Lasallian educators gathered at the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Marriottsville, Maryland, from February 8–10, 2026, for the Adrien Nyel Retreat, a formative experience designed for those beginning their ministry in Lasallian schools and works.
Participants represented a wide range of ministries across the District, including La Salle College High School, PA; Christian Brothers Academy, NY; Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, NY; Martin De Porres, PA; St. John’s College High School, DC; La Salle Institute, NY; De La Salle College Oaklands, ON; San Miguel School of Providence, RI; and Calvert Hall College High School, MD. The diversity of roles from classroom teachers to counselors and campus partners reflected the shared commitment to accompanying young people within the Lasallian mission.
The retreat opened with a spirit of welcome and reflection as participants stepped away from their daily routines to focus on their shared vocation in education. A panel discussion on the vocational journey of a teacher was moderated by Br. Ernest J. Miller, FSC, alongside Br. Leonard Rhodes, FSC, and Carolyn Rutishauser of Calvert Hall College High School, MD. Their conversation invited participants to reflect honestly on the meaning of their work and the grace that sustains them in ministry.
Throughout the retreat, sessions deepened participants’ understanding of the Lasallian story and the educational mission they now share. A screening of a biographical documentary on the life and legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle offered a moment to reconnect with the founder’s vision and the roots of the Lasallian educational tradition. Educators reflected on how his example continues to shape their call to serve in schools and ministries today.
Time was intentionally set aside for personal reflection, conversation, and quiet rest, allowing participants to encounter solitude and renewal alongside their peers. The communal rhythm of prayer, learning, and fellowship strengthened bonds among the group and fostered a sense of belonging within the larger Lasallian family.
Participants also engaged in collaborative discussions, sharing early experiences in their roles and exploring practical ways to live out Lasallian values in their communities. These exchanges highlighted the importance of accompaniment, mutual support, and ongoing formation in sustaining a meaningful vocation in Lasallian ministry.
As the retreat concluded, participants departed with renewed energy and a clearer sense of purpose. The Adrien Nyel Retreat continues to serve as an important foundation for new educators and partners in mission, reminding them that their work is carried out within a vibrant community committed to touching hearts and teaching minds.
