Life and Works of St.

John Baptist De La Salle

Damasco, Emmanuel Maurice Vince S.
Grico, Beatrice Mariella M.
VETM1I

SLIDE INFORMATION
WHO IS ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE?
3  Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
 Patron of Saint of Education
 Father of Modern Education

De La Salle came from a wealthy family, despite that he still chose his school masters who
were at first ill-mannered. Their determination and perseverance led them to start the
brothers of Christian Schools.

The son of aristocratic parents, La Salle had the opportunity for an excellent education and
went on to be ordained as a priest.
4  Born in Rheims, France on April 30, 1651
o Born on April 30, 1651 from one of the few wealthy families in France, John
Baptist de La Salle was privileged enough to receive formal schooling.
 Eldest son of wealthy family
 Received the tonsure at age eleven
 Named Canon of the Reims Cathedral at sixteen
o When he was 16, his uncle was the Canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Reims
but the resigned, it is a position that holds church responsibilities and
church benefits. Every day, La Salle would visit the grand cathedral of Reims
in his ermine cope and chant the Divine Offices with his fellow canons,
joining the group in advising the archbishop.

Tonsure – A part of a monk's or priest's head left bare on top by shaving off the hair.
Canon - A canon was a cleric living with others in a clergy house or, later, in one of the
houses within the precinct of or close to a cathedral or other major church and conducting
his life according to the customary discipline or rules of the church.
5  Entered the seminary on Saint Sulpice in Paris
o He moved to Paris at the age of 19 to study, while residing at the prestigious
Seminary of Saint Sulpice. Saint Sulpice was intended to produce priests
who’s willing to self-sacrifice and self-discipline.
 Ordained a priest on 9 April 1678
 Obtained Doctorate in Theology
o He studied theology at the College Des Bons Enfants. La Salle reached status
of ordained priest in 1678 and two years later earned a doctorate in
theology from the University of Reims.

Unlike many members of the privileged class of the time, La Salle did not use his education,
wealth, and status to keep others in submission to the upper class. On the contrary, he
devoted much of his life to narrowing the gap in educational opportunities for the people of
 France and around the world as the founder of the brothers of the Christian Schools
6 “A chance encounter with Adrian Nyel would begin the Lasallian schools”

In March of 1679, De La Salle met Adrien Nyel, a layman who was seeking help to establish a
charity school for poor boys. De La Salle agreed to help, and the charity school opened on
the Rue Saint Maurice in Reims on April 15, 1679. Soon, public demand led to a second and
then a third school opening. However, De La Salle soon realized that the schools were not
prepared to run well. Then he spoke with his spiritual advisor. De La Salle invited the
teachers to live in his home, where he began to train them in his vision of educating
children.
7  Established Teacher Training Colleges, Technical Schools, and a Maritime College
o St John Baptist De La Salle as a teacher- developed the first real strategy for
teaching, by creating a teacher’s manual, wrote student textbooks, and
opened a school for training teachers through his vision of educating
children and offering free education for all- All his efforts regarding teaching
is poured to the youths because he believes that everyone has the right for
quality education
 Wrote on Special Education
o This book was first published in 1988. It is a study of the Lasallian
educational enterprises that were established by St. John Baptist de La Salle
and the Brothers of the Christian Schools at St. Yon in Rouen. The book
provides many early principles, guidelines, and practices associated with
educating unique and special students according to the same methodologies
and priorities that had already been effectively implemented at the
elementary school level throughout France. The book will be especially of
interest to Youth and Family Service agencies, counselors, and others who
work with youth with special needs.
 Conceived the notion that students would learn best in their mother tongue, rather
than in Latin.

De La Salle believed Education is an incredibly powerful gift that permeates everything we

do. Without it, almost nothing would be accomplished. It is a gift that each person deserves
and has a right. dedicated his life to.
8  Canonized as Saint on May 24, 1900
o The Catholic church recognized the deep holiness of De La Salle when he
was canonized as Saint on May 24, 1900
 Proclaimed Patron of Christian Teachers May 15, 1950
o On May 15 - John the Baptist was proclaimed as the patron of Christian
teachers and because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made the
Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education. St. John Baptist
de La Salle inspired others how to teach and care for young people, how to
meet failure with compassion, to affirm, strengthen and heal.
9 The Pilgrimage to Liesse

Liesse Notre Dame (Our Lady of Joy) was and remains a center of Marian pilgrimage. He sent
Adrian Nyel here in March 1679, advising him to make this pilgrimage, and after that to
attempt the opening of a first school. De La Salle made Our Lady the “superior” of his young
 Institute: “I want Mary to be the Director and Queen of our schools.”

At the Brothers’ General Assembly in 1686, a distinctive habit was approved, a vow of
obedience was taken, and the name “Brothers of the Christian Schools” was officially
adopted

The day after Trinity Sunday, 1686, when De La Salle and the Brothers took their first vows,
they made the pilgrimage to Liesse, walking all through the night, and again pronounced the
vows at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Joy.
10 John Baptist de La Salle was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, and
secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. His work quickly spread
through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe.

