Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and patron saint of Christian Teachers. Born in Reims, France, into a devout and influential family, John Baptist de La Salle was a Canon of the Reims Cathedral. After his parent’s death, he became the administrator of his family’s estate while completing his studies and ordination to priesthood. Becoming acquainted with a group wanting to establish schools for poor boys and moved by their plight, De La Salle was determined to advance their education. Renouncing wealth, home, and his Canon position, he founded the Brothers; thus creating a network of schools throughout France. These schools were known for teaching in French, grouping students by ability, integrating religion into the curriculum, involving parents, and preparing teachers who had a sense of vocation and mission.
As De La Salle did, let us always remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
Resources
In the Footsteps of De La Salle
John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint – The Founding Story of Lasallian Education
