De La Salle Superior General celebrates 50 years of St Cassian's Centre

Source: De La Salle Brothers

"You are part of a new, synodal family in this place. St John Baptist de La Salle tried to create a community like this in his time and was unable to… you are starting this here."

These were words from Brother Armin Luistro, General Superior of the Lasallians, addressed to over 100 young people and their teachers from Lasallian schools across Great Britain, Ireland and Malta. They gathered last weekend for a special 50th anniversary schools retreat at St Cassian's Centre, Kintbury.

Retreatants from years 11 to 13 came to the Berkshire village for four days, just as they have done since the Centre started in 1975. They took part in prayer, small group discussions and outdoor activities, such as low-rope team building and an Emmaus walk, as part of the programme first established by Brothers Dominic Green, Joe Hendron and Damian Lundy.

Young people from Árdscoil la Salle, Raheny, Beneavin De La Salle College, De La Salle Basildon, De La Salle St Helens, De la Salle Malta, St Peter's Bournemouth and Stella Maris Malta took part in the full retreat. They were joined by those from the Lasallian Associate Schools St Augustine's Trowbridge, Cardinal Langley, St Gregory's Bath, St Illtyd's and St Margaret Ward for a special liturgy on Saturday 19th October.

During this service young people shared their "Good News" reflections on the retreat and what they would take back to their communities and schools. They also created a tree blossoming with their gifts and sang songs including 'Laudato Si' - written by Damian, one of the founding community - before Brother Armin made his remarks.

"I have seen many Lasallian programmes for volunteers, but never one undertaken so joyfully… John Baptist de La Salle would not be just proud of you, but indebted!" he told the retreatants. "I am proud to say I am now part of the 'Kintbury Experience'".

Joining the celebration were those who had worked at the Centre over the past four decades; living in community and working with and for young people to help them build their awareness of God, each other and their world. The experience has a profound impact on the volunteers, as one reflected:

"It was a lovely celebration and highlighted all the amazing people I have met and are still part of my life 34 years later!"

Later in the day there, Mass was celebrated as part of the retreat, where a special, new song was sung - a new tune set to the lyrics of Damian Lundy. It was a special moment, when all those gathered were able to sing something linked to one of the Centre's founders for the very first time.

Over the last six months, many people have written tunes to hymn lyrics of Damian Lundy which had not yet been set to music. This particular tune was crafted by Tony Wheat. Further submissions by other musicians will be released over the coming months on the Centre's website and social media.

The Centre continues to operate in the Lasallian spirit it was created in, and which has spoken so strongly to young people. Those at St Cassian's use their connections to bring young people closer to God. As one put it this week, "I really appreciate you always putting a smile on my face when I didn't think a smile was worth it. Thanks to you, I have now realised I too can be the Good News"

More information is available from office@cassians.co.uk, www.thekintburyexperience.com/ or via the Centre's social media ( www.facebook.com/kintburyexperience and www.instagram.com/kintburyexperience/