Eventually De La Salle’s age and tireless labors were catching up to him.

April 7, 1719 - At 4:00AM on Good Friday, De La Salle made an effort to rise from his bed. As
if to greet someone, he joined his hands, raised his eyes to heaven, and died. He was buried
on Holy Saturday in a side chapel of the local parish church, Saint Sever. The funeral rituals
were delayed due to the timing of his death was Holy Week and throughout Rouen and soon
the Society, word spread that “the Saint is dead.” But his life, work, and influence was just
the beginning.
11 It was in this church that De La Salle was first buried after his death on April 7, 1719.

The tombstone presently on the wall in St. Sever (Latin text) was the original tombstone of
De La Salle in St. Sever.

In 1906 – De La Salle’s relics were transferred from Rouen to the then Mother House at
Lembecq-Les-Hal, Belgium

In 1937 - Finally to the new Motherhouse in Via Aurelia, Rome.

De La Salle believed Education is an incredibly powerful gift that permeates everything we

do. Without it, almost nothing would be accomplished. It is a gift that each person deserves
and has a right
WORKS & CONTRIBUTIONS
13 It was at the school for the poor on Rue Princesse that the Brothers were to find their first
success in Paris. This became the Juniorate, and the primary location in Paris.

The Juniorate — in 1688, this is the training center for younger boys interested in the
Brothers’ vocation

The boys were taught reading and writing in French (not Latin), and were homogeneously
grouped according to ability.
14 Through his writings were evidence that he knew and understood the young people, what
teaching is all about, the importance of education
 1. Les Devoirs d’un chrétien (1703; “The Duties of a Christian”)
This work of John Baptist de La Salle served as his catechetical text for training
teachers and teaching students. It contributes to a better understanding of how De
La Salle integrated the various parts of his mission to provide a Christian educational
to poor children. “His use of a minimum of theology and his fondness for story in the
material on Jesus, Mary, and the saints probably reflect an attempt to reach the
minds and hearts of young boys.”

2. Méditations (1730–31)
Written at various times in his life, these concise meditations were intended to serve
as points for the Brothers to consider in their daily interior prayer. Though reflecting
the ideals and practices of the French School of spirituality, they offer interesting
insights into the beliefs and values of the Founder and serve as an inspiring
guidepost to anyone in the ministry of education.

3. La Conduite des écoles chrétiennes (1720; “The Conduct of Christian Schools”)

This book has served for three centuries as the basis for administering the Brothers’
schools, and it is universally held to be a milestone in the field of primary education.
SOCIETY AND HIS RESPONSE
16 He was asked to become involved with a group of religious women

He became intrigued and supportive which resulted to him becoming a spiritual guide and
mentor of the Sisters of the Infant Child Jesus who were helping orphaned young girls
because of the famine.

Video: Reims: Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Child Jesus

https://youtu.be/4HNmWkGDpBY
17 Gave away all of his personal wealth

During the various famine in France, St. John Baptist De La Salle gave away all of his wealth
and on August 1683, he renounced his position as Canon and relieved all of his personal
wealth then gathered all of the men who were poor but had a happy life which resulted into
having an education by virtue of working with him. Explaining to them that they have to rely
on the providence of God and that God would take care of them.
18 Invested himself in establishing a community of consecrated lay teachers

In 1680, he invited them to take their meals in his home, as much to teach them table
manners as to inspire and instruct them in their work.

In 1681, De La Salle realized that he would have to take a further step — he brought the
teachers into his own home to live with him.

The Cradle of Institution - First real home: In the poor section of Reims, De La Salle and the
first teachers moved here in 1682 after being forced to leave the home on Rue St.
Marguerite (De La Salle family home)
CORE VALUES
20 Faith in the Presence of God
 Nurtures belief in the living presence of God in our world. Faith in the presence of God calls
all students into a deeper awareness of their saving relationship with a caring and loving
God and to see the world through the “eyes of faith.”

Lasallian Expression: “Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.”
21 Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Awareness of the poor and victims of injustice and responds to their needs through
programs of community service, advocacy, and justice education.

The Lasallian ideal: “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.”

22 Respect for All Persons
Respect- filled relationships are at the heart of Lasallian education and are a key expression
of the acknowledgement of each other’s identity as children of God.

Lasallian expression of faith: “Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever.”

23 Quality Education
This education advances the students’ abilities to use their talents to critically examine the
world in light of the message of the Gospels and to take greater responsibility for their own
education. In which LaSallian schools provide education that prepares students not only for
college and career but also for life.

Lasallian ideal: “Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts.”

24 Inclusive Community
United community where diversity is respected, where no one is left out, and where
everyone finds a place.

Additional Readings:

In The Footsteps of De La Salle: A Vocation Journey.

https://www.dlsfootsteps.org/bio/

Video Links:
Reims: Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Child Jesus
https://youtu.be/4HNmWkGDpBY

What It Means to be LaSallian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWU7yReq5U

Who is St. John Baptist de La Salle?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7smCSl8Xygg&ab_channel=manhattancollege

#Beyond300 This is Our Lasallian Story [Documentary English Version]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrNrlU4iZf8