#LasallianLife
Fraternity
December 01, 2023
I often remark to our students that it is easy to be friends with your friends. The students are typically confused so I have to continue… Everyone is friendly with people who we deem “likable.” Yet, our Lasallian identity calls us to recognize the presence of God in not merely the reflections of ourselves with whom we share friendships. Instead, we are called to recognize the presence of God in people with different interests, talents, and backgrounds - we are called to be builders of fraternity.
Pope Francis frequently describes the importance of fraternity:
“Fraternity is an essential human quality, for we are relational beings. A lively awareness of our relatedness helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brother; without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society and a solid and lasting peace.”
Throughout the year, our students learn about fraternity by experiencing fraternity. In the Senior Fashion Show, students begin rehearsals as individual musical notes, void of an understanding of the complementary sounds that create harmony. By the final performance, the notes form chords that sign the song of fraternity.
As our football team prepares for the New York State Championship game on Sunday at 3:00 PM, our students prepare to support their friends and classmates. Many people will remark on the impressive size of our crowd for such a small school competing against the largest schools in New York State. Most people will see a supportive community. I see fraternity in action. I see a community of students, some who like football, some who care nothing about the sport - united together because they care for each other.
Pope Francis encourages us to be a certain type of champion…
“Be champions of fraternity, sowers of fraternity. Thus you will be builders of the future, because only in fraternity will our world have a future!”
It is easy to be friends with your friends. But, proudly, I will look into the stands at the game on Sunday and witness a sea of purple and gold that is filled with young mathematicians, artists, musicians, athletes, actors, actresses, and scientists - all Brothers.
I am proud of our team, our students, and our community. Hope to see you at the game! GO BROTHERS!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
