Young Lasallian Professionals from across the District of Eastern North America gathered at the Christian Brothers Center in Narragansett, Rhode Island, from July 27 to 31 for VEGA 2026, a weeklong formation experience centered on prayer, community, service, and the Lasallian mission.
Designed for Young Lasallians ages 22 to 35, VEGA invites participants to deepen their understanding of the Lasallian charism while strengthening their commitment to educational ministry. Through prayer, dialogue, reflection, and shared experiences, participants explored what it means to accompany young people and continue the educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
The week began by building relationships among participants through a World Café conversation, an opening liturgy, and the first of several Emmaus Walks that became a defining part of the VEGA experience. These moments of prayer and conversation created space for participants to share their own journeys while getting to know fellow Young Lasallians from across the District.
The first full day of formation introduced participants to the District of Eastern North America and the vision behind VEGA through an opening session led by LSMedia and Jon Hernandez. Maryann Donohue-Lynch of Lasallian Women of Hope then shared the Founding Story, helping participants better understand the life and legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the beginnings of the Lasallian educational mission. Br. Ernest J. Miller, FSC, of The Adrien Nyel Project, DENA, continued the day’s formation with a session on Lasallian pedagogy, inviting participants to reflect on the educational principles that continue to shape Lasallian ministries today.
Throughout the week, participants experienced formation not only in the classroom but also through prayer, creativity, and shared experiences. Beach reflections, Emmaus Walks, communal prayer, and a stained-glass art activity encouraged participants to pause, reflect, and recognize God’s presence in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of the week.
Wednesday offered participants two complementary paths of formation. Some partnered with Habitat for Humanity during the service experience, while others participated in a retreat day focused on prayer and reflection. Later that afternoon, Sr. Lisa Palazzo, SSD, of Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, led a session on Catholic Social Teaching and Service with the Poor, challenging participants to recognize the dignity of every person and the responsibility of Lasallians to respond to the needs of those on the margins.
Formation continued on Thursday with sessions that encouraged participants to reflect on both their personal and communal vocation. Sophia Cartagena Whittington of Tides Family Services addressed burnout and self-care through a Lasallian lens, emphasizing the importance of caring for oneself while remaining committed to ministry. Br. Paul Avvento, FSC, of the Office for Vocation Ministry, DENA, invited participants to reflect on vocation and purpose, while Julia Mayer, Director of Mission for the District of Central Europe and President of the Commission on Youth, broadened the conversation by exploring the global Lasallian mission and the growing role of Young Lasallians throughout the Institute. Br. Dennis Cronin, FSC, of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School concluded the day’s formation with a session on Lasallian spirituality, encouraging participants to deepen their relationship with God as the foundation of their ministry.
Adding to the richness of the week was the presence of Br. Robert Schieler, FSC, former Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, who spent time accompanying participants throughout the conference. A longtime supporter of VEGA, Br. Bob’s presence reflected his continued commitment to walking alongside Young Lasallians and encouraging the next generation of leaders within the Lasallian mission.
The conference concluded with the viewing of the District’s documentary on the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, followed by discussion and a closing liturgy that commissioned participants to return to their ministries with renewed purpose.
Reflecting on the experience, participant Jon Hernandez described VEGA as more than a conference. It was “an opportunity to live like a community,” where participants prayed together, served together, shared their stories, and discovered new ways of living the Lasallian mission before returning home to accompany others.
The District of Eastern North America extends its deepest gratitude to the Christian Brothers Center community in Narragansett, Rhode Island, for their extraordinary hospitality throughout VEGA 2026. Their generosity, warmth, and care created an environment where participants could fully immerse themselves in prayer, formation, and community. From the first welcome to the final farewell, the Christian Brothers Center became more than a host site. It became a home where Young Lasallians encountered one another, deepened their faith, and strengthened their commitment to the Lasallian mission. The District is profoundly grateful for their partnership in making this year’s VEGA a truly meaningful and transformative experience.
As participants departed Narragansett, they returned to their schools, ministries, and communities carrying with them renewed friendships, a deeper appreciation for the Lasallian charism, and a shared commitment to continue the educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle wherever they are called to serve.
