers came to the Lewis College of Science and Technology and gave the university the Lasallian roots it holds today.
One of the original seven, Br. Raymond McManaman of the Theology Department, still remains and teaches at Lewis, now a university of nearly 6,000.
At the recent “Together in Mission” event, 19 Chrisitian Brothers were honored for their prescence on campus for 50 years.
“They didn’t come to write about mission; they came to do it,” said Provost Dr. Stephany Schlachter. “They’re always here. […] Always present. Always steadfast.”
Nineteen Christian Brothers were honored at a Lasallian Feast Day Celebration on April 7 to commemorate 50 years of St. John Baptist De La Salle inspired teaching with the presentation of a commemorative medallion. Some were familiar faces around campus. Others were not. Some wore the traditional Lasallian robe, while others did not. In unison, the 19, part of the more than 100 to serve Lewis since 1960, renewed their vows of educational service of the poor, chastity, poverty, obedience and stability at the event.
Like any truly Lasallian event, the celebration titled “Together in Mission,” began with recalling that all were in the “holy presence of God.”
“These walls and this place speak of them (the Christian Brothers) in so many ways,” said Fr. Raymond J. Webb, the vice president and academic dean of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, who offered the main reflection during the celebration.
The Christian Brothers of Lewis are part of a network of 5,000 who serve in over 80 countries, with the assistance of more than 70,000 colleagues. “It is the essence of their calling to ‘touch the hearts’ of the students entrusted to their care and to ‘inspire them with the Christian spirit,’” said the event’s program.
Schlachter summed up the Brothers’ contribution to Lewis. “Without your vision and hard work, we wouldn’t be sitting here today,” Schlachter said. “They (the Brothers) are the heart of this university.”
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