Daniel Salvaggio (kneeling, 2nd from right) among other volunteers during their July, 2007 visit with the Superior General (center, white shirt).

The Young Whom No One Heard When They Cried

During my stay in Memphis, Tennessee in July, I had the opportunity to meet a group of young Lasallian volunteers. One of them wrote me a letter afterwards in which he shared what this experience meant for him and what it means now as he is going to continue for another year. Daniel was a student of the Brothers at Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) and at Christian Brothers University (CBU). For one year he served as a volunteer at La Salle in Albany, which is a center for young people who have been in trouble with the law.

Starting from the three Lasallian values of faith, community, and service, this young man tells us how his life was enriched on all levels and he shares his appreciation for the Brothers. After reading this letter, I had and I am sure that you will have the same feeling, that being a Brother is worth it and that our vocation is a marvellous gift that we have freely received from God for the service of the young. I will quote quite a bit of this letter because it seems to me to be a Lasallian icon that is worth keeping in mind and because I believe that Daniel, like so many other young people, is one of those witnesses who help us to not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).

First of all, Daniel shares his experience of faith with us.
Coming into the program, my faith was something that I wanted to work on and grow. Living and praying with the community has definitely given me ample time to reflect on my beliefs and develop them in a personal manner. In addition, working with the boys of La Salle has provided me with a unique opportunity to have faith. Because of the traits of the boys I work with, I do not often get to see the results of my work immediately or at all. I work under the belief that my effort is making a difference in their lives, even though I don't always see it. Because of the support of the volunteer staff, my fellow volunteers, my community and my own prayer life, I know I am doing God's work and following his call for me.

In terms of community life, Daniel writes:
In my experiences this has been one of the most enjoyable and meaningful elements. From the first day I entered the LV program I began to learn about the large, worldwide Lasallian community. Throughout the year I have visited with and met Lasallians from around the country and felt the larger feeling of community. In addition to providing me much joy, the communities from CBU and La Salle School in Albany have supported me in my work and helped to keep me focused. I enjoy socializing and learning with them both. The Brothers are amazing people who inspire me by their genuine selflessness that they live everyday. They welcome the volunteers into the Lasallian family and treat us as partners in the Lasallian mission.

Finally, after expressing the fear that he had as he began to work with these troubled youth, he speaks to us of the service he renders them.
After a year of working with them, I can say my perception has changed. In our programs, we put them in positions to serve others, challenge them and work as a team. Many times in these circumstances our boys are able to excel in ways they never have before. I have found that the boys at La Salle are at the core of St. La Salle's teachings and at the heart of the Christian Brothers' mission. I was given a quote by one of my community members that describes them very well. These are the boys "whom no one heard when they cried." They are the outcasts whom most of society and sometimes even their parents do not want to work with and would rather discard. This is a large reason for my returning to serve for a second year at La Salle. As an LV, I feel called to give to these boys what God gave to me and in serving, I find that I still receive so much (Daniel Salvaggio).

I believe, Brothers, that these words need no additional comment.