February 2025 - David Holquin, President

Dear De La Salle Community:

Did you know that two Lasallians, St. Miguel Febres Cordero and Blessed James Miller (an American), celebrate feast days in February? It is fitting that in the month we think about love because of St. Valentine’s feast, we recall that the Brothers' mission “to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor” is rooted in love. When we talk about loving our boys, we mean it because it is the very fiber and essence of our Lasallian Catholic mission. It is the heartbeat of what we do at De La Salle.

Our Lasallian Catholic mission calls on us to “love” and to consider people not as “them,” which can be difficult when we encounter people with different opinions, lived experiences, colors, and backgrounds from us. Instead, our opportunity is to see them as us. It reminds me of St. Mother Teresa’s poem Anyway, which encourages us to do good things even when people question our motives or sincerity. 

That is what we do here at De La Salle. We peel back the many layers to get to the heart of a matter and to do so with great love. Kairos 155 returned last Friday, and, as always, our young men inspire me with their ability to lock in and deeply examine their relationship with God, others, and self. Company’s spring musical, Hadestown, is in full rehearsal mode and is sure to delight audiences. Our Junior F.S.C. retreat with service at Monument Crisis Center begins on Monday. Wrestling, soccer, and basketball are nearing EBAL playoffs, and spring sports are in the early offing.

This week is also National School Counselors Week and we are deeply grateful for how they exude love daily. Can you think of people who love more than our Student Services department (school counselors, college counselors, Learning Center, Bishop Cummins Program)? Our faculty and staff will gather on February 14 and continue growing as professionals and dedicated Lasallian educators. So much happens around Winton Drive; it is always a blessing to be part of it. 

On a final note, while I do not intend to address every local or national hot-button issue, De La Salle is aware that the federal government is increasing its deportation efforts, and has this already been impacting our local communities. For some in our Spartan community, these efforts elicit fear and anxiety. De La Salle maintains respect for law enforcement officials and their critical work to provide safe and orderly environments for all. We also affirm the safety and well-being of our students, staff, coaches, parents, alumni, and community. We take seriously our call from our Founder that “God entrusts to you his care of the young”  (Med 37.3) and are taking necessary steps to ensure our community remains safe, educated on their rights, and has access to immigration resources. Similarly, I invite you to discuss with your son, knowing that you are his primary educator, how De La Salle seeks for all of our community to thrive. Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, captured in a Pastoral Letter what we Lasallians are called to:

Building a fraternal world through education starts with the commitment of one person. When we walk alongside Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities, we are not just offering services; we are entering into relationships that challenge us to grow, learn, and embrace new perspectives. The journey begins with me….Pope Francis reminds us that true solidarity is not about temporary solutions but enduring commitments to justice and the common good. (Pope Francis, 2020. Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship, no. 116. ) As Lasallians, our mission calls us to co-create communities of dignity and respect where every culture is valued, and every voice is heard. In these spaces, we are not merely educators but listeners and participants, ensuring that the voices of those who have been silenced guide the path forward. …At the heart of the Lasallian charism is the commitment to trust and reciprocity. Rather than offering preconceived solutions, we engage in shared journeys of understanding.  (89-90)

May we take this month of February to move our hearts and actions simply to love. Perhaps Pope Benedict XVI said it best in his papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est: “Love grows through love.” As we prepare for the Lenten season, let’s ask ourselves, “How can I love those around me more deeply so love grows through my love?”

Warmly yours,

David J. Holquin
President