The Lasallian Mission: A Global Educational Network

Robert Schieler, FSC

ABSTRACT

In these remarks delivered on the occasion of the conferral of an honorary doctorate, the author proposes a strengthening of the partnership between the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU). The Lasallian legacy is presented from an historical perspective, referencing the French philosopher Jacques Maritain and the centrality of the Lasallian preference for the wellbeing of the poor is articulated, referencing remarks of Ignacio Ellacuría, SJ, in order to elucidate the important work of universities in helping to solve the complex issues of our times. The extraordinary potential of enhanced collaboration between and international networking among the Institute and IALU is suggested with concrete proposals.

Full Text: The Lasallian Mission A Global Educational Network

Keywords: purpose of a university, service of the poor, Church, international networks, vocations, communitas, mission, evangelization, collaborative research