Lewis in Papua New Guinea

On 7^thAugust, Lewis Harwood will depart Sydney to join four other Novices in Napa, California.

His long 15-hour flight to the Golden State will mark the beginning of a year-long journey he is about to commence as he enters the final stage of the De La Salle Brothers’ training program.

“I’m really excited about the Novitiate in the USA. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God and to deepen my understanding of the Lasallian tradition. Going to the Novitiate is a big step and it’s not a decision that I reached without careful consideration. But I’m definitely ready for it,” Lewis said.

Lewis, 24, has been living and working with the De La Salle Brothers since mid 2009. As a qualified teacher, he has worked at the Brothers’ schools in Mentone, Victoria and Bankstown, New South Wales.  He first made contact with Br Mark McKeon, Director of Vocations, in 2008 and since then he has been learning more about himself, the Brothers’ life, and considering whether or not it is something that is right for him.

“In the last two years I have seen Lewis grow in his determination to become a De La Salle Brother. It’s certainly a life which is not suited to everyone, but he has gone from strength to strength in being able to connect with the life of a Brother and the Lasallian mission. I have no doubt that he will shine as a De La Salle Brother,” Br Mark said.

The Novitiate is at Mont La Salle, the Brothers’ 338 acre property seven miles northwest of the city of Napa.

Br Mark claims, “The property in Napa is perfect for the Novitiate because it is peaceful and secluded. The novices only spend one day working at the local school because the Novitiate is less about the ministry and more about taking time to reflect, deepen your spirituality and develop a greater understanding of the Founder of the Brothers and the Lasallian heritage.”

Br Mark admits that Lewis is the first young man that Australia has sent to the Novitiate in a number of years. And while religious life is something which many young people may not consider nowadays, the fact is that it is still an option worth considering.

“Lewis is proof that religious life is not a thing of the past. It is still a possibility for young men today. If you are passionate about your faith and have a desire to help young people in need, then the Brothers’ life is definitely worth considering. It has a lot to offer to the right person,” Br Mark said.