St. John Baptist de La Salle
- Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
- Patron of Teachers
- Father of Modern Education
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, born in 1651 in Reims, France, was the eldest of ten children in a wealthy and influential family. From an early age, he was immersed in the religious and cultural life of his time, displaying a strong commitment to his faith and education. His parents, Louis de La Salle and Nicolle Mo毛t de Brouillet, provided him with a nurturing environment that emphasized piety and learning. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in education and religious life .
In 1662, at the age of eleven, John Baptist received the tonsure, marking his formal entry into the clerical state. He continued his studies at the College des Bons Enfants and later at the prestigious Seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. He was ordained a subdeacon in 1672, a deacon in 1676, and finally a priest in 1678. His academic achievements were notable, earning him a Licentiate in Sacred Theology .
The pivotal moment in De La Salle鈥檚 life came shortly after his ordination when he met Adrien Nyel in 1679. Nyel was a layman dedicated to establishing schools for poor boys, and he sought De La Salle’s assistance. Initially hesitant, De La Salle soon realized the immense potential of this mission. He invited Nyel to stay with him, and together they established their first school in Reims. This endeavor marked the beginning of De La Salle鈥檚 lifelong commitment to education.
As De La Salle delved deeper into this work, he recognized the need for a dedicated group of educators who shared his vision. In 1680, he took a significant step by inviting several young men to join him in forming a community of teachers. This group became the nucleus of what would later be known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools, or De La Salle Christian Brothers. These men lived together and devoted themselves entirely to the education of the poor.
De La Salle鈥檚 innovative approach to education was revolutionary for his time. He emphasized the importance of teaching in the vernacular, which made learning more accessible to the students. He also introduced the concept of simultaneous instruction, where one teacher would instruct multiple students at once, rather than the traditional one-on-one tutoring. This method proved to be highly effective and allowed the schools to accommodate more students.
Despite numerous challenges, including opposition from both secular and religious authorities, De La Salle remained steadfast in his mission. He faced criticism for his unorthodox methods and the hierarchical structure of his community, which placed laymen in positions of authority over clerics. However, his unwavering faith and commitment to his cause won him the support of many influential figures, and his schools continued to flourish.
In 1691, De La Salle and two of his close companions, Nicolas Vuyart and Gabriel Drolin, made a 鈥渉eroic vow鈥� to remain together in the work of educating the poor, even if they were to live on bread alone. This vow underscored their deep commitment and solidified the foundation of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Three years later, in 1694, De La Salle and twelve Brothers took the perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, further formalizing their dedication to their mission.
Throughout his life, De La Salle authored several important works on pedagogy and spirituality, including “The Conduct of the Christian Schools,” which outlined his educational philosophy and methods. His writings and teachings emphasized the importance of a holistic education that nurtured both the mind and the spirit. He believed that education should be accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status, and that teachers played a crucial role in shaping the character and future of their students.
De La Salle’s health began to decline in his later years, and he eventually retired to Saint-Yon, near Rouen, where he continued to guide and inspire his community. He passed away on April 7, 1719, during Holy Week. His final words, 鈥淚 adore in all things the will of God in my regard,鈥� reflected his deep faith and acceptance of God鈥檚 will.聽
In 1900, John Baptist de La Salle was canonized by Pope Leo XIII, and in 1950, Pope Pius XII declared him the Patron Saint of All Teachers of Youth. Today, his legacy lives on through the global network of Lasallian schools and institutions that continue to provide quality education to millions of young people around the world. Saint John Baptist de La Salle鈥檚 life and work remain a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of faith and dedication.
Significant information
| Feast Day/Memorial | 7 April |
| Born | Rheims, France, 30 April 1651 |
| Died | Rouen, France, 7 April 1719 |
| Ordained Priest | 9 April 1678 |
| Beatified | 19 February 1888 |
| Canonized | 24 May 1900 |
| Proclaimed Patron of Christian Teachers | 15 May 1950 |
| Name Meaning | God is gracious (= John) |
| Patronage | educators, school principals, teachers |
Reading:
Be driven by the love of God because Jesus Christ died for all, that those who live may live not for themselves but for him, who died and rose for them. Above all, let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church. Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ.聽(from a meditation by John Baptist de La Salle)
Other suggested references:
- 聽– Essay on the founder of the Christian Brothers.
- 聽– From “The Saints: A Concise Biographical Dictionary.”
- 聽– Brief biographical entry in the Columbia Encyclopedia.
- 聽– Illustrated hagiography.
- 聽– Illustrated profile.
- 聽– From the book “Lives of Saints,” published by John J. Crawley.
- 聽– The story of the saint’s life. Suitable for children.