A Step Forward Toward Brotherhood: Brother Anosh Lazar Accepts Temporary Vows in the Lasallian Community!

In a joyous moment for the Lasallian community, Brother Anosh Lazar has been accepted for Temporary Vows. In a meeting of the District Council on 26 September 2024, Brother Anosh's application was approved, marking a significant milestone in his vocational journey. 

Born on 12 August 2000 in Multan, Pakistan, Brother Anosh's path to religious life began at St. Alban's High School, a Lasallian institution in Pakistan. It was there, under the guidance of the Brothers, that he first felt the call to join the Lasallian Family. With the blessing of his parents and the encouragement of his principal, Brother Shahid Mughal, Anosh embarked on his vocational journey in 2017. 

Brother Anosh's formation has been marked by international experiences, reflecting the global nature of the Lasallian mission. He completed his postulancy at Diyagala Boys Town in Sri Lanka under the guidance of Brother Denzil Perera, FSC. This experience, while challenging due to cultural and linguistic differences, broadened his perspective on the Lasallian mission worldwide. 

On 1 November 2023, Brother Anosh began his Novitiate, a crucial period of formation. Under the guidance of Novice Master Brother Felix Joseph FSC and staff Brothers Christy Croos FSC and Philip Estridge FSC, he has spent the past year deepening his understanding of Lasallian values and spirituality. 

In his request for vows, Brother Anosh reflected on his Novitiate experience: "It was a great time for me to experience the globalisation of the Institute as well as to enlighten myself more with the Lasallian core values of Faith, Service and Community." He emphasised the role of prayer in his journey, stating, "I think God is calling me through prayer. Daily prayer practices have helped me to nurture my Faith." 

Brother Ricky Laguda, General Councillor, officially approved Brother Anosh's application for admission to the First Profession of Vows. He noted in his message to Brother Anosh: "I am impressed by what the Novitiate staff says about you. You have grown in your love and commitment to God’s call for you to consider the life of a De La Salle Brother. You have made strides in navigating the psycho-emotional and spiritual dimensions of who you are as a person with the God who calls you." 

He continued, "This is a particularly exciting time to be a Brother. You will have many opportunities to serve the Lord and educate the young, especially the poor. The journey of growing faithfully to God's call occurs anywhere you are assigned, and wherever you give your best self for the common good, aligned with God's most Holy Will." 

Brother Ricky emphasised the importance of ongoing growth, encouraging Brother Anosh to remain open to guidance and feedback: "As you move forward, may you continue to be open to spiritual direction and counselling, as these will help you become a better person and more faithful to God’s calling. The 46th General Chapter has dedicated its efforts to dreaming about the future of this work of God that He places in our hands. I hope this admission to the First Profession of Vows will enable you to pursue the dream that God has for you." 

Brother Anosh's spiritual growth during the Novitiate has been profound. He shared, "In this period, I have practised deeply the spirit of the Lasallian Charism." This deepening of faith has been complemented by a growing understanding of the Lasallian mission and the challenges of the modern world. 

His formation has included studies of Scripture, Church social teaching, the Rule of the Institute, declarations, and circulars. These studies, as he notes, "enabled me to understand life according to Lasallian pedagogies." The international community set up enhanced his "spirit of community life and Fraternity in the mission." 

A key aspect of Brother Anosh's formation has been his participation in immersion programs. He reflects, "My immersion programs in line with life of the poor and Lasallian Charism made me develop a sense of belongingness to the Institute and to devote my life for the Lasallian mission." These experiences have deepened his commitment to serving the young, especially the poor, through education. 

As Brother Anosh prepares to take his Temporary Vows, he expresses his desire to continue his journey of discernment as a De La Salle Brother. In his own words, "All these values have enabled me to say 'YES' to God's call and to keep faith in his Holy providence." 

Brother Anosh's acceptance of Temporary Vows is a personal achievement and a celebration for the entire Lasallian community. His journey reflects the ongoing vitality of the Lasallian vocation and the Institute's commitment to forming Brothers prepared to meet the educational and spiritual needs of young people today. 

As he takes this next step in his vocational journey, Brother Anosh carries with him the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the support of his Lasallian community. May his dedication and faith continue to inspire and serve the Lasallian mission in the future.

Source: Kate Mason, District Communications Manager