We Are #OneLaSalle: Brother Kyle Reflects on Rome Trip

On Tuesday, November 8, Central Catholic’s own Brother Kyle Mena joined young Brothers from around the world in the opening ceremony of the International Young Brother’s Assembly in Rome, Italy.

The meeting of the Young Brothers – which reflected the diversity of thought, geographic location, and perspective – marked the culmination of a long three-year process that brought together young, passionate Lasallians from around the world in one central location. Br. Kyle explains, “To witness the diversity of young men also discerning a life with the Brothers was phenomenal.”

The theme for the assembly was “Passionate Witnesses of Fraternity.”

In many ways, Brother Kyle believes that this theme is representative of his vocational journey, saying, “I joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools because I felt something was missing. I was already teaching and sharing my faith before joining the Brothers community, but I missed the fraternal support. The community I share with my fellow Brothers fills that void.”

The conference was a forum for young Brothers to share their different experiences, network with one another, and discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing the Institute.

Chief among these worries is the decreasing role that religion plays in the lives of young people. Brother Kyle reflects on these challenges, saying, “Am I worried? No. As we follow in the footsteps of St. John Baptist De La Salle, when students are nurtured in the faith, they gravitate towards the faith. When students’ hearts are opened, they are drawn to God. As Brothers and Lasallians, we remind people that they are made in the image and likeness of God. Our true fulfillment comes when we move closer to Him.”

As the Institute seeks to make strategic decisions to ensure the health and longevity of the Brothers, Brother Kyle is reassuring: “The Institute is open to new projects and new experiences. We are ready to immerse ourselves in different avenues while still grounding ourselves – and our work – in the Gospel.”

In fact, Brother Kyle is part of a Vocation Task Force for the District of Eastern North America.

Along with Brothers and laypeople from across the region, he is working to conduct research on how the Christian Brothers can positively contribute toward vocational awareness and recruitment.

While the Vocation Task Force is still ongoing, its outlook is promising.

Despite the challenges the Institute may face, Brother Kyle is hopeful. “There is a beauty in viewing the classroom as a holy ground – as a place for the youth to grow and develop into men of faith, character, service, and community. Regardless of what challenges may arise, I know our mission of introducing young men to the person of Jesus Christ is never going to change.”

The Viking thanks Brother Kyle for taking some time to share his experiences with us.